Kansas City might be known for its barbecue and pretty little women, but trucks sure are plentiful in the Midwest! The Goodguys show in Kansas City is a great event for those who want to kick back, relax, enjoy the pleasant September weather, and see just the right amount of cool cars and trucks.

There were a solid 2,000 entries at the show, which is plenty to see and get some good exercise walking the rows of the infield at the Kansas Speedway. Of course, there are lots of new and well-known vendors on hand to satisfy your needs for your latest project. One of the things I like about the Kansas City event is the location in the rolling plains with all the restaurants and shops just outside the Speedway (in case you need to buy new walking shoes like I did). Kansas City is just a short drive from the track for anyone who wants to explore the city at night.

2009 Goodguys Midwestern Nationals 1937 Chevy Truck
We at CLASSIC TRUCKS try to look out for the stockers and restorations as well as custom trucks and Timothy Koch's '37 Chevy is a frame-off resto we couldn't ignore. The truck is boatswain blue and black two-tone with bias-ply blackwall tires and a painted wrinkle finish interior. We'd have just as much fun driving Timothy's truck as any custom truck at the show!
We at CLASSIC TRUCKS try to look out for the stockers and restorations as well as custom t

Even though we hadn't covered the event in a few years, there were plenty of familiar friendly faces and trucks that welcomed me back. I got to talk to and catch up with many former feature truck owners as well as sharp-eyed readers who picked me out of the crowd. It's good to know those who take the time to do this like what we've been doing and continue to read the magazine-thanks!

I'll come right out and cop to the fact that there are quite a few Chevys in the show coverage and the CLASSIC TRUCKS FINEST FIVE picks. It wasn't on purpose, I swear. It's just the way the cards fell, both Riz and I are pretty middle of the road-brand wise-and have both owned all kinds of makes, models, and years of vintage cars and trucks. So all you Ford nuts don't send us too many angry letters! Just make sure to attend your closest Goodguys event this year and show your colors! In case you haven't heard, Goodguys has added a truck class to their popular Street Challenge Autocross for 2010, so now we don't have to compete against all the Camaros. For more info on past and future Goodguys events, go to www.good-guys.com.

  • 2009 Goodguys Midwestern Nationals 1953 Chevy Truck
    And speaking of custom, Greg and Julie Panosh had their '53 Chevy truck in the Peak booth for much of the weekend. The 3100 has a 496ci big-block underhood backed by a Turbo400 trans, 18- and 20-inch Schott wheels, African Makore wood bed floor, and a full leather interior to name a few.
    And speaking of custom, Greg and Julie Panosh had their '53 Chevy truck in the Peak booth
  • 2009 Goodguys Midwestern Nationals 1955 Ford F100 Pickup Truck
    Moving right along, we have John and Angela McDonald's '55 Ford F-100 extended cab. The family hauler has been on the road for more than a decade and preceded the younger members of the family, but they are all glad 18 inches were added to the cab along with a back seat. The F-100 has a 351 underhood, a chopped top, and the front wheel wells were even reduced by 11/2 inches in diameter.
    Moving right along, we have John and Angela McDonald's '55 Ford F-100 extended cab. The fa
  • 2009 Goodguys Midwestern Nationals 1968 Chevy C10 Pickup Truck
    Jim Mori's '68 C10 was built by his brother and was one of my personal favorites at the show for mild or simple reasons, and maybe because I hope my C10 turns out this nice! Jim's CST optioned Chevy is basically all stock including the bucket seat interior except the wheels and the GM 5.3L LS drivetrain. The LS engine was even painted Chevy Orange to make it look like GM put it there. The '72 Corvette Miglia Red and red interior is a striking combo as well. Stay tuned for a feature.
    Jim Mori's '68 C10 was built by his brother and was one of my personal favorites at the sh
  • 2009 Goodguys Midwestern Nationals 1968 Chevy C10
    Our last pick was given to Kevin Archer's '68 Chevy C10. The shortbed was built by Randy Huggenberger of Dakota Muscle Cars and is host to countless hours of fab and prep work. One of the most unique features about the truck is its passenger car-inspired interior. Among all the body mods and Billet Specialties wheels is another LS powerplant from an '06 Escalade. We got a feature on this one too.
    Our last pick was given to Kevin Archer's '68 Chevy C10. The shortbed was built by Randy H
  • 2009 Goodguys Midwestern Nationals 1954 Ford F100 Pickup Truck
    I ran into Pete Klucas a few years ago at this show, and he was back with his eye-catching 5.0-powered '54 F-100.
    I ran into Pete Klucas a few years ago at this show, and he was back with his eye-catching
  • 2009 Goodguys Midwestern Nationals 1957 Chevy Pickup Truck
    Dave Parish of Independence, Missouri, brought out his slick '57 Chevy. The classy black and red Chevy not only looks good, but it goes good too with a 454 rat motor between the 'rails!
    Dave Parish of Independence, Missouri, brought out his slick '57 Chevy. The classy black a