Any idea on theme for the 2026 Cannonball

[53gmc]

2 hours ago, MeatMan said:

😅 I don't do replicas well either, but you'd just have to build the make & model. Btw, how would we know you didn't own what your pick was? I have a pic of only one car I ever owned, and there isn't a kit out there for it. So folks would have to trust that I'd ever owned it.

I was thinkg it doesnt even have to be a 1:1 replica, it could be a car you owned being built to your vision if money wasnt an issue.We would have to have to believe in the honor system, i feel like everyone is pretty honest in these build offs.

[MeatMan]

1 hour ago, 53gmc said:

I was thinkg it doesnt even have to be a 1:1 replica, it could be a car you owned being built to your vision if money wasnt an issue.We would have to have to believe in the honor system, i feel like everyone is pretty honest in these build offs.

No prob, its on the list I just posted.

[oldcarfan]

15 hours ago, 53gmc said:

What about doing cars that member currently own or owned in the past, (like your first car in high-school)? Kinda gives everyone a chance to get to learn something about the members on the board

Just realized my reply was almost the same as Seth's, sorry!

Maybe it could be stretched into how you would have built or restored it if you had had the money? I've had a lot of junky cars that I would have fixed up if money allowed.

Edited Sunday at 07:16 PM by oldcarfan

[White Rabbit]

How about combining a current or previously owned vehicle with run-what-you-brung? That is, the owned car is just the basis for the build; after that, it's pure Cannonball open modifications (within the spirit of the Run, of course). This keeps the build open to many interpretations: a replica, restoration, or full dream build.

[Lunajammer]

The "owned vehicle" is one of my favorite ideas, but the down side is if I make the effort to do one it would be a full-on replica, not a Cannonball car and I'm not likely to do two different versions. Also I question if it marginalizes young builders who might not have many or any vehicles to model.

 

[Pat Minarick]

If the "owned vehicle" theme works out. I have two cars that I already have planned on building. I think this would be a good theme.  Both are planned to look as owned with modification to the chassis and engine. 

[tim08]

3 hours ago, White Rabbit said:

How about combining a current or previously owned vehicle with run-what-you-brung? That is, the owned car is just the basis for the build; after that, it's pure Cannonball open modifications (within the spirit of the Run, of course). This keeps the build open to many interpretations: a replica, restoration, or full dream build.

I like this idea

[MeatMan]

8 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

Just realized my reply was almost the same as Seth's, sorry!

Maybe it could be stretched into how you would have built or restored it if you had had the money? I've had a lot of junky cars that I would have fixed up if money allowed.

 

10 hours ago, 53gmc said:

I was thinkg it doesnt even have to be a 1:1 replica, it could be a car you owned being built to your vision if money wasnt an issue.We would have to have to believe in the honor system, i feel like everyone is pretty honest in these build offs.

 

8 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

Just realized my reply was almost the same as Seth's, sorry!

Maybe it could be stretched into how you would have built or restored it if you had had the money? I've had a lot of junky cars that I would have fixed up if money allowed.

 

7 hours ago, White Rabbit said:

How about combining a current or previously owned vehicle with run-what-you-brung? That is, the owned car is just the basis for the build; after that, it's pure Cannonball open modifications (within the spirit of the Run, of course). This keeps the build open to many interpretations: a replica, restoration, or full dream build.

 

6 hours ago, Lunajammer said:

The "owned vehicle" is one of my favorite ideas, but the down side is if I make the effort to do one it would be a full-on replica, not a Cannonball car and I'm not likely to do two different versions. Also I question if it marginalizes young builders who might not have many or any vehicles to model.

 

 

4 hours ago, Pat Minarick said:

If the "owned vehicle" theme works out. I have two cars that I already have planned on building. I think this would be a good theme.  Both are planned to look as owned with modification to the chassis and engine. 

 

3 hours ago, tim08 said:

I like this idea

Okay, how about current or previously owned vehicle OR, a vehicle you always wanted (for those who've never owned a car that's available as a kit, or too young), built as you remember it, or would have liked to build it. As always, the vehicle must be able to drive cross-country in any form.

[Beans]

I'm liking this previously owned idea.  I think I have an idea of exactly what I will do, assuming I can source the parts needed. 

[Pat Minarick]

Can we use resin or 3-D printed bodies? 

[MeatMan]

53 minutes ago, Pat Minarick said:

Can we use resin or 3-D printed bodies? 

Absolutely! As long as its 1/24 or 1/25 scale.

[MeatMan]

On 11/16/2025 at 4:40 AM, stitchdup said:

hows about going off paved roads? or the carrera panamerica route from anchorage to ushuala. a mix of surfaces and a section with no road whatsoever in the darien gap. its been done in a caddy hearse before. or there lots of songs about cars that could be a theme

 

On 11/16/2025 at 8:46 AM, Mattilacken said:

Great ideas. 
How a bout cars from the White screen? Movie cars, no limits.

 

On 11/21/2025 at 9:17 AM, Beans said:

Don't remember if it was last year or the year before but there was a lot of interest in a RADwood type of theme.  Don't know much about it other than it is an 80's and 90's car culture type event.  

https://www.radwood.com/

 

 

 

On 12/2/2025 at 9:11 AM, dust collectors said:

I like the LeMons idea, Land Yachts could be cool too. 

 

On 12/2/2025 at 5:47 PM, Sam I Am said:

How about pickups?  Tons of kits out there. 

 

On 12/2/2025 at 6:22 PM, meechum68 said:

I like the following:

4 bangers-cars/trucks (This one the most cuz... 4 bangers .. nitrous, alchy, boost, so much boost and then you get Porsche/VW/Pinto/Vega as the traditional ones, plus the awesome imports from Japan) 

Landyachts

Pickups/vans

Fake cop cars 

The idea about the Alaska to SA run for another GB would be a blast as well.  So many options open up with that. 

 

On 12/2/2025 at 8:11 PM, avidinha said:

A couple guys broke the Cannonball record in a car disguised to look like an unmarked cop car a few years ago.

 

On 12/1/2025 at 8:48 PM, geras24 said:

What about 

"Police Interceptors"
Build realistic or fictional pursuit vehicles that could hypothetically attempt to stop the race.

Allowed:
• Classic patrol cars
• Modern police units
• Fantasy/designer interceptors
• SWAT or tactical vans
• Highway patrol cruisers
• 1970s–style police cruisers

Hey guys, the following posters have decided on the topic "

Current or previously owned vehicle OR, a vehicle you've always wanted and we're one short of a majority, but unless you all want the same topic, we'll be going with it. What say you?

[53gmc]

7 minutes ago, MeatMan said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey guys, the following posters have decided on the topic "

Current or previously owned vehicle OR, a vehicle you've always wanted and we're one short of a majority, but unless you all want the same topic, we'll be going with it. What say you?

Works for me!

 

[tim08]

I'm in!

[meechum68]

9 hours ago, MeatMan said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey guys, the following posters have decided on the topic "

Current or previously owned vehicle OR, a vehicle you've always wanted and we're one short of a majority, but unless you all want the same topic, we'll be going with it. What say you?

Add me to that, I have a couple in my stash I can do Cannonball style. 

[Mattilacken]

Go for it.

[Belugawrx]

Pre-owned cars or trucks...?   I'll be in on this one (2thmsup)

[MeatMan]

Okay then! So we have a majority of potential entrants agreeing that the 2026 Annual Cannonball Run Community Build will be themed "Vehicles From our Past and Dreams" unless someone comes up with something catchier 🤔.

It will be builders choice as far as replica vs. modified. I'll be going modified myself, but very close to the original.

Trucks, should be limited to pickups or panel wagons, but let me know if you'd planned something different (Bruce). 

Modifications will be wide open as long as it remains street legal. A little story behind your pick would be a nice touch. 

I'll put out the intro and rules page after the U.S. holidays, so around the last week of the month, or first of the year. That will give me time to bone up on how to run a CBR as well as they've been run in the past, and allow me to get over having the family over for Christmas😂.

Thanks for all of your input and ideas. Time to do some picking & planning!

 

 

Edited 2 hours ago by MeatMan

[Pat Minarick]

Lots of choices to choose from.  Several  Cuda's , Road Runner, Volare's , Mirada,  Cordoba's ,But I'm pretty sure I will be building my old '85 Plymouth Fury. Owned for over 15 years.  Paid 500 dollars for it and put over 300 thousand miles on it . A friend found it sitting in the area recently,  may have to see if I can get back.