When Overdrive’s Pride & Polish began in 1990, it was the first truck beauty contest held in conjunction with a big trucking convention, in this case, the Mid-America Trucking Show.
Our records are scant from that year, but by 1991 Pride & Polish drew 40 rigs – a sure sign that there was a handful of devoted owners willing to put hard work and hard-earned money into their entries. And likewise, a sign that these showpieces resonated with the truckers and others who viewed them.
A lot has changed since then. The new video below gives a two-minute overview of the 25-year history. The photos below that are some that didn’t make it into the production.
In addition, we’ve been featuring weekly one of the 25 best Pride & Polish videos. You can see a playlist of the collection, which is nearly complete, as well as stories on those trucks and related coverage of the anniversary.
More information on Pride & Polish, including registration for contestants, is also available.
Our next competition will be at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Aug. 27-29.
Finally, if you want to keep up with the newest trends in truck customization, subscribe to Overdrive’s weekly Custom Rigs newsletter.
Part of Overdrive’s 1992 Pride & Polish coverage.
Part of Overdrive’s 1992 Pride & Polish coverage.
Part of Overdrive’s 1991 Pride & Polish coverage.
Part of Overdrive’s 1991 Pride & Polish coverage.
Norman and Rhonda Pike began showing their Peterbilt at Pride & Polish in 1999.
Debbie and Russ Brown with their 1999 Freightliner Classic, with a Harley-Davidson theme inside and out.
Karen and Harvey Zander were longtime Pride & Polish winners, showing Icy Blu and Icy Blu II.
