1955 Chevy Nomad 'GRAY MADDER' ‪@GoodguysRodandCustom‬ 2025 Summit Nationals - Full Interview

The 2025 Don Ridler Memorial Award went to Gray Madder, a custom 1955 Chevy Nomad owned by Tom, Christy, and Josh Bresnahan of Pekin, Illinois, and built by Jeff Shores and his sons at Southern Comfort Customs in Ramseur, North Carolina. The Ridler, Detroit Autorama’s top honor, recognizes vehicles that excel in creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship, chosen from the “Great Eight” finalists. Eligible cars must be operational and previously unseen in public. Gray Madder features an Art Morrison frame with custom hydraulic suspension, nearly 700-hp LS3 V-8 with Holley EFI, and GM 6L90E six-speed automatic transmission. A billet air cleaner incorporates parts from a 265 small-block, while Evod Industries supplied one-off 18x10 and 20x12 wheels. Shores crafted the leather interior with Vintage Air A/C, Dakota gauges, and a custom Kevin Fugate steering column. Outside, a full billet grille is finished in Glasurit gray paint. The 10-year build faced delays when Tom and Christy were diagnosed with cancer, but following remission, their passion returned. Both Shores and Tom Bresnahan highlighted the joy of building Gray Madder alongside their sons.