5 Hottest Street Vehicle Builds of 2018
As we take a look back at 2018, we saw a bunch of great articles about vehicles that you might see on the street, at the track or at a car show. The one unusual common thread is that none of these vehicles are even remotely new. This year’s favorite vehicles were built over 30 years, starting in the early '70s and continuing through the '90s. Keep reading to find out which vehicles were the most popular.
1. Shooting Star: LS Swapped 240Z
Back in April, we published a superb example of a bright orange custom 1972 Z powered by a Chevy V8 and a turbo, running on Nitto NT01s in front and NT555Rs in the rear. It’s no surprise that it’s a favorite: eye-catching colors and over 600hp in a light, compact package and a car that both domestic and import lovers adore. Take a few minutes to take in all the well-executed details of this build.
2. Gennie: The Drool-Worthy Dropped Diesel Dodge Dually
It’s not often that a person finds the perfect bones for a custom build. Humberto Ortiz stumbled upon the perfect crew cab dually that already had a Cummins 12-valve installed in the engine bay with a NV5600 6-manual transmission attached to it. The truck is about as clean as a custom build can be, thanks to the expertise of the people at his custom shop, Vulcan Specialties in Lubbock, Texas. This is one truck we’d be more than happy to trailer with on Nitto NT420Ss.
3. Sin City Special: 1983 Nissan Skyline R30
Everyone loves a Skyline. Especially when they capture and uphold the styling from the era in which they were created. Jay Kho wanted this one so bad that he traded the shell of this car for his running ’66 Mustang. While we don’t necessarily think the trade was fair at the time, we’re glad he got what he wanted. He definitely put the work in to make this car look fantastic, including adding a set of Nitto Neo Gens, and sometimes "fair" is in the eye of the beholder.
4. Timeless: 1993 Honda Civic CX
Here’s another beautiful, almost period correct car, but this one is from the following decade: a 1993 Honda Civic CX. What’s most amazing about this car is the fact that it looks so clean even though it’s regularly driven hard at the track. From the engine compartment to the interior, there’s no fancy trinkets or anything that’s not necessary to go fast. It’s an excellent example of a form following function.
5. Keepin' it Legal: The LS Swapped S13 That CA is Cool With
California may be the birthplace of hot-rodding, but it certainly isn’t a haven for aftermarket higher-horsepower parts anymore. There are only a few ways to legally add significant power to a vehicle. The owner of this 240SX S13, running on Nitto NT05s, used an eRod LS3 crate motor to satisfy his love for both domestic power and the tuner world, all while maintaining street legality in the state with the strictest emission laws.
