The first official winner of the 2026 TMI TRIM Road Tour was crowned at the 76th annual Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. Amidst a selection of high-end customs, a stunning Ryno Built 1955 Chevy Bel Air rose above the competition to take the top honors. The vehicle was prominently displayed in the BluePrint Engines booth, where its laid-out stance and flawless exterior drew immediate attention from the crowds. However, it was the cabin that ultimately sealed the deal for judges Jason Mulligan and Marcel Venable of AutoRevolution.
The interior is a masterclass in balance, wrapped in premium red Apex Leather that perfectly bridges the gap between modern performance and classic style. TMI Pro Classic Bucket Seats in a clean Sport design anchor the front, providing a restrained aesthetic that prioritizes precision over clutter. The judges specifically praised the build for its “unmistakable presence” and attention to detail, noting that the design choices were intentional and executed with absolute clarity.
Where this build truly separates itself is in the rear seating area. The Bel Air sits on massive 13-inch-wide Billet Specialties wheels, which required huge tubs to fit. Rather than deleting the backseat, the team custom-engineered a molded fiberglass TMI rear seat to contour perfectly over the tubs. The integration is flawless, maintaining visual harmony with the front buckets. “The way the TMI molded fiberglass rear seat was highly modified to cover the monster tubs is absolutely amazing,” the judges remarked. “It’s one of those details that looks effortless, but you know required an incredible amount of planning and craftsmanship.”
This victory establishes the Ryno Built Bel Air as a heavy hitter for the rest of the season. The tour now moves forward with upcoming stops at “Hot Rods & Heroes” in Huntington Beach, followed by events in Texas and Tennessee. Competitors will have their work cut out for them trying to match the high standard set by the first official winner of the 2026 TMI TRIM Road Tour.
You might also like
Building Confidence Into a Classic Muscle Car With Moser Axles
Moser's direct-fit axles add performance and reliability to our second-gen Camaro. They're forged from premium alloy steel
