This year, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Mothers Shine Award was presented.  The Mothers Shine Award celebrates the finest examples of vehicles in what has become one of the most coveted and prestigious achievements within the car builder community.

Hundreds of premier cars were on display at the SEMA Showto be scrutinized for the 15th annual edition of the Shine Award.  An international panel of respected members of the automotive community, including seasoned builders, paint specialists, journalists, and previous Shine Award recipients worked together to select a winner.  The judging is based on overall appearance, fit and finish, attention to detail, integration of custom and stock elements, creative vision and execution of concept.

The ceremony was hosted by aftermarket industry veteran and Shine Award judge John Naderi.

Once all the scores were tallied, the judges reviewed the ten finalists and awarded the 2015 Shine Award to Tim and Cici Spencer of Birningham, AL for their 1969 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback.  The build was completed by Jonathan Goolsby and the build team at Goolsby Customs in Bessemer, AL over the course of two years.  The couple bought the mustang seven years ago, knowing they wanted to build it one day.  In addition to the Shine Award, their Fastback also won a Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement in Design as part of the Ford Corporate Design Awards as well as a top three finish in the Glasurit Best Paint Awards.

The Goolsby team radically modified the exterior with numerous subtly placed alterations including handmade front and rear valances, ground effects, shaved drip rails, tucked bumpers and custom exhaust tips.  The silver metallic finish is a custom-mixed Glasurit laid under a clear topcoat with a combination of brushed and bright chrome plating by Advanced Plating of Nashville, TN.  The badging and side vents are all CNC machined and the taillights feature 3D printed lenses from Greening Auto Co.

The drivetrain consists of a 5.0 Coyote engine with a Getrag 6-speed transmission with a heavily modified Detroit Speed chassis up front and out back and Baer brakes and JRI shocks.  A custom leather upholstery from M7M Hot Rod Interiors finishes off the interior.

“We always hped to get in the top 10 and win a Mothers Choice, but actually winning the Shine Award is as amazing as it gets!” said owner Tim Spencer.  “Many thanks to all the companies and people who helped with this car, and especially the talented crew at Goolsby Customs!”

The Mustang was on display at the ARMO/HRIA Councils booth.