Over $100,000 Handed Out for First-Ever Hot August Nights Cup — See All 10 Finalists Here!

RENO, NV — Fifty of the nation’s top custom cars competed for the first-ever Hot August Nights Cup and part of $100,000 in cash and prizes. It’s one of the largest overall prize purses offered in any collector car competition in the world, and a familiar car wound up with the top prize.

Billy and Debbie Thomas’ Ridler Award-winning 1939 Oldsmobile earned top honors, including a $30,000 first place payout. The stunning Olds beat out nine other finalists and was crowned Hot August Nights Cup winner in front of a huge crowd lining Virginia Street in downtown Reno. The competition was part of the show’s 30th anniversary celebration, but the impressive lineup of participants inspired show organizers to announce the competition’s return for next year.

Here’s a look at the entire Top 10 in order of finish:

Billy and Debbie Thomas’ 1939 Oldsmobile Series 60 Convertible

Builder: Harold Chapman, Customs and Hot Rods of Andice

Howard and Susan Groff’s 1962 Impala SS

Builder: Andy Leach

Paul Schulz’s 1955 Chevy 210

Builder: Leonard Lopez, Dominator Street Rods

Alex Short’s 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Builder: Cam Miller, HS Customs

Dean Osland’s 1959 Rambler American Two-Door Wagon

Builder: Doug Jerger, Squeeg’s Kustoms

Jerry Jacobs’ 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Builder: Leonard Lopez, Dominator Street Rods

Harold and Tracy Chapman’s 1949 Cadillac Model 62 Convertible

Harold Chapman, Customs and Hot Rods of Anice

Brent Schieder’s 1937 Ford Tudor Convertible

Builder: Leonard Lopez, Dominator Street Rods

Dan Wathor’s 1937 Ford Coupe

Builder: Kenny Welch

Bart Bartoni’s 1938 Alfa Romeo Coupe

Builder: Ron Crume of Infinity Motorsports