Motortopia Staff November 07, 2024 Feature Stories
Fort Worth, TX (April 10, 2024) – Goodguys Rod & Custom Association crowned their first Top 12 winner of year by naming Ken Reister’s absolutely stunning 1932 Ford Phaeton as the 2024 Meguair’s Street Rod d’ Elegance winner this past weekend at the 23rd Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals in Del Mar, CA. This coveted award goes to a vehicle originally built before 1948 that has been modified to exude sophisticated styling, excellence in build quality and overall elegance.
Built by Reister’s Rod Shop and Squeeg’s Kustoms, this project is something Ken has envisioned for decades. “I’ve dreamed about this car ever since I was released from the military,” Ken said. “When I learned that Chip Foose was designing an all-steel ’32 Phaeton body with Brookeville Roadster, I jumped at the chance!”
Once Ken obtained the freshly stamped steel body, his team at Reister’s Rod Shop went to work. A custom chassis was designed and fitted with a complete suspension system from Kugel Komponents. Ken made sure to use Ford power in the way of a fuel injected 302 cubic-inch engine that has been polished and detailed to the hilt. The car was handed off to Squeeg’s Kustoms for further body modifications, massaging and finally to be painted in a glowing Candy Apple Red over a Gold base. The beautiful interior was wrapped in leather by the Recovery Room and unique top was completed by Sid Chavers.
The Meguiar’s Street Rod d’ Elegance is just one of the Goodguys Top 12 of the Year awards. Eleven more vehicle owners and builders will add their names to this coveted list which includes Muscle Car, Street Machine, Custom, Truck of the Years and other top categories for classic vehicles and premier builders. Congratulations to Ken and the teams at Reister’s Rod Shop and Squeeg’s Kustoms for being named the Goodguys 2024 Meguiar’s Street Rod d’ Elegance.