The National Auto Body Council announced today the winner of the Best Paint Award Presented by Axalta in the NABC Rides for a Reason Virtual Car Show Presented by United Recyclers Group. Top honors go to Gary Unverzagt for his two-tone paint job on his 1965 Pontiac GTO.

“I love the overall look of the color combination, quality and color contrast on this car,” said Keith Bell, distribution and industry relations director, North America for Axalta Coating Systems, who judged for the special award. “There were a number of incredible paint schemes and paint jobs. Congratulations to Gary for his creativity, attention to detail and beautiful outcome.”

Unverzagt purchased the complete vehicle partially disassembled. It is a total frame-off restoration. A retired firefighter who works on old cars and trucks as a hobby in his shop every day, he has little experience in restoration, but has learned his skills with each project, says NABC.

Unverzagt’s modifications included:

• Rebuilt the motor with some modifications to increase power.
• Rebuilt the clutch and transmission, rear end, and added air ride suspension and disc brakes.
• Added a digital dash, and did the body work ready for paint, including bumpers. This was Unverzagt’s first vehicle restoration.

The show is an innovative fundraising event that allowed car lovers across America to join NABC members, their company employees and auto enthusiasts to put their passion and pride on display. Proceeds support the National Auto Body Council mission of Changing and Saving Lives through initiatives like the NABC Recycled Rides program, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.) program and NABC Drive Out Distraction program. The NABC Rides for a Reason Virtual Car Show Presented by URG entries are all available in the Car Corral.

“Thank you to Axalta for its support of the NABC Rides for a Reason Virtual Car Show, and to Keith Bell for serving as the judge for the Best Paint Award Presented by Axalta,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of the National Auto Body Council.  “There were a lot of incredible paint jobs among the entries, and we thank everyone for showing off their pride and joy while supporting the programs of the NABC.”

Sponsors of the NABC Rides for a Reason Virtual Car were URG, Axalta, All Star Auto Lights, Allstate, CARSTAR, Find Pigtails, Goodyear Brakes and Maaco.