In celebration of Car Audio and Electronics' 20th Anniversary, we've been showcasing memorable cars from the past two decades. Here we've listed the first 10 cars, all built by competitors and enthusiasts.
Which ride catches your eye? Click the links below for the full stories behind each vehicle. Then, vote for your favorite below.
1. Mark Fukuda's Chevy S-10 Blazer
Mark Fukuda won big with his Chevy S-10 Blazer, which not only played loud by taking records regularly, but sounded great, too. Over 8,000 watts of power came from Rockford Fosgate amps, and RF also filled in for the speakers.
2. Michael Galligan's Honda Civic Si
Just a glance at the exterior of Michael Galligan's Electron Blue 1999 Honda Civic Si might not elicit much of a response. But with a touchscreen monitor and homegrown computer software, courtesy of John Lopes, to control numerous system functions, the car has more than meets the eye.
3. Justin Efkowitz's Chrysler 300M
The word unique hardly suffices when describing Justin Efkowitz's Chrysler 300M. With a custom-sculpted interior and door motorization, the car's solid audio system compliments its modern aesthetic.
4. Wayne Watkins' Acura RSX
Shunning video sources and monitors, competitor Wayne Watkins set out to build a pure, solid audio system in this 2003 Acura RSX. With the aid of a customized 3-way front stage system, the car earned him the title of 2005 IASCA Ultra-Pro 601-and-up World Champion.
5. Phattaraphong Ongsiriwattana's BMW 525
Phattaraphong Ongsiriwattana built this one-of-a-kind BMW 525 in Thailand, where the talented artisans at his shop, Mirage Audio, created the beautiful exterior flame motifs. Outfitted with DLS equipment, the interior is equally striking.
6. James Betz's Mercedes Benz
James Betz's 2001 CLK 55 AMG Mercedes Benz masterfully blends custom work with the car's sleek natural look. The 5-inch custom fabricated visor monitors that operate only when the vehicle is in Park are one of many highlights.
7. Mark Eldridge's Toyota 4Runner
Putting some research in, Mark Eldridge didn't build the system of his 1987 Toyota 4Runner before mapping out the vehicle's acoustical challenges. The result is an efficient and effective competition vehicle/daily driver.
8. Audio llusionz Corvette
Laughing in the face of the Microsoft technicians who said it couldn't be done, the team at Audio Illusionz in Redding, CA dismantled an XBOX to create an integrated install in this 2003 C5 Corvette.
9. Alma Gates'Ford Bronco
Alma Gates, matriarch of Team Gates, is well known for her thunderous Ford Broncos. The iteration known as the "Beast" took advantage of 48 10-inch Kicker Solo-Baric L7 Subwoofers and 48 Kicker ZR1000 Amplifiers.
10. Gary Biggs' Buick Regal
Taking a cue from SpeakerWorks' Buick Grand National, Gary Biggs outfitted his own 1982 Buick Regal Limited with system after system. All iterations mowed down the competition. Pictured here is the 2002 version complete with a Denon Z1 head unit, Rane ME30 studio EQs, JBL components and a Kicker sub and amps.
11. James Cotta's Mack B-73 BLT
James and Debby Cotta's 1956 Mack B-73 BLT is one of the more unusual vehicles we've featured. The head unit and EQ had to be dismantled and refabricated to fit in the dash. With limited space, the subwoofers and two amps are in the cab while another amp and crossovers stick outside through a cut-through.