Street Rod Nationals Easter 2009 Winners

The 13th Street Rod Nationals held in Boksburg, Gauteng featured exceptional competition across all categories. Independent judges faced difficult decisions given the quality of entries. These winners represent the pinnacle of South African street rod building.

Street Rod Category

The Street Rod category represents traditional hot rod building at its finest. These pre-1949 vehicles feature period-appropriate modifications executed with modern precision. Willie Botha's 1929 Model A Pickup took top honors with its combination of authentic styling and exceptional build quality.

T-Buckets Category

T-Buckets showcase pure hot rod spirit with minimal bodywork and maximum attitude. These lightweight roadsters built on Model T frames demonstrate the builder's fabrication skills and engineering prowess. The exposed mechanicals leave nowhere to hide subpar workmanship, making this category particularly challenging.

Custom/Classic Category

The Custom/Classic category celebrates the golden age of American automotive design. These 1950s vehicles represent the peak of chrome, fins, and styling excess that defined the era. Johan Griesel's 1956 Buick exemplified the quality and attention to detail that wins in this competitive class.

Late Greats Category

Late Greats welcomes vehicles from the 1960s and beyond that might not fit traditional hot rod definitions but deserve recognition for quality and creativity. The diverse entries in this category demonstrate that great builds transcend specific makes, models, or origins. H. Jansen's Jaguar Mark 8 proved that British luxury could compete with American muscle.

Muscle Cars Category

The Muscle Cars category celebrates high-performance American iron from the golden era of horsepower. G. Parton's 1968 Camaro captured the essence of the muscle car era while demonstrating modern build quality. This category has grown significantly as these vehicles have matured into collectible classics.

Open Category

The Open category welcomes vehicles that defy standard classification. From J. Shore's pre-war Chevrolet to W. Botha's Escort panel van, this class celebrates creativity and craftsmanship regardless of vehicle type. The diversity makes judging particularly challenging as entries span decades and styles.

What It Takes to Win

Winning at the Street Rod Nationals requires more than just a beautiful vehicle. Judges evaluate numerous factors when making their difficult decisions. Understanding these criteria helps participants prepare competitive entries and gives spectators appreciation for the work involved.

Build Quality

Judges examine workmanship throughout the vehicle. Panel gaps, paint quality, chrome condition, interior stitching, wiring routing, undercarriage finish - everything receives scrutiny. Winning vehicles demonstrate consistent quality in every detail, not just the obvious show pieces.

Authenticity and Appropriateness

Modifications should suit the vehicle's era and style. A traditional street rod benefits from period-correct components and techniques. A pro-street build needs aggressive modern touches. Judges assess whether choices enhance or detract from the vehicle's character and whether execution matches the concept.

Creativity and Innovation

While respecting tradition, judges value creative solutions and innovative approaches. Unique fabrication, clever engineering, or thoughtful design choices that solve problems while enhancing appearance earn recognition. Winning vehicles often feature details that make judges say "I've never seen that before."

Overall Presentation

The complete package matters. How do all elements work together? Does the color scheme enhance the styling? Do wheel and tire choices complement the bodywork? Is the interior consistent with the exterior approach? Winning vehicles demonstrate cohesive vision executed consistently throughout.

Attention to Detail

Small touches separate winners from runners-up. Custom fasteners, hidden wiring, matching hardware, proper labeling - these details that many miss are what judges notice. Winners sweat the small stuff because they understand great builds result from thousands of small decisions done right.

Previous Years' Results

Complete results from earlier Nationals are archived through the organizing clubs. Each event has produced memorable winners across all categories. The quality of competition has increased substantially over the decades as builders raise the bar with each successive Nationals.

Many builders have won multiple times across different events or categories. This consistency demonstrates their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Some families have multi-generational success, with skills and passion passing from parents to children who continue the tradition.

Notable repeat winners include George Von Backstrom who placed in multiple categories at the 2009 event, demonstrating the breadth of his building skills. Willie Botha has competed successfully across several Nationals. These veteran builders contribute significantly to the community by sharing knowledge and mentoring newcomers.

Planning to Compete?

If you're considering entering your vehicle for judging at the 2026 Nationals, start planning now. Study previous winners to understand what judges value. Connect with experienced competitors who can offer guidance. Focus on completing your build properly rather than rushing to meet the deadline.

Remember that participating is rewarding regardless of results. The judging process provides valuable feedback about your work. Watching judges examine your vehicle offers insights into areas for improvement. And being part of the competition connects you with the serious builders who push the hobby forward.

Not ready to compete? Display-only entry allows you to participate without judging stress. You still get a prime spot, participant benefits, and the satisfaction of showing your work. Many builders prefer this route, saving judging for when their vehicle is truly finished.

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