Over 40 hot rods, muscle cars and classic trucks were on display at this year’s Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show, many of which were built at Indianapolis-area shops.

For the first time ever, a People’s Choice Award was given out at the show. The award was created to recognize a car from an Indianapolis-area builder. Thirteen cars were in the running for the award and the winner was chosen online by enthusiasts at www.suedeandchrome.com.

The 2011 People’s Choice Award went to Micky Heflin of Heflin’s Hot Rods in Benton, Kentucky, for his stunning red-and-black 1939 Ford Crown Standard.

Heflin, who built and owns the car, said he definitely didn’t expect to win the award.

“I was surprised,” he said. “When my son checked the voting [online before the show], we didn’t have many votes. There were a lot of cool cars at the show.”

The car, which is one of four classic cars owned by Heflin, took about two years to build.

“This ’39 Crown Standard was a car that I thought would show well if I could get the painted molding and the two-tone paint right,” said Heflin.

The car’s paint job proved to be more complicated than Heflin initially expected.

“Painting the car was the most difficult part because I had to paint the body twice after hitting the ceiling lights with the car’s roof while it was on the lift,” he said. “It set me back six months and was not good.”

Despite the difficulties, the paint job turned out just like Heflin planned. In fact, he said it’s one of the things that get the car the most attention when he takes it out to industry events.

To achieve the glossy two-toned look, Heflin used DuPont Hot Hues’ Factory Pack. The car is currently in the running to be a part of Hot Hues’ 2012 calendar, Heflin said.

Heflin made modifications to the Mustang II front end so that the car would sit lower to the ground. Recovery Room Hot Rod Interiors of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, built the car’s custom red-and-black leather interior, which Heflin said is his favorite part of the car.

“I think my friend Tracy [Weaver of Recovery Room] did a great job creating the interior that this car needed to complete its look,” said Heflin. “It’s cool going down the road with the shine from the dash and the smell of the leather.”

Stat Sheet:

Car:  1939 Ford Crown Standard sedan

Owner & Builder:  Micky Heflin, Heflin’s Hot Rods

Location:  Benton, Kentucky

Interior:  The car’s red-and-black leather interior was custom-built by Tracy Weaver of Recovery Room Hot Rod Interiors in Plattsmouth, Nebraska.

Powertrain:  The car runs on an LS-1 engine and a 4L60-E transmission from Street & Performance.

Body & Frame:  Heflin used a 1939 Ford convertible body from Coast to Coast Street Rods and had Tolle Road custom-build a mold to form a top so that the car could be changed from a convertible to a sedan.

Wheels:  Boyd Coddington Junk Yard Dog wheels (18 x 7 in front, 20 x 10 rear)

Paint:  Heflin used DuPont Hot Hues’ Factory Pack of “Hot Rod Black” and “Dragon Fire Red” on the car.

Tags: 1939 Ford, 2011 HRR Trade Show, Award Winners, Cool Cars, People's Choice Award, Southern Rod Shops