Major congratulations to Tony for his Mercury being chosen as one of the top 5 in the “Custom Of The Year” award category from Goodguys.  Competition was fierce as all of the competitors were at the Sacramento Autorama.  In the end, the Ruggiero Merc won the overall award, but being selected against the likes of D’Agustino, and some of the other major builders was quite an accomplishment.

Just completed some work for a local specialty restoration shop on this badass Ferrari 275 GTB. This thing had been wrecked several times over its long history and some of the repairs were just short of scary. There were rust issues (its a steel bodied car) as well as damage on the quarter. We fabbed completely a new quarter lip, new trunk floor complete with correct wheel holding pieces, as well as a rear apron for the car. We massaged the nose back into shape, fixed some poor welds and metal finished all of our work. Can’t wait to see this when its complete.

Erik Lind brought his 50 Chevy to the Autorama’s Suede Palace for 2013. Among some stiff competition he brought home the Mala Car Club’s “Club Pick”, Traditional Rod & Kulture Magazine’s Custom Pick, ans Best Kustom award from San Jose Speed and Chrome.

This car has no stock panels left on it. Hill’s did all the sheetmetal work on the floors and bridge, new wheel wells, quarter patches and a bunch of other small stuff. We will be helping Erik customize the bumpers and grille as he preps the car for the rest of its paint.

Curt, his dad Brian and Erik brought the Cuevas family 1949 Merc to the Sacramento Autorama to compete for the Custom d’Elegance trophy. There was some stiff competition this year from the legendary John D’Agustino as well as a sweet Merc called Ruggerio. The car displayed well but unfortunately did not bring home the honors.

This ’49 has the original flathead in it, 3-speed with factory overdrive. Paint and body were handled by Marcos and the team at Lucky7 and Hill’s did the suspension, completely hidden air-ride, custom tail lights, air cleaner and many other finishing touches. This car is solid as a rock and drives like a dream, just the way Tony Cuevas wants it. Look for it at shows around the area all year!

Please check out the OPTIMA challenge on SPEED.  The first airing of the show will be on SPEED on Sunday March 10th at 11AM ET.  Check out Curt in the Blazer tearing it up against some of the fastest, best-built cars in the country.

Here’s a preview

Here’s the link to the cover, go pick it up now!!

Check out this cool video from the Optima Stop Challenge at SEMA.  Sorry its a little long

 2012 OPTIMA^® Ultimate Street Car Invitational Captivates Sold Out Crowd

Mark Stielow and his high-performance ’67 “Mayhem” Camaro wins 2012 OPTIMA Invitational by one point margin

Nov. 8, 2012 (MILWAUKEE) – The fifth annual OPTIMA^® Ultimate Street Car Invitational, presented by K&N Filters and Royal Purple, brought in massive crowds with a sold out event, more thrilling moments and record times, ultimately crowning Mark Stielow and his custom 1967 Chevrolet Camaro as the 2012 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car. It was a year for close competition with the top two participants separated by a single point and a tie for third place overall. Additionally, there was a more diverse showing of vehicles this year with nearly 20 percent of the field falling under the import category.

 

The OPTIMA Invitational packed the grandstands with non-stop activity, something for everyone in the manufacturer midway, on-the-ground excitement of television personalities (Amanda Salas and Bill Goldberg) filming the miniseries finale of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational broadcast series.

 

The main race events of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational took place Saturday, November 3, with the BFGoodrich Hot Lap Challenge, Ridetech Autocross Challenge, Wilwood Disc Brakes Speed Stop Challenge, and the Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Performance and Design Challenge. The Detroit Speed and Engineering/JRI Shocks Road Rally occurred following the close of the SEMA Show Friday, November 2.

 

Final Results

 

The 2012 OPTIMA Invitational top 25 ranking participants are listed below and additional final results can be found online at optimainvitational.com.

 

1. Mark Stielow (1967 Chevrolet Camaro)

2. Brian Hobaugh (1973 Chevrolet Camaro)

3. Todd Earsley* (2003 Mitsubishi Lance Evolution 8 GSR)
3. Bret Voelkel* (1933 Ford Coupe)
5. Travis Hill (2013 Nissan GT-R)
6. Steven Rupp (1968 Chevrolet Camaro)
7. Danny Popp (2010 Chevrolet Camaro L28)
7. Kyle Tucker (1970 Chevrolet Camaro)
7. Karl Dunn (2007 Ford Saleen Parnelli Jones Mustang)
10. Brian Finch (1972 Chevrolet Camaro)
10. Jim Holloway (2013 Ford Mustang RTR)
12. Phil Gerber (1970 Chevrolet C10 Pickup)
12. Ryan Mathews (1966 Ford Mustang)
14. Bob Bertelsen (1971 Chevrolet Camaro)
15. Rob McGregor (1970 Chevy C10 Pickup)
16. Chris Smith (1967 Chevrolet C10)
17. Joey Seely (1986 Porsche Carrera)
18. Dale Akuszewski (1964 Sunbeam Tiger)
18. Jeff Cleary (1967 Chevrolet Corvette)

20. David Brandt (1969 Chevrolet Camaro)
20. Todd Foust (1965 Ford Mustang Convertible)
22. Todd Rumpke (2010 Chevrolet Camaro)
23. Curt Hill (1972 Chevrolet C5 Blazer)
24. Brad Coomer (1970 Chevrolet C10)
25. Stacy Tucker (1969 Chevrolet Camaro)

This video is from Cole Quinnell’s car as he followed the Blazer around the road course.  You can check out his Chevelle on his facebook page too!

Cole’s Video

Check out Curt at SEMA where he will be competing with Brett’s Blazer in the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational.  Tons of really cool and diverse competition.  Check out the article here:

http://www.optimabatteries.com/us/en/experience/power-source/ousci-preview-curt-hills-72-chevy-c5-blazer/