A high-octane weekend at Ten Tenths Motor Club and Charlotte Motor Speedway celebrated the best in automotive culture, as the Heritage Invitational and AutoFair recognized top honors across two premier events.
AutoFair concluded with two standout builds earning the event’s top honors, as Peter Ashby’s 1996 Toyota Supra Turbo and Marshall Gay’s 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda “Barbarric” captured Walt Hollifield Best of Show awards.
A first-time entrant, Gay took home top honors with his striking 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda “Barbarric,” a bold restomod built from a car he purchased from its original owner of 50 years. Transformed by Salvaggio Design, the build emerged as a show-stopping machine powered by a 426-cubic-inch Mopar “Hellephant” engine producing upwards of 1,000 horsepower, paired with a Tremec six-speed transmission.
The project began with Gay acquiring the ‘Cuda with the intention of reimagining it as a restomod. Sent to Salvaggio Design, the car was fully reengineered into the award-winning build recognized at this year’s AutoFair.
“Oh, I mean, this is amazing,” said Gay. “I’ve always had a passion for cars, and I never thought I’d have an award like this—so to have one of mine recognized like this really means a lot.”
Peter Ashby, a longtime AutoFair participant, earned the Walt Hollifield Best of Show Award in the 1992 & Newer class with his 1996 Toyota Supra Turbo. After acquiring the car in 2024, Ashby quickly established himself on the national show circuit, rising through the ranks at events across the country.
The build is highlighted by a custom Kicker Audio system, adding a distinctive layer to the Supra’s overall presentation.
“After an award like this one, we have big shoes to fill,” said Ashby. “I don’t know how we outdo this win, but without all the support, we wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Both of AutoFair’s Best of Show honors are named in memory of the late Walt Hollifield, a longtime Charlotte-area automotive expert who played an integral role in the event for nearly 40 years. This year’s presentation carried added significance as a tribute to his lasting legacy.
“It’s emotional,” Ashby added. “Walt was a good friend of mine. He was my mentor for 20 years. To be able to win this award this year just means everything to me.”
In addition to the Walt Hollifield Best of Show Award, the panel of judges also awarded vehicles in other categories, including:
- Best of Show 1992 & Earlier: 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda; Marshall Gay
- Walt Hollified Best of Show 1993 & Newer: 1996 Toyota Supra Turbo; Peter Ashby
- Most Original: 2002 Chevy Camaro; Michael Gregory
- Best of Foreign: 1993 Subaru Sambar; Jairo Robles
- Best Restoration: 1969 Camaro Z/28-RS; Terry Fair
- Sam Bass Award (Best Paint Job): 1988 Chevy S-10; Terry Hatley
- Best Truck: 1935 Ford F1; Chris Hopkins
Capping off the three-day spectacle, officials announced next year’s show dates for April 8-10.
Historic Ford GT40, Flawless Ferrari Take Top Honors at Heritage Invitational
Saturday’s Heritage Invitational at Ten Tenths Motor Club crowned its top honorees, with Rob Kauffman’s history-making 1966 Ford GT40 earning Chairman’s Choice Sport and Bruce Miller’s 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Ellena taking home Chairman’s Choice d’Elegance.
The fourth annual event delivered a high-energy showcase both on and off the circuit. Guests experienced vintage Indy and IROC racing, a premier concours and a RADwood festival spotlighting 1980s and ’90s automotive culture, along with a celebrity pro-am and Welcome Dinner benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities, which raised a record $300,000 for Charlotte-area children.
Selected from a world-class concours featuring more than 115 of the rarest and most significant automobiles, this year’s Chairman’s Choice winners stood out among an elite field celebrating the history, artistry and innovation of the automobile.
Kauffman took home the Chairman’s Choice Sport Honoree award with his exceptional 1966 Ford GT40 — the legendary car that inspired the blockbuster film, Ford v Ferrari. Boasting over 485 horsepower and backed by four consecutive overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the GT40 program cemented its place in racing history. This iconic machine stood as the true embodiment of automotive culture at this weekend’s concours event.
“It's been a privilege to be able to take care of this car and bring it back into circulation and bring it to the lawn and share it with people,” said Kauffman.
Miller’s stunning 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Ellena earned the Chairman’s Choice d’Elegance award at Saturday’s Heritage event. A flawless example of European sports car design, this rare model is one of just 50 ever built under the Carrozzeria Ellena coachbuilding lineage. Its exclusivity and elegance make this distinguished honor all the more exceptional.
“I hoped for it, but didn't dream of it,” Miller said when asked if he ever dreamed of an honor such as this one.
Additional honors were awarded across multiple categories, recognizing excellence in design, heritage and craftsmanship:
- Emeritus Chief Judge Award: 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II; Barry Lowe & Gatsby Autoworx
- President's Award: 1949 Delahaye; Henri Durand
- Next Gen Judges Award: 1992 Porsche 964 Carrera Cup USA; Randy Jaffe
- City of Charlotte Award: 1952 Cunningham C-3 Vignale Coupe
- Elegance of Design: 1929 Bentley 6 ½ Litre; Paul Gould
- Robert Ingram Porsche Prestige: 1952 Porsche 356 LCP; Nicola Venchieuretti
- Classics in Chrome: 1950 Buick Special; Jeff Hardin
- Ray Evernham Spirit of Motorsports: 1976 Chevy Camaro IROC; Ray Skillman
- Papa Joe Hendrick Best in Bow Tie: 1977 IROC Chevrolet Camaro No. 2; William Warner
- Bruton Smith Honors: 2025 Porsche 963 RSP; Penske Racing
Capping the event, Ten Tenths Motor Club founders Marcus Smith and Rick Hendrick unveiled the event’s rebrand as the Smith Hendrick Heritage Invitational, reflecting its continued evolution.
In just its second year at Ten Tenths Motor Club, the event is rapidly gaining momentum, with dates already set for its return April 15–17, 2027 and tickets on sale now at www.HeritageInvitational.com.
