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A stunning blue 1941 Willys pickup with a powerful personal history took home the top prize at the third annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show last weekend. Owner Larry Jacinto received the coveted World’s Most Beautiful Truck award for his incredible build, a victory that represents the culmination of a journey that started when he was just a boy.
The story behind the Willys makes the win even more special. A family friend owned the truck, and Jacinto grew up riding in its bed. More than four decades later, he was finally able to purchase the truck and begin the build of his dreams. The legendary builder Bob Bauder started the project and established the truck’s perfect stance. After Bauder’s passing in 2017, Veazie Bros. Fabrication took over and completed the build to its award-winning standard.
Under the hood sits a modern powerhouse: a blown and injected LS3 V8 topped with a massive, polished 6-71 Littlefield blower. The body features subtle but extensive custom work, including a fully custom 1946 Chevy truck bed and tailgate, all covered in a deep blue paint by Mick’s Paint. Inside, a Ron Mangus interior surrounds a modified original dash with Classic Instruments gauges. The incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail on this 1941 Willys pickup helped it beat a tough field of 10 other finalists, including numerous popular C10s and F-100s, to claim the $12,500 prize from ARP Fasteners.
Some of the other gorgeous creations that competed for this prestigious award.
The Grand National Truck Show, held at the Fairplex in Pomona, brought together an incredible mix of vehicles. “From one-off customs to patinas, mini-trucks and more, there isn’t another show where you can see such a variety of trucks,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows. This diversity made the Willys’ win all the more impressive.
In the end, the victory was about more than just perfect paint and a powerful engine. It was about an owner bringing a piece of his childhood back to life in spectacular fashion. Jacinto’s 1941 Willys pickup is not just the World’s Most Beautiful Truck for 2025; it’s a rolling story of passion, dedication, and a dream four decades in the making.
