PEKIN (25News Now) – Not even malignant melanoma could stop a Pekin couple and their son from winning one of the world’s biggest show car awards.
Last weekend, Tom and Christy Bresnahan and their son, Josh, won the Don Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama.
Their custom-built, 1955 Chevrolet Nomad took 11 years to design and build. The Bresnahan’s said almost every piece of the car was custom cut.
“It’s the Nobel Peace Prize of the hot-rodding world,” Tom said. “That’s basically what they consider it. To try to attempt a run like this takes a lot of sacrifice and being away from home.”
To be considered for the award, the car must be revealed to the public for the first time at the Detroit Autorama. In other words, no pictures or parts of the car can be leaked to qualify.
The Bresnahan’s car was secretly built inside a North Carolina garage. However, there were challenges along the way.
Tom said the car was completed the day before it needed to arrive at the show. While being transported to Detroit, Tom said an axel broke on the trailer hauling it.
While designing the car, Tom and Christy were both diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a skin cancer Tom said is hereditary.
According to Tom, 100 cars were rejected for this year’s show, and their car was one of 32 in the world that was selected to be in the show. It was judged based on creativity, engineering, and workmanship.
According to the Detroit Autorama website, the award was originally given to the best vehicle shown for the first time.
Over the last 50-plus years, the award has evolved to better conform to new ideas, changing designs and concepts. Today, it emphasizes creativity, engineering and quality workmanship.
Tom and his wife said they have been showing cars for more than 30 years.
After the Bresnahan’s accepted the trophy and $10,000 cash prize, Christy described what happened next.
“You head back to your car, and you just literally feel famous. People are surrounding your car. Barry McGuire is there,” Christy said. “There’s a photo session. Magazines come and start taking pictures and interviewing you. It’s just super exciting.”
Those interested in seeing the ‘55 Chevy Nomad for themself can see it on display at the Chicago World of Wheels Autorama from March 7-9.
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