Hagerty Launched New RADwood Build Challenge Series
Three builders have begun modifying 1980s and 1990s vehicles to win a donation for their chosen charity.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Car Culture
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Hagerty has premiered the RADwood Build Challenge on YouTube, a series documenting three builders as they customize iconic vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s. The process will culminate in a fan-voted finale at RADwood NorCal this fall.
Why it matters
The project combines automotive restoration with philanthropy, offering the winning builder a $50,000 donation for a charitable organization of their choice.
The winning builder will secure a $50,000 donation for Folds of Honor, the RPM Foundation, or McPherson College. This award is based on live attendee votes at the final event.
The players
Hagerty
An automotive lifestyle brand known for its insurance products, collector car media, and management of the RADwood event series.
Mike Burroughs
A vehicle builder currently customizing a 1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo for the challenge.
Vin Anatra
A vehicle builder currently customizing a 1994 Chevrolet Silverado Dually for the challenge.
Larry Chen
A vehicle builder currently customizing a 1996 Honda Accord Si-R for the challenge.
The details
Builders Mike Burroughs, Vin Anatra, and Larry Chen are performing custom work on a 1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo, a 1994 Chevrolet Silverado Dually, and a 1996 Honda Accord Si-R, respectively. Fans can track the progress of these specific vehicle modifications through the episodic YouTube series before the public decides the winner at the final gathering.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The series debuted on YouTube.
October 24, 2026: The finale takes place at RADwood NorCal.
The Home Front
The RADwood Build Challenge highlights the growing collector interest in 1980s and 1990s vehicles, a trend that has significantly shifted values for these late-century models. This event follows the established pattern of the RADwood show series in legitimizing the hobbyist restoration of mass-produced vehicles from that era.
If you are interested in the automotive restoration work shown in the series, you can follow the build progress on the official YouTube channel. For those living in California, you can plan to attend the event on October 24 to participate in the fan-voting process.
The takeaway
The challenge demonstrates how modern digital media and in-person events can amplify the restoration hobby for classic vehicles. Enthusiasts should mark October 24 on their calendars to follow the results of this charity-focused build series.
What happens next
The RADwood NorCal finale will occur on October 24, 2026, where attendees will cast the deciding votes to determine the competition winner.
Further reading
Explore more classic vehicle trends on our Car Culture page.
More information
You can find event details and registration information on the RADwood NorCal registration page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
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