The three-day and three-night American Spirit 2026 festival has come to an end, along with one of the event’s most anticipated competitions — Best of Show by Signeda.

This year, the festival set a new record, with an incredible 419 crews gathering at Druskininkai Airfield. Among hundreds of exceptional American cars and motorcycles, the jury faced the difficult task of selecting the very best vehicles in each category.

A Renewed Best of Show Jury

This year, the vehicles were evaluated by a renewed jury consisting of three highly experienced automotive specialists:

Gintaras Tamulevičius from Old School Garage — a long-standing member of the Best of Show jury, well known to regular American Spirit participants.

Julius Puidokas from RetroNILL — a collector of historic cars, an expert in unique vehicles and a true automotive enthusiast.

Mindaugas Sokas from SMG Garage — a professional classic-car restorer with extensive knowledge of restoration work, technical solutions and vehicle authenticity.

Throughout all three days of the festival, the jury inspected the participants’ vehicles, spoke with their owners, discussed their findings and compared numerous exceptional machines. After many hours of intensive work, the best of the best were finally revealed.

Best of Show by Signeda Winners

Best Classic — Gintautas Bobraitis — 1935 Plymouth PJ

Best Oldies — Charles Evans — 1968 AMC AMX

Best Young — Rolandas Liuksas — 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT

Best Modern — Jovilė Paulauskienė — 2022 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Best Muscle — Valerij Zacharevič — 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Best Van — Artūras Novikovas — 1994 Chevrolet G20 Gladiator

Best Truck — Andris Vasins — 1975 Ford Ranchero

Best 4x4 — Amit Keret — 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Best Special Interest — Alvydas Mandeika — 1985 Chevrolet M1009

Best Cabrio — Tadas Medelinskas — 1975 Chevrolet

Best Rod — Egidijus Jasiūnas — 1923 Ford T Hot Rod

Best Motorcycle — Gintaras Sotas — 1984 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead

Best Sport — Smiltė Valutytė — 2000 Junior Dragster

Ugliest — Tomas Michniovas — 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Project in Progress — Mantas Ulevičius — 1974 Dodge Challenger

Best of the Best — Charles Evans and His 1968 AMC AMX

The most prestigious title of the evening, Best of the Best, was awarded to Charles Evans and his exceptional 1968 AMC AMX.

Representing Vilnius and the V8 Club, Charles arrived at the festival with a classic car powered by an eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of approximately six litres. His AMC AMX received recognition from the jury twice: first as the winner of the Best Oldies category and later as the overall best car of the entire American Spirit 2026 festival.

The AMC AMX is a distinctive model in the history of classic American motoring, originally produced by the American Motors Corporation. Its unmistakable character, sporty proportions and powerful V8 engine made it one of the most fascinating American cars of its era.

There was also a fitting coincidence: Charles’ festival participant number was 1968, matching the year in which his car was manufactured.

Charles Evans proved that a true Best of the Best vehicle requires more than a shining body and a powerful engine. It must combine history, individuality, character and the dedication of its owner.

Our warmest congratulations to Charles Evans on his well-deserved victory and the most prestigious American Spirit 2026 Best of Show by Signeda title!

We also congratulate all category winners and thank every participant who presented their car or motorcycle for the jury’s evaluation. Your vehicles, their stories and your dedication are what create the true spirit of the American Spirit festival.

We would also like to thank Signeda for presenting and supporting the Best of Show competition, as well as the members of the jury for their responsible and challenging work.