In the unassuming town of Tiffin, Ohio, nestled among the soybean fields, lies a powerhouse of innovation and craftsmanship: Smitty’s Custom Automotive. For 25 years, this hidden gem has been producing high-performance cars that not only look impeccable but also dominate on the track. Their reputation for building cars that run flawlessly while enduring the rigors of racing is legendary, with a motto that says it all: “If we build it, you’re going to beat it. And if you can beat it, you’re not going to break it.”

Mastering the Craft

At Smitty’s Custom Automotive, led by owner Chris Smith, their attention to detail is unparalleled. “We build show cars, race cars, and everything in between,” says Smitty. The shop, spanning 20,000 square feet, houses cutting-edge equipment and a team dedicated to creating top-tier vehicles. Whether it’s bolting on high-performance parts or building a custom chassis from the ground up, Smitty’s does it all.

The shop has earned accolades in prestigious competitions like Street Machine of the Year and Street Rod of the Year. Their signature style is about blending aesthetics and performance, ensuring each car is as functional on the road as it is stunning to look at. The partnership with Speedtech Performance is a testament to this balance, using their full range of components—from bolt-on parts to full IRS chassis—to create extraordinary builds.

Racing Runs in the Family

One unique aspect of Smitty’s Custom Automotive is the family involvement in racing. Chris’s sons, Jason and Colin, are deeply integrated into the shop’s operations and the world of competitive driving. The boys’ racing exploits are well-documented, and the shop’s simulator helps them prepare for new tracks and challenges. In fact, Jason recently clinched victory in a high-profile event, and his success has the team planning a dedicated trophy case just for him.

Jason and Colin are part of the reason Smitty’s continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Colin, just 15, races a C5 Corvette equipped with components from After Dark, featuring ForgeLine wheels, Wilwood brakes, and Speedtech suspension parts. Despite not yet having a driver’s license, Colin placed 20th out of 50 at a GoodGuys event—proving the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Modernizing Classics

At Smitty’s, it’s not just about creating new cars but also revitalizing classics with modern technology. A prime example is a Chevelle purchased at a Mecum auction. The customer wanted a more reliable, high-performance machine without compromising its classic appeal. Smitty’s team replaced the outdated components with Speedtech’s bolt-on suspension, Wilwood brakes, and a new Holley Terminator fuel injection system. The result? A car that not only looks incredible but drives like a dream, offering both show quality and street performance.

And it’s not just about horsepower—it’s about making that power usable. With features like torque arms and fine-tuned shocks, their cars are optimized to grip the road and handle like modern-day race machines.

A Legacy in the Making

Whether it’s a third-gen Camaro or a vintage split-window Corvette, Smitty’s Custom Automotive has solidified its reputation as a builder that marries form and function. The shop is a frequent collaborator with industry leaders like Speedtech and has mastered the art of integrating new technologies into beloved classics. Their ability to produce race-ready vehicles that are also showstoppers is why they’ve become a fixture in the pro-touring world.

Their story is one of hard work, dedication, and family. Chris, Jason, and Colin are building a legacy, not just for themselves but for anyone who walks through the doors of their shop. From high-performance upgrades to full custom builds, Smitty’s Custom Automotive is proving that sometimes the best things come from unexpected places—like the soybean fields of Tiffin, Ohio.