Goodguys 2006 Street Machine of the Year

A journey that started three years ago, was capped off in victory last night, as Bob Johnson's radical orange "G-Force" 1971 Plymouth Barracuda took home the award the build team had targeted all along - the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year. Built by Alan Johnson and his talented team of fabricators at Johnson's Rod Shop (no relation to the owner) in Gadsden, Alabama, the G-Force 'Cuda has sent shockwaves through the hot rodding industry. It could easily be said this car is all things to all car people. Its part street machine, part muscle car, part dragster, part G-Machine, part Fantasy - it's the kind of machine we have never before seen in this industry.

An all-aluminum 572ci Hemi spits out 870 hp on pump gas. A custom tube-frame chassis anchors the all-aluminum C5 Corvette suspension into place. Out back is a six-speed C5 transaxle. Up front are 15-inch Red Devil titanium brakes with six-piston calipers. The front fenders, hood, and front and rear spoilers are custom molded out of carbon fiber. Curb weight is an astonishing 2,800 pounds.

"When I was in the Top 5 for Street Machine of the Year back in 2002 with my Camaro, I told Alan I wanted to build the ultimate Street Machine and to come here to Columbus and take home this award," said an exuberant Bob Johnson of Gainesville, Georgia. "We did it. Thanks to everyone for their efforts on this machine."

Johnson's 'Cuda faced stiff competition for the crown. Other Street Machine of the Year finalists included Brian Baker's Arias powered 1955 Chevy, Brad Jenkin's slick and smooth twin turbo powered 1967 Chevelle, Richard Ruiter's homebuilt Canada based 1955 Chevy convertible and John & Joann Oronzio's 1957 Chevy convertible.

The Goodguys Street Machine of the Year award is presented here at the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio on an annual basis. Street Machines 1949 through 1972 vintage are eligible for the award.