 The 2012 Shine Award was presented to Dave and Karen Leisinger of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for their ’71 Chevrolet Camaro named "ProfeSSor." |
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The 2012 Shine Award was presented to Dave and Karen Leisinger of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for their ’71 Chevrolet Camaro named "ProfeSSor." This sleek, PPG Porsche Silver Camaro was so named because its 500ci Chevy LSX engine was built by drag-racing legend Warren "The Professor" Johnson. The rest of the drivetrain is hung on an Art Morrison chassis with C5 Corvette front suspension and a Ford 9-in. rearend with a Watts Link. But it is the innumerable body mods that set this ’71 apart, such as the widened, wedge cut and leaned-forward front end, laid-back windshield, chopped roof, extended rockers, widened quarter panels, raised deck and custom taillight panel and rear valance. Roger Burman at Lakeside Rods and Rides in Rockwell City, Iowa, built "ProfeSSor" in 16 months before putting it on display in the Dakota Digital at the SEMA Show.
For the 12th annual Shine Award, the crop of contenders came from no less than hundreds of the world's premier cars on display at the most anticipated aftermarket industry event of the year. An international panel of respected members of the automotive world, including seasoned builders, paint specialists, journalists and previous Shine Award recipients, were tasked with selecting a winner. Judging was based on overall appearance, fit and finish, attention to detail, integration of custom and stock elements, creative vision and execution of concept.Hosting the ceremony this year, held at the Mothers Polish booth, were aftermarket industry veterans Joe Sebergandio and Will Handzel.