The third annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show, presented by Classic Truck Performance magazine, hosted more than 400 trucks, vans, and SUVs at the Fairplex in Pomona on September 26-27. The highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the ARP World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award, one of the most coveted distinctions in the custom truck world. Rod Shows, known for producing the West Coast’s largest and longest-running hot rod events, wrapped up the weekend with awards in more than 65 judged classes, but all eyes were on the truck that took top honors.

Larry Jacinto’s Connection To The Willys

This year, the award went to Larry Jacinto’s 1941 Willys pickup, a build brought to life by Veazie Bros. Fabrication. For Jacinto, the truck is more than a showpiece; it represents a lifelong connection. He remembers riding in the bed of this very Willys as a young boy, when it belonged to a close family friend, Fred Peake. Decades later, Jacinto was finally able to purchase it, fulfilling a childhood dream that had stayed with him for more than forty years.

Power And Presence

The immaculately finished engine compartment houses a blown and injected LS3 motor topped with a polished 6-71 Littlefield blower. The combination provides both show-stopping looks and a mountain of power under the hood. Polished hardware, neatly tucked wiring, and crisp detailing make the engine bay a highlight on its own.

The Willys’ body has been elegantly altered, featuring a fully custom ’46 Chevy truck bed and tailgate. The metalwork flows seamlessly into the rest of the design, blending classic lines with a modernized aesthetic. Finished in a deep blue by Mick’s Paint, the truck has a mirror-like presence that reflects the hours of effort poured into the project.

A Legacy Build Brought To Completion

The project was originally started by legendary builder Bob Bauder, who set the truck’s stance and preserved its shape. After his passing, Veazie Bros. Fabrication carried the build to completion, ensuring every element honored Bauder’s vision while elevating it to show-winning status. The Willys now stands as a tribute to both its heritage and the craftsmen who brought it to life.

Inside, the Ron Mangus interior showcases a modified original dash fitted with Classic Instruments OE-style gauges and a hand-crafted leather bench seat, combining period-correct style with luxury-level detail.

Jacinto’s Willys didn’t claim victory uncontested. It stood tall against a strong field of ten other custom trucks vying for the ARP award. The competition included five Chevy C10s ranging from 1967–1985, three Ford F100s, and a 1976 Blazer. Each entry showcased high levels of workmanship, but the Willys’ blend of history, execution, and powertrain excellence ultimately set it apart. For his victory, Jacinto took home a $12,500 prize and a custom trophy presented by ARP Fasteners.

The World’s Most Beautiful Truck

The ARP-sponsored World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award is designed to spotlight not just flawless execution but also the story and passion behind each build. Jacinto’s Willys embodies both. It carries the legacy of its past while standing as a showcase of modern craftsmanship. For Jacinto, the award validates decades of passion and a lifelong bond with a truck that has always been part of his story. For the builders, it is recognition that their dedication, skill, and vision created something that will be remembered for years to come.