The 48th O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels took place from February 8-10. The premiere event is one of the largest annual car shows in the southeast. World-class vehicles from all over the United States attend each year. This year’s celebrity guest list included Nascar Legend Bobby Allison, Alexa Bliss, Von Hot Rod, John Schneider, and Dave Kindig. The World of Wheels is held at the BJCC and the large facility is packed with unlimited fun.
The custom dune buggy was one of the coolest rides in the show. It’s got a 6 rib 4.56:1 transaxle. The power comes from a dual carburetor 2074cc air-cooled engine. Phillip and Ellen Morris are the owners of this super cool buggy.
The Saleen Club Of America had several fantastic Mustangs on display. The club “is all about the Saleens, it’s owners and the Saleen enthusiasts” SCOA. We know at least two of these car owners took home awards.
Goolsby Customs is a world-class automotive shop that turns customers vehicles into dream rides.
This 1970 Oldsmobile 442 convertible is a fairly rare find. It has a 455 cubic inch engine and a manual 4-speed transmission. The Car belongs to Eddie Marsh of Gardendale, AL.
The insane coffin drag car always draws a crowd around its display. This is a literal “death trap” in every meaning of the term.
This extreme machine is known as the 93 Ford Ranger Max. It’s powered by a built supercharged 4.6L DOHC V8. It has a Tremec 6-speed transmission and a Moser 9″ Ford rear end. Harry and Linda Smith of Powell, Tennessee are the owners of the 93 Ford Ranger Max.
This amazing 1966 Chevy II Nova belongs to Bubba Youngblood. The paint and interior work are first class.
The Mopar Madness attraction was put on by the Birmingham Mopar Owners Club. They had over 40 cars on display ranging from actual museum pieces to rare production models. Racing legend Bobby Allison even had his replica Dodge Daytona race car with the group. Bobby Allison also attended the Mopar Madness showcase and signed autographs for fans.
Noah Washington is one of our contributors and he said: “I arrived at the World of Wheels greeted by Eric Perrine and Jeannie Hannah of BMOC. Seeing the kid’s faces and peoples reactions to these amazing movable sculptures that we call Mopars, was an astonishing sight to see.”
The 2017 SRT-10 Dodge Viper ACR-E was one of the wildest American supercars on display. ACR-E stands for (American Club Racer Extreme Aero). This car is so rare, it is only 1 of 3 ever made. Tom and Suzette Fisher are the owners of this sweet ride.
- Engine displacement: 512 cubic inch V-10
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Max horsepower: 645 @ 6200 rpm
- Max torque: 600 ft_lbs @ 5000 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
- 1/4 mile time: 11.2 seconds
- Top speed: 206 mph
This 2003 SVT Mustang “Terminator” Cobra convertible is nothing to play around with. It is putting down some serious horsepower with a twin screw Kenne Bell Blowzilla under the hood. The owner has a custom tag on the back that says (Z06 THIS). Ironically, there was a Corvette Z06 displayed right next to the Terminator.
The Stingray Corvette that was showcased in this display had spectators excited. It has a late model LS3 engine that makes 531 rear wheel horsepower. The motor is mounted to a 6L80E automatic transmission and a Dana 44 rear end with 3.42:1 gears. DZ Motorsports in Livingston, TX built this incredible car. Eddie Harvey of Livingston, TX is the owner of the car.
This 1957 Chevrolet truck has an LT1 from the 1994 Corvette. The custom work on this truck is nothing short of brilliant. The truck belongs to Kirk and Diana Peterson of Niceville, FL.
The Yellow Hammer Avengers had a cool display with a Jurassic Park Explorer, a military vehicle, and a Ghostbusters Honda Ridgeline.
Spectators could take pictures with the General Lee.
The “Cotton Candy” is a custom 1956 Mercury convertible. This classic is owned and built by Al Bailey of Summerville, SC.
Highlights of the “Cotton Candy” Mercury
- Built 312ci Y-block
- Offenhauser intake with 3-2 barrels carbs
- Extended front and rear fenders
- Mercedes headlights
- Air ride suspension
- Fat Man 3″ dropped spindles
- Granada disc brakes
- Custom exhaust and flame throwers
This big wheel cruiser is a custom 2001 Harley Davidson Softail. Brian Cobb of Pelham, AL is the owner of this cool bike.
There were several European sportscars that stunned the crowd.
The 1967 Overland VW Beetle must be a menace offroad. This rig is loaded with upgrades ranging from a Holley Sniper fuel injection system to custom air condition.
Missiles for Christ is an organization that restores lives affected by addiction. The group had this awesome Smokey and the Bandit display that came from Auburn, AL.
The paint scheme on this dragster looks cool.
The 1929 Hudson Essex Super Six Rat Rod has a 239ci Ford Flathead and 3 deuces. What is really cool is that it has a T5 5-speed transmission.
An excellent example of the 1st generation Ford Bronco that was produced from 1966-1977.
Stephen Garlington of Bessemer, AL is the owner of the 2012 Tahoe with the giant 34″ rims.
Helena Exotic Car Rental “LLC” Executive Sedan Limousine Service had a display like no other. This service will have you arriving at your special event in style. Helena Exotic Car Rental “LLC” offers an arrange of services from corporate transport, weddings, parade rental, birthday and anniversaries etc.
You can choose to be chauffeured in a Bentley Flying Spur, Maserati Quattroporte S, Mercedes Benz Sprinter, or the Maybach 57 S.
Jay’s Hydrographics specializes in state of the art hydro dipping. Jay can transform any wood, aluminum, plastic, and other metal objects into custom masterpieces. There were a few cars in the show that had custom work done by Jay’s Hydrographics and won awards!
The host of the Drag Race Central radio show had a booth at this year’s World of Wheels. The broadcast covers racing and car show events on 101.1 FM. Drag Race Central airs live on every Saturday morning from 6-8 A.M. The show is entertaining with callers, racing tech, crazy stories, and celebrity guest etc.
Dave Kindig from the popular TV show Bitchin’ Rides signed autographs for fans.
Sonny McLean is the President and CEO of Motorsports Productions Inc. Sonny announces the award presentation every year.
