1969 Torino Wins Inaugural 2013 Hot August Nights Barrett-Jackson Cup

George Poteet’s 1969 Ford Torino, built by Rad Rides by Troy, took home the first-ever Barrett-Jackson Cup at Hot August Nights in Reno, NV.

Built by Troy Trepanier of Manteno, IL, the Torino, called the “GPT Special,” was awarded the trophy and $20,000 grand prize at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Reno on Saturday. It edged out five other finalists, which were selected from a field of 45 vehicles, to earn the Cup.

“It’s the greatest honor we’ve ever had at Rad Rides,” John Trepanier, general manager of Rad Rides, is quoted as saying. “To be the first-time winner is incredible.”

Poteet, of Collierville, TN, came up with the idea to take a 1969 Torino Talladega—the type used in NASCAR at the time—and transform it into a street machine. It features a fuel-injected, 750-horsepower Ford Boss 429 engine coated in a bronze satin finish. The Torino rides on an Art Morrison chassis with C5 Corvette front suspension and Detroit Speed four-link rear suspension. Bodywork includes a five-inch widened body, three-inch shortened front fenders, and a one-inch-shorter-than-stock wheelbase. The entire grille was carved from a block of billet aluminum.

You can find an extensive group of photos at MyRideIsMe.com. Learn about the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Cup and how the finalists were selection in our original Barrett-Jackson Cup post.