2023 Barrett-Jackson Cup: 1969 Pontiac Firebird named Ultimate Best in Show

Editor’s note: this article has been updated to have images of the winning vehicle

A 1969 Pontiac Firebird Custom built by Troy Gudgel of BBT Fabrications was crowned Ultimate Best in Show of the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Cup competition, presented by Castrol with support from Summit Racing Equipment, Meguiar’s, TMI and Robert Graham, which recognizes the talent and craftsmanship of custom car and truck builders, as part of the 2023 Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld.

The Firebird is powered by a 482ci twin-turbo Butler Performance Pontiac crate engine backed by a T56 6-speed transmission prepped by Bowler Transmissions. This Firebird sits on a Roadster Shop Fast Track independent rear suspension and rides on a set of one-off wheels by EVOD Industries.

What makes the McLaren Racing Green Firebird so unique is that it was built to be a streetcar and also to be used for land-speed racing. It is a class record holder for ECTA standing mile with 199.027 mph.

The Firebird received the $20,000 cash purse, among other prizes. The top five finalists included a 1956 Ford F-600 custom pickup built by Classic Car Studio, a 1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster 1.5-ton pickup built by Ringbrothers, a 1934 Chevrolet custom roadster built by Devlin Rod & Custom, and a 1958 Lincoln Continental convertible built by Kindig-it Design.

Renowned builders Bobby Alloway and Troy Trepanier selected the Top Five finalists and ultimately the Best in Show winner; however, Barrett-Jackson fans had the opportunity to select the People’s Choice winner, which was a Burgundy Velvet Pearl 1964 Buick Riviera Custom built by Cruzer Customs, LLC.

The Buick is powered by a 376ci LS3 built by Don Hardy. The engine is backed by a 4L70E Bowler transmission. It sits on a Roadster Shop suspension and rides on one-off EVOD wheels.