1963 Chevrolet C10 Won Most Beautiful Truck Award
The custom 50SHDZE truck outperformed ten finalists to win a $10,000 top prize at this year's industry show.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Trucks
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Gary Holyoak took home the top honor at the fourth annual Grand National Truck Show with his custom-built 1963 Chevrolet C10. The winning vehicle, known as 50SHDZE, earned a $10,000 cash prize after competing against ten total finalists.
Why it matters
This award highlights the high-end craftsmanship currently defining the custom truck enthusiast market. The win recognizes significant modifications made to a classic platform, underscoring the level of detail required to compete at a national professional level.
The winning 1963 Chevrolet C10 secured a $10,000 prize sponsored by ARP fasteners. This top honor was decided from a field of 10 total finalists during the fourth annual iteration of the show.
The players
Gary Holyoak
The truck owner and winner of the 2026 America's Most Beautiful Truck award.
HS Customs
A specialty automotive shop that performed the body and chassis modifications on the winning truck.
Don Hardy Race Cars
An engine builder that produced the LS3 powertrain installed in the winning vehicle.
The details
The truck, named 50SHDZE, utilizes a modified Roadster Shop chassis and bodywork completed by HS Customs. Power is supplied by an LS3 engine built by Don Hardy Race Cars, paired with a Tremec T56 Magnum transmission. The build also features exterior brightwork customized by Ogden Chrome to achieve its award-winning finish.
Timeline
The fourth annual Grand National Truck Show occurred in 2026.
The Home Front
This win follows the established precedent of the America's Most Beautiful Truck award in recognizing excellence in professional-grade vehicle fabrication. Such events set the standard for quality and aesthetic trends within the wider custom-truck ownership community.
If you are planning your own custom build, research the components like the Roadster Shop chassis or Tremec transmissions used in top-tier builds for your future project planning. Always document high-end modifications to your vehicle for insurance valuation purposes to reflect the true cost of your investment.
The takeaway
Top-tier custom builds reflect an intersection of precise mechanical engineering and high-end aesthetic detailing. For your own projects, consider prioritizing professional-grade transmission and engine components to ensure long-term durability and performance.
Further reading
Explore more custom modifications and maintenance advice in the Trucks section.
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