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Pomona Fairplex

2020 Grand National Roadster Show at Pomona

71st Annual 2020 Grand National Roadster Show

When the 1932 Ford Muroc Roadster arrived at the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show its owner was in hopes that it could be chosen as America’s Most Beautiful Roadster. The award is one of the most coveted trophies in the custom car hobby. So when the presentation came this evening Monty Belsham of Houston, British Columbia, Canada was on pins and needles. That was the moment he will be remembering for a long time. His flamed Muroc Roadster will go down in history as one of America’s Most Beautiful Roadsters. 

The Muroc Roadster was one of the original Kugel Highboy roadsters built by Jerry Kugel. When Belsham bought the car some time back he took it to Squeeg’s Kustoms to put his personal touches on the car. Tonight it is among the most famous ’32 roadsters of all time. 

  • 1932 Ford Roadster

Monty Belsham’s 1932 Ford Roadster is called the ’32 Kugel Muroc No. 4. It was one of the original Highboys built by Jerry Kugel. But Monte wanted some updates, so he went to Squeeg’s Kustoms to make his dreams a reality. Metal fabrication was by Marcel’s Custom Metal. Gabe’s did the custom interior. (Vote for this roadster with your “Like” on our Facebook page.)

If you live on the West Coast, you grew up following the Grand National Roadster Show. To Californians it is the greatest car show in the country. The 71st annual, 2020 Grand National Roadster Show is being held at the Fairplex in Pomona, January 24-26, 2020. It is the longest running car show in America with deep roots in the American custom car hobby. Many say California hot rods lead the way in custom car technology. That’s why this show is so important every year. 

Cars-On-Line.com will be exploring the custom car displays in the seven auditoriums on the Pomona Fairplex grounds as we bring our readers up close and personal with the cars and the builders. Follow our Facebook posts all weekend to find our most recent updates. 

America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Trophy

Every year the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award, one of the most important awards in the custom car hobby, is presented to the owner of the best roadster here at the Grand National Roadster Show. The AMBR trophy is equivalent to a West Coast version of the Ridler Award. It is one of the most coveted awards in the street rodding world. The best builders in the country are represented here, and to be shown at the GNRS can establish your name brand in the industry.

The contenders for the AMBR award were announced here on Friday morning. Here are the other top contenders for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster for 2020:

  • 2020 Grand National Roadster Show
    1915 Ford Roadster

When Danny Eichstedt had the idea of building a “Low Cut” radical 1915 Ford T-Roadster, the idea was too over the edge for some.  But Walter & Thenia  Sigsbey of Los Angeles believed. So they built this radically low custom T-Roadster they call “Leg Show T.” The interior (look at the custom steering wheel) and top were done by Ron Mangus. The Jag rear end was by Curt Hamilton. (Vote for this roadster with your “Like” on our Facebook page.)

  • 1932 Ford Pickup

Vying for the 2020 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster title at the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show this year is Gary & Deborah DeVine’s 1932 Ford Roadster Pickup called War Paint. It was built by Denny Lesky and his Indiana Hot Rod Shop and Dave Shuten from Galpin Speed Shop. The PPG Envirobased paint was by Hot Dog, and all the chrome was by Advanced Plating. (Vote for this roadster with your “Like” on our Facebook page.)

  • 1932 Ford Roadster

When the media preview got started this morning this 1932 Ford Roadster called “Lil Evil” was being evil. Mike Dwight of Gilroy, California, is the designer and builder. But today his team was working overtime to get the car ready for the show with some last minute adjustments. The sheet metal is flawless, done by Dominator Street Rods. Roy Brizio helped with the chassis. Upholstery was by Sid Chavers. (Vote for this roadster with your “Like” on our Facebook page.)

  • 1932 Ford Roadster called "The Brownstone Roadster"

The Brownstone Roadster was entered here at the Grand National Roadster Show to compete for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster competition. There is no doubt that this is an elegant build. Owners Tom Firth & Jodi Lant from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, are hoping their entry will win the giant 9 1/2-foot trophy. It was built by Stokers Hot Rod Factory. (Vote for this roadster with your “Like” on our Facebook page.)

  • 1927 Ford Roadster

The altered track nosed Ford is a tribute to the early days of racing. This 1927 Ford Roadster they call “Ivy Reed” was built for owner John Ivy of Azusa, California. It was built by JMS Racing and Schraders Speed Shop. The track nose fabrication was by Luc Delay. Stitching was done by Rogellios Auto Upholstery. (Vote for this track nosed roadster with your “Like” on our Facebook page.)

  • 1932 Ford Roadster

This roadster began to come to life when Shun Kasai brought back a Deuce frame rail to Japan in 1989. Ken Katashio had the dream of building his own Deuce Roadster. He began to assemble the parts for his life long project. He acquired a Rod Bods body, Dearborn Deuce fenders, some Hallibrand parts, and more. But when Ken passed away in 2015, his friends decided to finish the car and show it as the Grand National Roadster Show in his honor. Here is Ken Katashio’s 1932 Ford Roadster. (Vote for Ken Katashio’s roadster with your “Like” on our Facebook page.)

  • 1934 Ford Roadster done as a Lincoln

The 1934 Ford Roadster owned by Brandi Laird of Bear, Delaware is an elegant resto rod with an interesting theme. They call it “Lady Laird Lincoln V-12” because of the incredible Flathead Lincoln V-12 which was prepared by H&H Flatheads. They are specialists in Flathead Ford engines, combining old time engines with modern day technology. The car was built at Adams Hot Rod Shop in Rydal, Georgia. They used an American Speed body, and Chad Adams was involved in the metal fabrication, bodywork, paint and interior. Just look at that engine compartment. (Vote for the Lady Laird Lincoln with your “Like” on our Facebook page.)

  • 1932 Ford Roadster
The 1932 Ford Roadster owned by Gary Mower from Big River, California was one of the more visually stunning contenders for this year’s America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award. Paint and fabrication were completed by Showtime Rod & Kustom. The interior was done by Ron Mangus. (Be sure to click to vote for the Mower ’32 Ford with your “Like” on our Facebook page.) 

  • 1927 Ford Roadster called "Twin Fan Special"
Of the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster contenders, this 1927 Ford Roadster is the most interesting. Owners Dustin & Dawn Smith were harking back to the old days of street rodding. With machine turned metal panels, this early hot rod look had the most character of any of the entries. The motor is a 226 ci 6 cylinder. They call the car the Twin Fan Special. It is built with a ’27 body sheel and a ’39 Ford transmission. The rear end is a Quick Change. (If you want to show your support for the ’27 Ford Roadster click “Like at the link on our Facebook page.)

The AMBR Award trophy itself stands nine-and-a-half feet tall and was designed to be the largest custom car show trophy you could win anywhere. And it will pay $12,500 to the winner. That makes it the second highest payout for any trophy award in the country. Only the Ultimate Best in Show Winner at Hot August Nights in Reno, Nevada pays more ($15,000.) 

On Friday, the contenders for the AMBR will have already been chosen and we’ll have all the photos for you right here on this page. So bookmark this blog to come back on Friday for the updates. Then get set to vote for your favorites on our Facebook page. Our blog will be updated in real time with video interviews and a gallery of the best cars we find at the show. 

Al Slonaker Award

The other big award this year was the Al Slonaker Award for the top (non-roadster) show car. It was just announced that the award went to the 1936 Willys Pickup owned by  Ron and Vicki Ernsberger of Napolean, Ohio. This is a class build done by Tin Man’s Garage out of Sycamore, Illinois. The award winning truck took home a check from ARP Automotive Products for $12,500. 

1936 Willys Pickup wins award at the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show

A big change for this year at the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show is the elevated status for the Al Slonaker Award. The award is to honor Al and Mary Slonaker, for founding the Grand National Roadster Show and making it one of the most important car shows in the country. While the AMBR trophy has always been the top trophy in the hobby, this year the Al Slonaker Award will have a new status. The aim of GNRS officials is to make the Slonaker Award on a similar status to the AMBR Award. The trophy is huge. And the payout to the winner is the same. The winner of the Al Slonaker Award will also recieve $12,500, just like the AMBR Award winner. 

Here are all the contenders for this year’s 2020 Al Slonaker Award:

  • 1968 Camaro Custom contends for the Al Slonaker Award

There is also a rules change for those who want to compete for the Slonaker Award this year. To qualify for the Slonaker Trophy, the custom car or truck must be a fresh build, never having been shown anywhere before. 

Over 500 custom show cars will be on display here in seven exhibition buildings at the Pomona Fairplex. The top cars in the country are here to compete for a place in their class. Entries from Japan, Sweden, New Zealand, Canada and Australia will be on display. In fact, one whole building here at the Pomona Fairplex will be packed with Woodies sponsored by the Southern California Woody Club. Many of these cars you may have seen at the Doheny Wood Show or Wavecrest Woodie Show.

Here is a slider we shot today during the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show. 

  • 2020 Grand National Roadster Show special cars
    Kookie (Ed Burns) Kar from 77 Sunset Strip TV Show

As a new display for 2020, a special themed building will house a “Drag Racing: Then and Now” exhibit, presented by Lucas Oil and sponsored by Cragar Wheels. It will showcase drag cars from the early days and up until today. Dragsters, Funny Cars, A/FX, Pro Stocks, Fuel Altereds, Pro-Mods, Super Gas, Wheel Standers and Jr Dragsters will be on display. Many famous drivers are promised to be in attendance. 

In addition, on Saturday and Sunday, a car show wil be held outside on the grounds with another 600 to 800 local cars on display for the 15th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In Show.

 

 

 

 

2016 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Winner AMBR Announced

1932 Ford Highboy Roadster wins America's Most Beautiful Roadster trophy at the Grand National Roadster Show
Darryl Hollenbeck’s 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster wins America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA.

 

2016 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award …

The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award winner for 2016 is a 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster owned by Darryl Hollenbeck. The award, which is the West Coast equivalent of the Ridler Award, was presented to Hollenbeck as the final trophy presentation here at the Grand National Roadster Show at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California. Over 500 show cars were on display here at the Fairplex. Hollenbeck’s ’32 Ford was chosen out of a group of 13 top contenders as the 2016 AMBR winner.

The OD green color reminds everyone of the military. It’s part of the “old school” charm of the 1932 Ford Roadster brought to the show by Darryl and Terri Hollenbeck of Concord, California. Cory Taubert, Dan Webb and Darryl built the car using a Brookville all-steel body. The chassis work was done by Dan’s Webb Automotive Art with Cory’s help. Darryl did the custom mixed PPG paintwork himself. The interior and top were done by Sid Shavers. Sherm’s Plating and Advance Plating were used to do the chrome. Bill Ganahl and  South City Rod & Custom did the final assembly. Here are detailed photos of Hollenbeck’s ’32.

As they let us through the gates at the 2016 Grand National Roadster Show on Friday, media photographers all streaked in to get a shot of the 1932 Ford Muroc Roadster designed by legendary street rod builder Chip Foose. Little did we know that the top 13 cars were all going to be in that category. Winning the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) trophy this year was not going to be a cakewalk.  This is what they call a “Rerun Year” where some of the top runners-up from former years have been invited back to compete again. If you followed our Facebook page you know that our readers “Liked” the Chip Foose built 1932 Ford Muroc Roadster owned by Maureen and Jerry Magnuson. Take a look at some of the photos of the top contenders below.

The 1932 Ford Muroc Roadster called “Magnatude” is an all-steel build with creative design by Chip Foose. The metal crafting on the body was done by Marcel’s Custom Metal. The car has actually logged many miles on rod runs. Many of you may remember it from the Hot Rod Power Tour. The car is owned by Maureen Magnuson, so, of course, it is powered by an LS Chevy motor with a Magnuson Supercharger. The radiator was specially designed by Magnuson for cold air intake. Among the “one-off” features is a special steering wheel and rear view mirror by Foose. Wheels are of course one-off by Foose.

  • 1932 Ford Muroc Roadster

Most of the automotive press covering the Grand National Roadster Show this year thought this one would be the winner. Hall of Fame custom designer and builder, Rick Dore, wanted to create a European style custom coachbuilt car using truly American styling. The result is this amazing 1934 Packard Roadster called “Aquarius.” Dore designed this elegant custom for James Hetfield of the rock group Metallica. The body was done by Marcel’s Custom Metal out of a stack of sheet metal. Known designers such as Eric Brockmeyer helped with the styling. The paint is PPG Liquid Metal applied by Benny Flores and Art Himsl. The upholstery is by Ron Mangas. These are some of the today’s best craftsman in custom car building. Like we said. The competition for this year’s America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award was brutal. This is possibly the best lineup of cars the Grand National Roadster Show has ever put together.

  • 1934 Packard Roadster at Grand National Roadster Show
    1934 Packard Roadster

The black 1932 Ford Roadster owned by Dean Scott of Gilroy, California has a long history. Like most early street rods this one was originally a mild build for racing. It was purchased by Dick Easton in the 1950’s. Later it was redone in the 1960’s and again in the 1970’s when it was featured in Street Rodder magazine as well as Custom & Classic magazine. It is a complete redo at this point featuring Pete and Jakes drilled and plated I-beam axle, disc brakes and tube shocks. It has a Winters Quickchange rear end. The Ford 302 has EU stacks to feed the hypo’ed beast. The interior uses modern hides with updated dash and instruments designed to look period correct.

  • 1932 Ford Roadster at the Grand National Roadster Show
    1932 Ford Roadster

Ron Simm, now of Phoenix, Arizona, had a dream to take a car to Bonneville. That was when he was an old farm boy growing up in Iowa. The result of that dream is this 1931 Ford Roadster Pickup he calls “Salt Scorpion,” built with a salt racer theme. It has an all-steel Brookville body, with the windshiled chopped 2 ½ inches and tilted back 10 degrees. Likewise, the ’34 Ford grille is laid back 10 degrees to match the windshield. The engine is a big block Chevy 396/375 hp with Offenhauser cross-ram intake manifold. Notice the Hallibrand styled wheels and Zoomie Headers.

  • 1931 Ford Roadster Pickup at the Grand National Roadster Show
    1931 Ford Roadster Pickup called "Salt Scorpion"

Called the “Stirnemann Brothers 31A-V8,” this 1930 Ford Roadster was entered in the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster competition by Jack Stirnemann of St Louis, Missouri. Channelled two inches at the cowl, the frame was narrowed with 46 cross members. The front pan was chopped and sectioned, hand made top chopped 3-plus inches, with rolled rear pan. It comes with Hallibrand Quick Change rear end and knock-off wheels. The heart of the build is the Ford flathead engine with Stromberg 97’s and Navarro intake.

  • 1930 Ford Roadster at GNRS
    1930 Ford Roadster

We did a Periscope video interviewing Charly Spencer from Charly’s Garage on Friday. Charly’s father designed the build as a tribute to the famous mid-‘50s hot rod “The Neuman Special.” It was built for owner Chris C. Evans of Scottsdale, Arizona. They call it “Blue Bayou,” for its striking powder blue finish. The paint is Xalta Blue custom mixed for this car. Charly said there are over 100 hand-crafted parts on this build. It has a hand-built frame, pinched, 4” dropped front, Quick Change rear end with buggy type spring, and hand crafted front hair pins and front spring pocket, front spreader bar, radiator to firewall bars, steering arm with exposed linkage like on early race cars. The attention to detail is phenomenal. We’ll try to get that Periscope video on this page so you can view it here.

  • 1931 Ford Roadster at Grand National Roadster Show
    1931 Ford Roadster called "Blue Bayou"

Talk about an historic theme car. Michigan owner Jeff Romig was aware of the history behind the employees at the Long Beach, California Ford plant desire to build a hybrid Lincoln and Ford art deco roadster using the design techniques of the Zephyr. This is his tribute to that dream. It is a custom 1936 Ford Deluxe Roadster like no other. It was designed by Eric Black of Hollywood Hot Rods. He attempted to design what “could have been” with the tools they had back in the day. It was built with the same pride that Ford workers have always put into Ford products.

  • 1936 Ford Deluxe Roadster at Grand National Roadster Show
    1936 Ford Deluxe Roadster

An elegant and beautiful 1933 Ford Roadster would be a top show car in any concours in the country. Owned by Phillip Ray of Auburn, California, it features an LS2 Chevy V8 with a Magnuson Supercharger. It has perfect fit and finish. Ray said the car was inspired  by Byron Robeck of Santa Clara, California. Robeck’s Finish Line did the interior.  Jim Farnham of Executive wheels did the wheel design. Stockdale’s Hot Rod Paint did the finish, a custom mixed color that they call Seafoam Green, but looks like a Silver/Green mist. It has a Kugel front end with coilovers. Ray told us today that this car is for sale. He is hoping to find a buyer through the incredible exposure here at Pomona.

  • 1933 Ford Roadster

Jim Wright of Custom Chrome Plating built this car from a rendering by Dave Bell. Squeeg Jerger did the metal crafting to make it work. It has a Heidt’s independent front suspension and Air Ride suspension. The mechanicals, final assembly and detail were done by East Coast Hot Rod Garage in Denton, Maryland. Hot Rod Garage from Sand Springs, Oklahoma did the headlights, running boards and paint. Larry and Mark Keagan, and Kevin Green from Fremont, Ohio built the engine. Squeeg did the final spray on the black finish.

  • 1936 Ford Roadster contends for America's Most Beautiful Roadster trophy
    1936 Ford Roadster

The 1932 Ford Roadster Pickup was brought to the Grand National Roadster Show by owner Wes Rawlins of Charlotte, North Carolina. The hot rod pickup was built by Troy Ladd of Hollywood Hot Rods in California from a rendering by Eric Black. The wheels were also designed by Black. The frame was stretched, pinched and kicked up above the rear axle. The all-steel body and the bed are from Brookville. Stephen Cognata at The Paint Shop did the finish. The engine is a Kaase Boss 429, 503 ci, Comp cam, Lunati crank. It has a stack injection with a FAST XFI ECU. Will produce 629 horsepower.

  • 1932 Ford Roadster Pickup at Grand National Roadster Show
    1932 Ford Roadster Pickup in the running for America's Most Beautiful Roadster

Tom Lieb, Pete Chapouris and his Pomona So-Cal Speed Shop, and especially Jimmy Shine all combined to build this old school 1929 Ford Highboy Roadster treasure. Tom called it the SCAT, “a junkyard dog with pedigree” he called it. The chassis is a So-Cal Speed Shop perimeter build with hand-built C channel. Tom had saved parts such as a ’36 rear axle bells on a Hallibrand sprint car third member from his racing days. He used a 288 ci AB Ford flathead engine with SCAT crank, H-beam rods, Winfield cam, and Edelbrock heads and intake. You will not the Stromberg 97 carburetors, and even a David Key 4-speed transmission. The list of old school racing parts goes on and on. This was a build for the ages.

The original all-steel 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster displayed here by Gary Matranga has been a contender for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster twice before. Once in 1989 and again in 1991. In 1989 it was featured on the cover of Rod & Custom magazine. Matranga’s Hemi powered ’32 was called “White Lightning” by Rod & Custom. It was hand-built by Dennis King at Kings Fabrication in Turlock, California.

  • 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster at Grand National Roadster Show
    1932 Ford Highboy Roadster

We’re here at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. The show runs January 29-31, 2016 here at the Pomona Fairplex. It is the nation’s largest street rod show, where all the top builders in the country compete for the coveted America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy.  Below are the cars being considered for America’s top award in the street rod hobby. Our Cars On Line readers will have a chance to vote for their favorites. Watch for our posts on Facebook. The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winner will be announced on Sunday night. You’ll see it here first.

Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum

Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum

While we were reporting the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show the pre-show press conference was held at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. We had seen it once before, but we were so impressed with the new displays they’ve created here that we thought we’d show some of the museum displays to you here. If you have followed the history of street rodding you know that it was born in a racing heritage. Hot rodding in California was all about racing, seeing how fast you could go on the salt flats or dry lake beds. So the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum on the grounds of the Pomona Fairplex is a history book about early California hot rodding.

Henry-Ford-32-Ford
One of the new displays at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is a tribute to Henry Ford and the quintessential 1932 Ford. It was the first V8 powered Ford produced on Henry Ford’s assembly line style manufacturing process which revolutionized the world of automobiles. Here, Henry and Edsel Ford statues observe their 1932 Ford. Edsel was the president of Ford from 1918 on and influenced the Fords of the 1930’s.
Parnelli-Jones-Mustang
The Vel’s Parnelli Jones Mustang Fuel Funny Car was actually built on a Plymouth chassis. Danny Ongais drove the car for Parnelli Jones. It has a supercharged Keith Black 472 ci Hemi engine. Ran 225.90 mph completing the quarter-mile in 6.90 seconds in 1973.
Melrose-Missile
When factory manufacturers got interested in drag racing by 1963 cars like the Melrose Missile III excited the fans of Super Stock events. The 426 ci Max Wedge car was the 1963 Winternationals champion and set a record at Half Moon Bay with a 12-second quarter-mile at 118.26 mph. The car has been restored and is owned by Bob Mosher.
Fred-Spade-Carillo-Roadster
We were surprised to see the Fred “Spade” Carillo 1927 Ford Bonneville Modified Roadster in the NHRA Museum. Cars On Line featured this car for sale in its May 2014 newsletter. Click here to review our story on this early California salt bed racer.
JE-Riley-Special
The J.E. Riley Special Fuel Dragster was the first Top Elimintor winner at the inaugural NHRA Nationals in Great Bend, KS in 1955. In 1958 it was renamed the Hot Rod Magazine Special and broke records at March Air Force Base. The car you see here is a reproduction of the orignal using some of the parts off the original race car. It did a 10.30 ET at 143.95 mph on its 274 ci Mercury flathead.
The-Glass-Slipper
The Glass Slipper Fuel and Gas Dragster was the first enclosed canopy, fiberglass bodied dragster. It was the fastest Chevy powered dragster at the NHRA Nats in Kansas City in 1956. In 1957 it won the Oakland Roadster show in the America’s Most Beautiful Competition Car. It continued to be a consistent winner through 1962.
Speed-Sport-Special
By mid-’57 the Speed Sport Special Modified Roadster was considered the “fastest car in drag racing” recording a 169.11 mph at Cordova, Illinois.  For three years it was never beaten in its class.

If you are in the Los Angeles area it is worth a trip to the Pomona Fairplex just to walk through the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and see all the early cars that made drag racing history.

We were here at the Fairplex to see the the competition for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award. If you have not yet read our report on the show and photo features here is a link to the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show.

 

 

 

2015 Grand National Roadster Show

1933 Ford Roadster wins America's Most Beautiful Roadster Award
Larry Olson’s 1933 Ford Roadster just won the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy at the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show. It was built at Bobby Alloway’s shop in Tennessee.

 

1933 Ford Roadster built by Bobby Alloway
is 2015 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster …

Larry Olson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota asked Bobby Alloway to build his 1933 Ford Roadster, and the rest is now hot rod history. This stunning flamed ’33 roadster has won the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy for 2015. The announcement was just made at the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. The awards ceremony at the GNRS just concluded and Olson’s 1933 Ford Roadster announcement was the finale of a great weekend event held at the Pomona Fairplex.

1933 Ford Roadster for America's Most Beautiful Roadster
Stunning scallop style PPG flames and brilliant chrome set this 1933 Ford Roadster apart from the rest. It was built at Bobby Alloway’s shop for Larry Olson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The interior was done by Steve Holcomb’s Pro Auto Upholstry. (Click any photo for a larger view.)

1933 Ford Roadster  1933 Ford Roadster  1933 Ford Roadster  1933 Ford Roadster steel panels  1933 Ford Roadster Stromberg 97s  1933 Ford Roadster show display

Long and low and crouched across its show display like a flaming black panther,  the 1933 Ford Roadster looked like the car to beat today. Alloway has set many trends in street rod building and his roadsters are famous. This one was stretched an extra two inches for a look and stance that is perfect. The secret to the car is in the details. The lines are simple and smooth, enhanced by perfectly formed steel body panels and gaps. It has Alloway wheels which complement the stance.

The engine is a 241 ci Dodge Red Ram Hemi fed by six Stromberg 97s set up in an original old school style. What you can’t see is the fuel injectors hidden in the cylinder heads. The car has a Tremec T-5 transmission, Winters Performance V8 Quick Change rearend, Posie suspension parts and Billet Specialties. An old school custom black interior was done by Steve Holcomb Pro Upholstry.

Olson brought the flamed black roadster to the 66th Annual Grand National Roadster Show to win the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy. And that is what he did.

Cars On Line Facebook followers also picked Larry Olson’s 1933 Ford Roadster as their favorite to be America’s Most Beautiful Roadster. COL readers were placing their “unofficial votes” for the AMBR winner on our Facebook page. The ’33 Roadster got 441 likes on Saturday, most of any of the AMBR contenders. Our readers agreed with the AMBR judges here in Pomona.

There were 18 entrants in the AMBR competition this year. We’ll show you the whole field here below.:

The Grass Hopper, a replica of the 1915 Ford T Roadster
The Grass Hopper, built in tribute to the 1915 Ford T-Roadster which graced the cover of Hot Rod Magazine back in the day when Hot Rod was just getting started. Sponsored by Galpin Ford. It has a ’49 Olds 303 mill now 461 ci displacemet, a Tom Beatty equipped 471 pruned blower,  1937 LaSalle transmission and Hallibrand Quick Change rear end. Brought to the show and owned by Beau Boeckmann of North Hills, California. (Click on the photos to see larger view.)

1915 Ford T Roadster, The Grass Hopper  1915 Ford T Roadster at the Grand National Roadster Show  1915 Ford T Roadster on the cover of October 1959 Hot Rod Magazine

 

1934 Ford Rats Glass Roadster for AMBR at the Grand National Roadster Show
Jack and Gail Taylor of Knoxville, Tennessee brought their black 1934 Speedstar Spyder to Pomona to compete in the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster competition. The glass roadster has a perfect body and paint. While most AMBR entrants were built by pro shops, Jack built his glass roadster in one stall of his garage at home. “Everything from the radiator back was done by me,” he told us. The Rats Glass body was transformed to a hidden top cabriolet by cutting and hinging the body section between the cockpit and trunk – it’s power operated. A Mazda Miata top frame was modified to fit. The powertrain is one of a kind. He used Nissan’s 5.6L aluminum DOHC 32-valve motor from the full size trucks (Titan) and mated it to a 6-speed manual via adapter plate. The grill was fab’d using 1/4″ aluminum plate. Hood extended accordingly and is powered. “The IFS is my own engineering using a pair of Helix spindles,” he said. The upper a-arms are fully adjustable where the aftermarket kits are not. (Click on photo of the front end below to see what he means. The IRS is a 5-link built around an Infiniti differential. “The links, inboard brakes, hub carriers, etc was my creation.” We think there out to be a category for home built cars. We applaud Jack for his achievement.  (Click the thumbnail photos for larger view.)

1934 Ford Rats Glass Roadster  1934 Ford Rats Glass Roadster  1934 Ford Rats Glass Roadster  1934 Ford Rats Glass Roadster  34ford-rats-6

 

Disabili-T, a 1926-27 Ford T Roadster
Disabili-T, a 1927 Ford T-Roadster which took ten years to build. Owner is Bert Diehl, Jr, of Mesa, Arizona. It has a real Model B engine with a Serr-Miller overhead valve conversion with Imagine Injection.  All the work was completed by Charly’s Garage. (Click on the photos to see larger view.)

1932 Ford Disibili T Roadster  1927 Ford Disabili T Roadster  1927 Ford Disabiliti T Roadster

 

1927 Ford Altered T Roadster
Urban Hirsch of Stanton, California brought his 1927 Ford Roadster to the Grand National Roadster Show to compete in the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster class. This exquisitely done altered turtleback was designed and built by Chopit Kustom. They modified the original steel body, hand formed the altered racing nose and did the Kandy paint. (Click photos to view high resolution pictures.)

1927 Ford Roadster for America's Most Beautiful Roadster  1927 Ford Roadster  1927 Ford Roadster

 

1928 Ford Roadster
1928 Ford Veloce Spyder Track T Roadster has a modified racing theme. It was entered by owner Willard Stryker of Penngrove, California. (Click photos to view larger pictures.)

1928 Ford Roadster  1928 Ford Roadster  1928 Ford Roadster

 

1930 Ford Roadster
Robert Hoffman of Stockholm, Sweden had his 1930 Ford Roadster shipped here to compete in the show. He finished it here just three days ago in time for th competition for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster.

1930 Ford Roadster  1930 Ford Roadster  1930 Ford Roadster

 

1931 Ford Roadster Pickup
A gorgeous 1931 Ford Roadster Pickup was entered in the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster competition by owner Ted Davis of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They call it Ted’s Red Wagon. It was built by Davis and his “Pit Crew.”

1932 Ford Roadster Pickup interior  1932 Ford Roadster Pickup wood bed  1932 Ford Roadster Pickup chromed quick change

 

1932 Ford Roadster
Gene and Pat Hetland of Oak Grove, Minnesota brought their 1932 Ford Roadster called the Nickel 3 to the Grand National Roadster Show this weekend. It will be competing for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy. The body and cowl were built to emulate the flowing lines of a ’36 Ford. It has a polished stainless steel top.

1932 Ford Polished Top Roadster  1932 Ford Roadster  1932 Ford Roadster

 

1932 Ford Psycho Roadster
Look at that engine. Michael Gordon of San Diego, California had this 1932 Ford Roadster he calls Psycho built to his taste. That incredible 428 ci motor was built out to 1500 horsepower. Our observation: Psycho is a disturbed custom with monster power. (Click photos for a larger view.)

Psycho, a disturbed 1932 Ford Roadster with monster power  1932 Ford Psycho Roadster  1932 Ford Psycho Roadster at the Grand National Roadster Show

 

Beautifully designed 1932 Ford Roadster
Per Martinsen is from Oslo, Norway although he had this 1932 Ford Roadster built here in the U.S. Styled like an early Ford racer it has an amazing Flathead V8 engine 284 ci with Navarro heads, polished SCOT supercharger with Stromberg 97s.

1932 Ford Roadster  1932 Ford Roadster  1932 Ford Roadster

 

1927 Ford Model T called the Mint-T
Dawn and Dustin Smith of Spokane, Washington brought one of the most unusual roadsters to the Grand National Roadster Show. Their 1927 Ford Model T Runabout was built the way they might have done it in the 1940’s. The frame was fabricated with slight kickups but has most of the same dimensions as the original T would have. The 4 cylinder Flathead was from a ’31 Model A and has been rebuilt. Dustin did the paint and body himself. It has unusual leather treatments in the interior. They call it the Mint-T. (Click photos to see larger pictures.)

1927 Model T Roadster  1927 Ford Model T Roadster  1927 Ford Model T Runabout

 

1932 Ford Diachuk Roadster
We found this 1932 Ford Diachuk Roadster setting in one of the best displays here this weekend. The styling on this custom roadster will make you look. The car is owned by Jerry Logan of Hillsboro, Oregon and was built by Bob Diachuk. The car is named in his honor.

1932 Ford Roadster  1932 Ford Roadster  1932 Ford Roadster

 

1932 Ford Roadster Pickup
The Sun Seeker, a beautiful pearled silver 1932 Ford Roadster Pickup, was built by its owner Steve Lykken of Solvang, California. The interior was done by Sid Chavers. Those are Budnick billet Lyon wheels. (Click on the photos to see larger view.)

1932 Ford Roadster Pickup America's Most Beautiful Roadster contender  1932 Ford Roadster Pickup  1932 Ford Roadster Pickup  1932 Ford Roadster Pickup at Grand National Roadster Show

 

1932 Ford Roadster contender for America's Most Beautiful Roadster trophy
The 1932 Ford Rivet Roadster was brought here to the Grand National Roadster Show to compete for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy by Sue and Larry Christensen of Fountain Hills, Arizona. All the rivet panels were done by Frank Wallic. It has a Chrysler 392 ci Hemi motor, Tremec 600 5-speed and a Winters V8 Quick Change rear end. (Click on the photos to see larger view.)

1932 Ford Roadster from side view  1932 Ford Roadster  1932 Ford Roadster

 

1936 Ford Roadster for America's Most Beautiful Roadster trophy
Ross Meyers of Boyertown, Pennsylvania bought this 1936 Ford Roadster at the age of 13. His dreams of making it a top quality hot rod were dashed when a drunk driver T-boned it. Fourty years later Ross finished the car and brought it to the Grand National Roadster Show to compete for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy. (Click the photos to view larger images.)

1936 Ford Roadster  1936 Ford Roadster interior  1936 Ford Roadster supercharger

 

1933 Chevy Master Roadster for America's Most Beautiful Roadster
Here is the roadster to beat. A 1933 Chevy Master Roadster with a rumble was entered into the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster competition here at the Grand National Roadster Show by Greg and Dottie Meyer of Tigard, Oregon. The enthusiastic couple brought an entourage of helpers all wearing the “ADMEYER” logo, the nickname of their car. (Click any photo for a larger view.)

1933 Chevy Master Roadster  1933 Chevy Master Roadster  1933 Chevy Master Roadster

 

1934 Ford Roadster for America's Most Beautiful Roadster trophy
This 1934 Ford Roadster owned by Dale Fode of Redwood City, California was designed and built by Mark Willis and Bob Stewart.  The paint is by Mark Willis Custom Painting. It has a Supercharged LS7 and Kugel suspension. It is the only ’34 Ford in the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster competition.  (Click any photo for a larger view.)

1934 Ford Roadster  1934 Ford Roadster  Lustrous shine on a 1934 Ford Roadster

 

 

Other Car Show Categories …

The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award is just one of the many judged categories at the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show. There were more than 500 cars competing in categories such as Custom Hardtop, Radical Custom Hardtop, Radical Custom Convertible and more. Be sure to read our coverage of some of the Top Cars at the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show at this link.

This was one of our favorites:

1950-mercury-kustom
Here is a 1950 Mercury Lead Sled with the most extreme chop we’ve even seen. The Merc was called “Tuffenough” and was entered in the Radical Hardtop category. Click here to review other show cars in various categories, including Lowriders and Classic Customs.

 

While we were here at the Pomona Fairplex we couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. You can’t imagine the feeling of looking at the cars that were the heritage of the California hot rodding hobby. Standing there in the museum was like retracing the beginnings of our American car culture.

NHRA-Museum
Here is a look at one of the new displays at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum at the Pomona Fairplex. We visited the museum while covering the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show. Click here to view more of the cars and heritage of California hot rodding.

 

 

Our Cars On Line newsletter readers are very aware of the 1935 Chevy Phaeton owned by Wes Rydell which won the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award in 2014.  It was built by noted street rod and custom designer Troy Trepanier at his Rad Rides by Troy facility in Manteno, Illinois. Rad Rides by Troy is now considered one of the premier hot rod shops in America. This car was in contention for the Barrett-Jackson Cup at Hot August Nights in 2014 (follow this link to read more about the incredible competition at Hot August Nights last year.)

Wes Rydell's 1935 Chevy Phaeton
Wes Rydell’s 1935 Chevy Phaeton was the winner of the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy in 2014. This car was built by Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy.

 

Show promoters have really done a great job in bringing thousands of cars to this years event. It is the biggest street rod show in the country. The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award is one of the most coveted trophies in the street rod hobby.

We were here at the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show this weekend to find out which of the 18 contestants would win the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award this year. The venue is the Pomona Fairplex which is also the home of the NHRA Museum so we get a chance to see both when we cover this show. It is the 66th Annual Grand National Roadster Show which was held January 23-25, 2015. It is in its 11th year here at the Fairplex. Previously it had for decades been known as the Oakland Roadster Show.

They say over 500 show vehicles were here to compete for awards inside all of the Fairplex buildings. Show promoters were surprised to find that thousands more vehicles have joined the event Saturday &  Sunday for the 9th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In.

 

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