For 25 years, Gary Meadors has done a remarkable job of selling the nation on hot rodding. 

Now, his 24 Goodguys Rod, Custom and Muscle Car shows are headline attractions at fairgrounds and racetracks in not only California, but in places like Ohio, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kansas and Texas. 

Gary Meadors turned a hobby into a business.

Sixty-nine year old Goodguys founder Meadors credits Lakeside automotive artist Bob McCoy for convincing fair officials that this would be a viable event.  “Up to that time," says Meadors, "we couldn’t get to first base. Now, we’re running out of room (at Del Mar) and may, eventually, utilize the infield to the racetrack. The vendors will be in the three major buildings, along with some of our elite cars.” 

The cars represent history, dating backwards from 1972, and most of the owners range in age from 35 to 65 years, although  Meadors said more younger enthusiasts are getting involved. “You can still find bodies and parts in shops, garages or barns everywhere,” says Gary.  “These are cars you can tear down, change engines and modify. A cool car that's different than your neighbors. Guys are embedded in their own individual personality.”  

Meadors’ son, Marc, 41, runs the operation that's based in Pleasanton, Calif. 

Gary said he and his wife still go to all of them.  “With 22 shows, we’re locked into our hobby,” he says. “Love what we’re doing!  Fun to be part of the action." 

Here's Gary Meadors and the car that's part of the Goodguys logo.

"Traditional, old-style hot rods are having a resurgence. More and more are reading the magazines about the 1950s.  You don’t need a lot of money and there is no need to spend $30,000 for a paint job.

“You can just about find any product or parts you can imagine with our exhibitors, selling everything from carburetors, intake manifolds and fiberglas bodies to car covers, wheels and tires. That helps the hobby grow, too!  It’s come so far in the last 25 years.”   

Some of the car owners travel much of the circuit. “Last year," says Gary, "the fellow who won Del Mar’s street car elegance was from Iowa. Saw him and his car at eight to 10 of our events.  People know about certain events and want to be there.” 

Gary Meadors loiters outside Goodguys office.

Several of the nation’s top hot rod builders will determine exclusive Pro’s Pick awards at select 2008 Goodguys national events. In addition to the long-standing tradition of the late Boyd Coddington Pro’s Picks, seven other elite rod shops around the country, including America’s premier hot rod designer, Chip Foose, will present Pro’s Picks this year.  

“Most of our participants are Baby Boomers, with the oldest now approaching retirement,” says Gary. “The industry isn't sure what the gray-line of the hobby will mean. But a professionally built hot rod can easily cost more than $50,000 – which would cover two years' worth of living expenses for many retirees.” 

What began as a small show in Northern California has grown to become the world's largest automotive association with 70,000 members and a glossy monthly 220-page magazine that keeps everyone informed.  

Once upon a time, when Gary was a young man, he was freelancing stories for hot rod publications and used Gary Goodguys as his byline. Well, that name’s stuck ever since. 

Oh, and beyond the love, the estimated yearly revenue for the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is between $10 million and $20 million.