Custom Congregation – The 2025 Custom Car Revival Celebrates the Traditional Art and Style of Customizing
Fans of chopped top, fender skirts, wide whitewalls, frenched lights, and candy paint all tend to find themselves cruising toward one common location every year in early June: Indianapolis, Indiana for the Custom Car Revival. This annual reunion of diehard traditional custom enthusiasts has become a can’t miss gathering for those who are loyal to lead, serious about style, and dedicated to celebrating the art of customizing as it was practiced during the classic period of the late-1930s through the mid-’60s.
This year’s event was held June 5-7 and celebrated 13 years of bringing together some of the coolest customs from across the country. During that time, it’s evolved from a modest gathering held at a ’50s-themed restaurant into a bonafide three-day hotel show with grass and asphalt parking, awards, and a faithful focus on customs crafted in a traditional style.
“We like to say if it looks like it could have come out of George, Gene, or Joe’s shop back in the day, you’re probably fine,” says promoter Kevin Anderson. “Another way is to say it, is that we use a timeline of the Harry Westergard to Larry Watson eras. Obvious modern modifications or additions like big-diameter wheels are not part of this event.”
With that focus in mind, the annual event is limited to the first 200 traditionally styled customs that register, though there’s always plenty of room for additional spectators. While the numbers may be smaller than other national events, the specific criteria and tight-knit nature of the traditional custom community gives the show a focused feel that’s undeniably cool for those who love these chopped, streamlined, and flamboyant creations. 
The show’s central location means it routinely draws participants from all over the country. True to form, this year’s gathering had cars roll in from more than 35 states, from New York to Florida, Texas to Nebraska, Colorado to California, in addition to quite a few customs from Canada. There were many recent and past award winners we’ve seen at Goodguys events, plus more than two dozen customs historically significant cars and Rodder’s Journal feature vehicles. Surviving and restored examples from prominent builders like Barris, the Alexander Brothers, Bill Hines, Larry Watson, and others are also special treats for those who revere custom car history. The awards include selections like the participant-chosen America’s Most Beautiful Custom, in addition to King of the Mercs, Top Shoebox, Top Taildragger, and several awards selected by prominent builders.
The continued success of the Custom Car Revival is a great indicator in the ongoing interest in and passion for traditional-style custom cars and trucks, and the show’s family-like atmosphere is truly something special. For more information and specifics on next year’s event, seek them out online at Custom Car Revival.
Photos: Ron Hensley
