Customer Steve G. poured his heart and soul into his Mk4 Roadster, Wildfire—and the hard work has paid off!
Wildfire’s 2024 show season was one to remember with 24 shows and 25 awards. Steve G. even picked up a double win at a hometown event he once helped organize. That show featured two special awards: People’s Choice and Queen’s Choice. Each year, a community queen is selected, and as part of the celebration, she chooses her favorite car and gets a ride in it. This year, she chose Wildfire.
Steve used a beveled mirror and paint to create a stunning award case for his awards from the most recent car show he attended in La Crosse, Wisconsin this spring. He also keeps an award shelf beneath a Ford Trucks sign from the dealership he retired from.
This year Steve attended his first invite-only indoor shows. Steve’s nephew, Gavin, took pictures and video of Wildfire at Rod and Custom Car Show in Monticello, Iowa. Steve says, “Monticello was the first show Wildfire was invited to, where it received awards for 2nd in Class – Special Interest with a cash prize, and earned 4th for Best of Show by a difference of 4 points.”
From there, Wildfire was accepted to the Custom Auto Show in La Crosse, Wisconsin Wildfire swept the competition, earning First Place in Class – Special Interest, Best Engine, Best Paint, Best Interior, and Best Display. There was another Factory Five there that received 2nd place!
With a Blueprint 427 CID, Tremec 5-speed, Ford IRS 3.55 rear end, Wilwood brakes, diamond-stitched interior, and a striking 2012 Ford Tricoat White Pearl/Silver Stripes finish, Wildfire is truly one-of-a-kind.
But beyond the trophies, Wildfire is a deeply personal tribute to Steve’s late wife, Carol, and daughter, Brenda Marie. Every mile driven or show attended is a way to honor their memory.
Steve bravely shares, “I lost my wife Carol to cancer and later my daughter Brenda Marie, who missed her mom deeply. In their memory, I support cancer and suicide awareness whenever I can. My Mk4 Roadster is named Wildfire after the Michael Martin Murphey song—a story of loss, hard work, and the hope of riding together again one day. Thank you to Factory Five. I’m truly humbled.”
Congratulations, Steve, on an incredible season and an unforgettable build.
Read more about Wildfire’s journey: www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/steve-g-graduates-his-mk4-roadster-build-named-wildfire