Featured Vehicles

Jul 24, 2019

On the Turntable: Michael Mahan's 1923 Ford T-Bucket

Texas hot-rodder Michael Mahan’s 1923 Ford harkens back to the earliest days of hot rodding—the T-bucket. Featuring a two-seat Model T roadster body with a small turtle deck or pick up box attached, these "bucket"-shaped shells give the cars their enduring name. Vertical windshields are typically fitted, and most times there will be an enormous engine and some large-by-huge tires to get the power to the road.

The “T For II” was created as a no-expense-spared show car about 25 years ago. It has features like full body mural paint and graphics, hand-formed Carson-style electric top, and hand-etched details on the valve covers, brakes, rear end, firewall, and other billet aluminum pieces. All told, the car cost more than $100K to build.

The T did very well on the show circuit—4-time NSCA Champion, World of Wheels winner, magazine cover car, and Best of Show victor at many local events. But even with all of the accolades, the car hid a terrible secret—it did not run.

Jun 25, 2019

On the Turntable: Jerry Howard's 1965 Mustang Fastback

This beautiful Twilight Turquoise Mustang has been on Jerry Howard's radar since moving to Abilene, Texas in 1972 to attend school. He first saw the car in the driveway of a house a couple of blocks away from where he lived. Having never seen this color on a Mustang before, Jerry was immediately smitten. He introduced himself to the owner, Rafe Harshberger, and the duo became fast friends. Rafe explained that it was his first car, having bought it at a Ford dealer in 1967.

After Jerry moved temporarily to California for more schooling, Rafe sold the Mustang to another of Jerry’s good friends, Jim Smith. Jim used the car for a few years, eventually storing it around 1980.

During its time in mothballs, Jerry tried many times to convince Jim to sell him the Mustang. The answer was always no—Jim planned to keep it until he died. So you can imagine Jerry’s surprise in 2014 when Jim called and said he was ready to let the car go. Jerry wasted no time rushing to Jim’s house with his trailer and a pocket full of cash. After 42 years, the Mustang was finally his.

Jun 18, 2019

On the Turntable: Glenn Mears' 1932 Ford Roadster

For over 80 years, the 1932 Ford V8 has been popular with hot rodders to create their chopped and channeled masterpieces. Hopped up Model Bs and 18s have inspired rock ‘n’ roll classics (“Little Deuce Coupe”), been featured prominently in popular movies (American Graffiti), and spawned an entire industry of reproduction parts that provide today’s wrenchers what they need to build their dream ride.

Glenn Mears of Canton, Ohio, is one of countless enthusiasts to fall under the spell of the 1932 Ford V8.

“I’ve been in the car hobby for 40 years,” he said. “I had always wanted a ’32 Ford roadster or a coupe. I finally got one.”

Jun 11, 2019

On The Turntable: Jeff 'AZN' Bonnett's 1964 Chevy II

If you’re a fan of Street Outlaws on the Discovery Channel, check out this sparkling 1964 Chevy II. The car is owned by none other than Street Outlaws’ smack-talking Jeff “AZN” Bonnett. He’s the barker for Sean “Farmtruck” Whitley, who races the less-than-pristine 1970 Chevy longbed truck.

Jun 10, 2019

Ready for Action: Al Noe’s LS-Powered 1967 Camaro RS/SS

With is compact size, budget friendly price tag, and huge power potential, it’s no wonder Chevy’s LS engine has become the go-to swap for enthusiasts craving modern V8 performance. For Al Noe, Chief Marketing Officer at Summit Racing Equipment, an LS swap was the ideal upgrade for his classic Camaro, and he didn’t have to go far to get the parts and expert help he needed for the job.

Jun 10, 2019

Stampede: Mike Eid’s 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The Mustang was once a living symbol of the American frontier, running wild and free across the unforgiving landscape of the western territories. Those who dared to tame such a beast did it with grit, determination, and a skilled hand. Today, that tradition continues with Mike Eid, who’s wrangled a wild Mustang of his own, not among the unspoiled plains and canyons of the old west, but along broken pavement surrounding Akron, Ohio.

May 30, 2019

On The Turntable: Steve Harrison's 1966 Shelby Mustang Tribute

Welcome back to our On the Turntable series, where we talk about the vehicles showcased on rotating displays inside our Tallmadge, Ohio; McDonough, Georgia; and Arlington, Texas Retail Superstores.

Recently on display in our McDonough store is Steve Harrison’s 1966 Shelby Mustang tribute car, the awesome result of a 12 year build process.

The car started life as a 1966 Mustang fastback. When Harrison first set eyes on the car, what impressed him most was simply the amount of rust. “It was in very bad condition, having been parked at the side of the house for over 20 years, and was rusting badly,” Harrison said.

May 24, 2019

On the Turntable: Mike and Leila Francis' 1969 Camaro Z/28

Welcome back to On the Turntable, our story series showcasing the vehicles on display at the Summit Racing Superstores in Tallmadge, Ohio; McDonough, Georgia; and Arlington, Texas.

One of the vehicles recently showcased on the McDonough, Georgia turntable is Mike and Lella Francis’ modified Chevy Camaro Z/28.

In 1969, the Camaro Z/28 was all about firsts. The DZ 302 engine was designed specifically for SCCA’s Trans Am Class. To hit the 5.0L displacement limit for the class, Chevy stuck a 283 crank in a 327 block to destroke it to 302 c.i.d. and gave it domed forged pistons to hit 11:1 compression. The engine was only rated at 290 horsepower, but came with the best factory heads and internals available. Simply putting headers and a tune could bring it close to 400 horsepower at over 7000 rpm, plus the car offered nearly unlimited potential to customize.

And customize is exactly what Mike Francis did—though we’d say he took it quite a bit further when he modified his Z/28 into a Sportsman drag race car.

May 21, 2019

On the Turntable: Dave and Betty Firebaugh's AAR 'Cuda and Cobra Replica

Cast aside your fear of sharks and snakes and check out these two award-winning predators—a 1970 Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda and a 1965 Cobra replica, both owned by Dave and Betty Firebaugh of Millersburg, Ohio.

Apr 19, 2019

On the Turntable: Robert Graham's 1931 Chevrolet Woodie Wagon and A.C. Kile's 1969 Nova SS

Our McDonough, Georgia Retail Store had two awesome vehicles on display recently: Robert Graham’s Hot Wheels-radical 1931 Chevy woodie wagon and A.C. Kile’s rumbly 1969 Nova SS 396.