Custom Cars and Family Legacies Shine at 66th Annual World of Wheels in KC

The iconic car show featured million-dollar custom builds and restoration projects with deep personal stories.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:54pm

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The 66th Annual World of Wheels car show was held at Bartle Hall in Kansas City this past weekend, showcasing dozens of custom builds, hot rods, and muscle cars that owners had devoted years to restoring. Many of the vehicles on display represented investments of over $1 million, and the event highlighted the personal stories and family legacies behind these long-term restoration projects.

Why it matters

The World of Wheels is a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the automotive culture and craftsmanship of the Kansas City region. The event draws car enthusiasts from across the country to admire the incredible custom vehicles on display and learn about the passion and dedication that goes into these restoration projects.

The details

One of the featured cars was a 1937 Packard limousine once owned by the mayor of Kansas City, brought to the show by Rick Hunter, owner of Hot Rod Express in Blue Springs. Hunter explained that the restoration process often builds deep connections between the builders and the vehicle owners, as they become part of the legacy that will be passed down. Other notable entries included a Chevy Nova rebuild nicknamed 'The Hitman' that received multiple awards, with the owners traveling from Tyler, Texas to display the vehicle.

  • The 66th Annual World of Wheels was hosted at Bartle Hall this past weekend (March 20-22, 2026).

The players

Rick Hunter

The owner of Hot Rod Express in Blue Springs, Missouri, who brought several custom vehicles to the show.

The Hitman

A Chevy Nova rebuild that received multiple awards at the event and was brought by owners from Tyler, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Every car you get to know the people and the reason why they have it. The reason why they want to do it and you become part of their life and become part of a legacy that they're going to hand down. But every car behind me has got a really intimate story for every family that we do these for. It's just fun to be part of that.”

— Rick Hunter, Owner, Hot Rod Express

The takeaway

The 66th Annual World of Wheels showcased the deep personal connections and family legacies that are at the heart of the custom car restoration community in Kansas City. The event highlighted the incredible craftsmanship and passion of local and regional car enthusiasts, cementing the show's status as a must-attend event for automotive aficionados.