The September 2026 Gauge Magazine issue is packed with custom trucks, classic cars, mini trucks, high-performance builds, event coverage, and automotive lifestyle from across the country.
This month’s issue brings together an incredible variety of builds and events. From a Cummins-powered 1954 International wearing decades of original patina to a 510-horsepower 1957 Chevy Bel Air and a family-built Toyota mini truck, Gauge Magazine September 2026 has something for just about every automotive enthusiast.
We also hit the road for event coverage from Las Vegas, Maggie Valley, and Indianapolis, plus introduce this month’s Gauge Girl Kortney, photographed by John Mumaw.
Some custom trucks are built to stay spotless. Ike Coursolle’s 1954 International R110 was built to be driven.
Ike wanted a cool old truck powered by a Cummins 4BT without having to worry about every rock chip, scratch, or imperfection. When this solid International came along wearing decades of natural patina, it gave him exactly the foundation he was looking for.
The truck is powered by a modified 1993 Cummins 3.9-liter 4BT diesel backed by an NV4500 five-speed manual transmission. Compound HX30 and HX35 turbochargers, custom fabrication, a Ford 9-inch rear axle, four-link rear suspension, Slam Specialties air bags, and a Camaro front subframe transform the old work truck into a completely different machine.
Detroit Steel Wheels complete the exterior while allowing the original weathered body to remain the star of the build.
Featured in the September 2026 Gauge Magazine, Ike’s International represents exactly what a driver-focused custom truck can be: unique, functional, powerful, and full of character.
Ike and his friend Greg spent roughly three years putting the truck together, but the project continues to evolve as Ike experiments with different turbo, injector, and performance combinations.
See Ike Coursolle’s 1954 International R110 feature and full photo gallery
Nick Edwards’ 1957 Chevy Bel Air combines one of Chevrolet’s most recognizable body styles with modern performance and a stance that makes the classic Tri-Five impossible to overlook.
Nick wanted a car that could combine classic American muscle with comfortable cruising, and the 1957 Bel Air gave him the perfect starting point.
Under the hood sits a 400-cubic-inch BluePrint Racing Engines V8 producing approximately 510 horsepower. The engine is equipped with an Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4 EFI system, ceramic-coated long-tube headers, true 3-inch dual exhaust, a CVF serpentine system, aluminum radiator, and plenty of polished and chrome details.
The original frame remains underneath the car but has been upgraded with Ridetech suspension components. The Chevy sits approximately three inches lower in the front and 2.5 inches lower in the rear, giving the Bel Air an aggressive stance without taking away from its classic character.
A staggered set of US MAG Rambler wheels features 18-inch wheels up front and 20-inch wheels in the rear, working perfectly with the car’s deep high-gloss black paint and bright chrome trim.
Nick calls the Bel Air “June Carter,” a nickname that fits the black exterior and his “Man in Black” inspiration. The combination of timeless Tri-Five styling and modern horsepower makes the Chevy one of the standout vehicle features in the September 2026 Gauge Magazine.
Photos by Dan “Double D” Davis.
See Nick Edwards’ 1957 Chevy Bel Air feature and full photo gallery
The story behind Brian Smith’s 1993 Toyota Pick-Up, “Low T,” makes this mini truck much more than another custom build.
The Toyota started as a father-and-son project before eventually making its way into Brian’s family. Brian and his son took over the unfinished project and spent approximately four years bringing the truck together.
Low T rides on a custom suspension setup featuring a three-link rear suspension, Air Lift bags, dual compressors, and an old-school manual valve system that allows the Toyota to lay frame.
A set of genuine 1993 15-inch Boyd wheels keeps the truck connected to the era that helped make mini trucking what it is today.
Inside, Lucky’s Upholstery created an unmistakable pink-and-purple interior featuring a 4Runner dashboard and console, Geo Storm seats, billet accessories, and plenty of custom details.
Low T combines old-school mini truck style with a family story that makes the finished truck even more meaningful. Its history and traditional mini truck styling make it a perfect fit for the September 2026 Gauge Magazine lineup.
Photos by John Mumaw.
See Brian Smith’s 1993 Toyota Pick-Up “Low T” feature and full photo gallery
The featured vehicles are only part of the September 2026 Gauge Magazine. Gauge Magazine photographers were back on the road covering custom cars, trucks, racing, and automotive events from Nevada to North Carolina and Indianapolis.
The A Day to Remember Car & Truck Show returned to Las Vegas on November 8, 2025, bringing the custom automotive community together for another unforgettable gathering.
Hosted by Freaks of Nature LV, the show featured mini trucks, slammed full-size trucks, classic cars, custom builds, Volkswagens, and vehicles representing nearly every corner of the custom scene.
A Day to Remember has always been about more than vehicles. The event also celebrates the friendships created through the automotive lifestyle while remembering the enthusiasts and friends the community has lost along the way.
Our A Day to Remember coverage adds a strong West Coast presence to the event lineup inside the September 2026 Gauge Magazine issue.
Photos by Cheri Delgadillo.
See the complete A Day to Remember 2025 coverage and photo gallery
The SouthEast All Truck Show 2025 brought custom trucks from throughout the region to Maggie Valley, North Carolina, October 9-11, 2025.
The show featured everything from slammed mini trucks and full-size customs to lifted trucks, diesel builds, classics, and one-of-a-kind creations.
With the mountains surrounding Maggie Valley providing the backdrop, the SouthEast All Truck Show offers a setting that is just as memorable as the trucks filling the show grounds.
The event continues to attract builders and enthusiasts who appreciate every style of custom truck rather than focusing on only one part of the scene.
This Maggie Valley event coverage is another highlight of the Gauge Magazine September 2026 issue and showcases the variety found throughout today’s custom truck scene.
Photos by Chris Gosda.
See the SouthEast All Truck Show 2025 coverage and full photo gallery
The 2025 Performance Racing Industry Show returned to Indianapolis December 11-13, bringing together some of the biggest companies, builders, racers, manufacturers, and innovators in the performance industry.
Better known simply as the PRI Show, the annual event fills the Indiana Convention Center with race cars, engines, performance parts, fabrication equipment, motorsports technology, and new products from throughout the racing world.
Produced by Performance Racing Industry, PRI brings together the companies and professionals that help shape the future of motorsports and high-performance automotive technology.
From drag racing and circle track to road racing, off-road competition, and high-horsepower street performance, PRI gives enthusiasts a look at where the performance automotive industry is heading next.
Gauge Magazine was there capturing the cars, products, people, and horsepower that make PRI one of the biggest performance events of the year. The show adds a heavy dose of racing and performance technology to the September 2026 Gauge Magazine.
Photos by John Mumaw.
See the complete PRI Show 2025 Indianapolis coverage and photo gallery
Rounding out the September 2026 Gauge Magazine issue is this month’s Gauge Girl, Kortney, photographed by John Mumaw.
Kortney is a hairstylist who enjoys modeling, cars, working out, and spending time outdoors. Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, shooting, riding dirt bikes, paddle boarding, and just about anything that gets her outside.
She is also a genuine automotive enthusiast who attends car shows and says one of her favorite parts of the experience is hearing high-horsepower engines.
Her own vehicle is a lifted cherry-red Jeep Wrangler with a six-speed manual transmission sitting on 37-inch tires, while her dream ride is a classic 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS.
The September 2026 Gauge Magazine Gauge Girl feature includes Kortney’s complete interview along with a full photo gallery.
Photos by John Mumaw.
Meet Gauge Girl Kortney and see her complete interview and photo gallery
From a Cummins-powered 1954 International R110 and Brian Smith’s frame-laying 1993 Toyota Pick-Up to Nick Edwards’ 510-horsepower 1957 Chevy Bel Air, the September 2026 Gauge Magazine shows just how diverse the custom automotive world continues to be.
Add in event coverage from A Day to Remember in Las Vegas, the SouthEast All Truck Show in Maggie Valley, and the PRI Show in Indianapolis, and there is plenty to explore throughout this month’s Gauge Magazine.
Whether you are into classic cars, mini trucks, lowered trucks, diesel builds, hot rods, racing, or custom automotive culture, the September 2026 Gauge Magazine issue brings together the vehicles, people, events, and stories that keep the scene moving forward.
Check out each feature above, browse the complete photo galleries, and flip through the full September 2026 issue of Gauge Magazine below.
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