By Brian Brennan – Photography By the Author & John Gilbert – Videography By Ryan Foss
Each year, February is the time to visit the Pomona Fairplex in SoCal for the annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) Presented by Meguiar’s. The 74th annual show this year gave hot rodders all they could wish for, with 450 cars under the roof competing for such awards as the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) trophy and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award, along with many other prizes and awards.
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The show focuses on these two significant awards representing the pinnacle of building within our hobby, but there is much more to the tune of 500 individual awards. Both major winners received smaller versions of the perpetual trophies with their names engraved. The iconic 9-foot AMBR trophy has been around since 1950, and the Slonaker Award, which began in 1974, was substantially upgraded in 2020 to a custom billet trophy by its current sponsor, ARP. ARP is also the sponsor of the AMBR, and along with trophies, plagues, jackets, and the like, ARP presents a $12,500 check to each of the winning owners.
Roy Brizio Street Rods built this ’32 Ford phaeton that won the AMBR trophy—paint by Vintage Color Studio, Art Himsl flames, and Eric Reyes pinstriping.
Outside is the increasingly popular 18th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In sponsored by Modern Rodding, Classic Truck Performance, and All Chevy Performance, brands of In The Garage Media, Inc. This event on Friday and Saturday featured an additional 850 hot rods of all styles of cars and trucks. Sunday was hampered outside by the threat of rain, but the wet stuff held off until dinnertime, allowing for an additional day of hot rod viewing. Both inside and outside there were 250 vendors with a walk-in gate of some 30,000 spectators, making this one of the more successful GNRS events.
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Beth Myers and her husband, Ross, are justifiably proud of their hot rod that will take home the smaller (look by front tire) trophy, but her name will be forever engraved in the iconic perpetual 9-plus foot trophy.
One of the most popular displays appeared in Building 9 where “Street Machines: Then & Now” was full of Pro Street, Pro Touring Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles, Novas, Fairlanes, Falcons, Cudas, and others. Modern Rodding and All Chevy Performance sponsored it. The always-popular and evolving “Suede Palace” was once again filled with lots to see. Located in the World War II Quonset-style building, that old-timey feel is abundant. Once again, the “Pinstriper Charity Fundraiser” was in full swing, raising $56,000 for Teen Challenge of Southern California.
“Bespoke” a ’59 Chevy Impala built at the Steve Cook Creations features an interior by Gabe’s Custom Interiors and Dakota Digital gauges.
Another noteworthy event at the GNRS was the three-day challenge of transforming a stock ’69 Camaro into a Pro Touring monster initially designed by Sean Smith. The crew from Orange County Hot Rods took the low-mileage, family owned first-gen Camaro and worked their magical transformation.
Steve Cook (left), David Rush the proud owner (center), and Mike Cook (front right) standing alongside the perpetual custom billet trophy designed and built by ARP, providing the $12,500 check. A smaller version of the trophy goes home with David.
We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that Cambra Speed Shop of Orange, California, was the 2024 GNRS Builder of the Year. A unique display recognized the local speed shop that has turned out some great-looking hot rods. Several were displayed in their booth, such as early- and later-style Novas.
Mekenzie Murphy was on hand with her Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop meticulously assembled ’32 Ford highboy roadster in pink. The roadster took home AMBR Outstanding Detail, Undercarriage, and Engineering awards.
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Hall of Fame Induction
On Friday night was the annual Hall of Fame dinner, which began in 1960 and is currently sponsored by the Petersen Automotive Museum, NHRA Motorsports Museum, and the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum. It was big. It always is. As you can see, the people who make a difference in our hot rod world are recognized for their lifelong efforts.
Taking home Slonaker Outstanding Engineering was the ’72 Chevy C10 of Mark DeAtley built at Hot Rods By Dean. The truck shows flawless black paint, a “lipstick” red interior, and extensive sheetmetal work.
This year, Mooneyes president Chico Kodama; lifelong enthusiast and behind-the-scenes influencer Terri Brizio-Hollenbeck; hot rod builder, journalist, and one of the founders of Pete & Jake’s Hot Rod Parts, Jim “Jake” Jacobs; along with the always-present and multi-talented builder Pete Eastwood, were all recognized as part of the Class of 2024.
Ken Reister is no stranger to the AMBR competition, having won it in 2006. This year, his ’32 Ford phaeton, built at Squeeg’s Kustom’s took home AMBR Outstanding Paint, Interior, and Display awards.
AMBR-Winning ’32 Ford Phaeton
Beth Myers took home the AMBR trophy, winner’s jacket, and a check from ARP for $12,500 for her channeled ’32 Ford phaeton based on a Brookville Roadster body built at Roy Brizio Street Rods. It features a beautiful black paintjob from Vintage Color Studio with Art Himsl flames and Eric Reyes pinstriping–how’s that for bringing out the masters? (“For the rest of the story,” stay tuned to Modern Rodding as we work on the final in-depth feature for an upcoming issue.)
The ’68 Dodge Charger, owned by Arno Adlhoch, competed for the Al Slonaker Memorial Award and was presented by Old Anvil Speed Shop.
Slonaker-Winning ’59 Chevy Impala
Named “Bespoke,” the ’59 Chevy Impala belonging to David Rush and built at Steve Cook Creations was awarded the Al Slonaker Memorial Award with a $12,500 check from ARP. It rests on a Roadster Shop chassis and is powered by a Don Hardy–built 518-inch LS3. Along with this recognition, look for this beauty in Modern Rodding in the future.
Gary Holyoak presented his ’32 Ford roadster pickup to the AMBR competition and was awarded the H&H Best Dressed Flathead Award.
Well, there you have it: a quick look at this year’s Grand National Roadster Show and some of what it has to offer. Make sure to follow along; we will feature a handful of the cars from the show in upcoming car features. Also, there will be videos with the builders on four AMBR competitors. MR
Roy Brizio Street Rods built this ’32 Ford phaeton that won the AMBR trophy—paint by Vintage Color Studio, Art Himsl flames, and Eric Reyes pinstriping.
Beth Myers and her husband, Ross, are justifiably proud of their hot rod that will take home the smaller (look by front tire) trophy, but her name will be forever engraved in the iconic perpetual 9-plus foot trophy.
“Bespoke” a ’59 Chevy Impala built at the Steve Cook Creations features an interior by Gabe’s Custom Interiors and Dakota Digital gauges.
Steve Cook (left), David Rush the proud owner (center), and Mike Cook (front right) standing alongside the perpetual custom billet trophy designed and built by ARP, providing the $12,500 check. A smaller version of the trophy goes home with David.
Mekenzie Murphy was on hand with her Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop meticulously assembled ’32 Ford highboy roadster in pink. The roadster took home AMBR Outstanding Detail, Undercarriage, and Engineering awards.
Taking home Slonaker Outstanding Engineering was the ’72 Chevy C10 of Mark DeAtley built at Hot Rods By Dean. The truck shows flawless black paint, a “lipstick” red interior, and extensive sheetmetal work.
Ken Reister is no stranger to the AMBR competition, having won it in 2006. This year, his ’32 Ford phaeton, built at Squeeg’s Kustom’s took home AMBR Outstanding Paint, Interior, and Display awards.
The ’68 Dodge Charger, owned by Arno Adlhoch, competed for the Al Slonaker Memorial Award and was presented by Old Anvil Speed Shop.
Gary Holyoak presented his ’32 Ford roadster pickup to the AMBR competition and was awarded the H&H Best Dressed Flathead Award.
The Slonaker Outstanding Interior and Undercarriage awards were awarded to the ’57 Chevy custom convertible owned by Clifford Mattis.
The AMBR award for Outstanding Engine, for his Flathead-powered ’34 Ford roadster, went to Ramin Younessi. Initially, this car belonged to the late Dale Withers, a well-known Pacific Northwest builder of the early ’80s.
This ’61 Ford pickup belongs to John Lamb and competed in the Slonaker competition. He, Jeff Lamb, and the Tin Man’s Garage built it.
This highly modified ’32 Ford highboy roadster was entered by its owner and builder, Ken Thurm, and features a Coyote V-8 for power. It also appeared in an early issue of Modern Rodding during its construction stage. Look for the final feature in the months ahead.
Ed Ganzinotti undoubtedly impacted the Slonaker competition with his black ’56 Ford pickup. It is powered by a very impressive Jon Kaase Boss Nine sporting a 540-inch V-8.
Regarding power, the ’32 Ford highboy roadster entered the AMBR competition by Bob Mansonen and is powered by a blown, dual-carb fed big-block Chevy. Complete with zoomies, it was impressive.
Ryan Vicklund brought out his ’67 Chevy C10 pickup to compete for the Slonaker. It was built by NorCal Paint & Bodyworks and is powered by an LS3.
Dale Short competed for the AMBR with his ’32 Chevy roadster built at Ambrosio Concepts and powered by an LS3.
Ganzinotti pulled no punches, having two vehicles in the Slonaker competition. This one is a ’68 Charger R/T packed with a 440-inch Dick Landy built 440 with Borla injection. He took home two awards, Slonaker Outstanding Paint and Engine.
Another AMBR competitor was the ’32 Ford roadster owned by James Butler. It is built in true hot rod fashion with small-block Chevy power, Halibrand knock-off wheels, a 4-inch drop chrome I-beam axle, and a four-speed.
Look familiar? Bill Paul’s “California Kid Express” mimics the late Pete Chapouris’s ’34 Ford coupe called “The California Kid.” The pickup is based on a ’34 Ford four-door sedan body. This highly modified hot rod won two awards, a Slonaker Outstanding Detail and Display.
The original “Cop Shop Coupe” built for Tom Prufer by Pete Eastwood still has its original paint and flames by Rod Powell. It was inspired by a Dave Bell Henry Hi-Rise cartoon that appeared for many years in Street Rodder as a column head–“Cop Shop” by Tony Kelly.
From out of the past, the Uncertain-T was unearthed and purchased by Galpin Speed Shop in its patina state. We hope Dave Shuten works his magic on this rodding history and returns it to its former glory. It has appeared on the covers of Car Craft, Popular Hot Rodding, and The Rodder’s Journal.
Building 9 was not for the meek of heart or fear of the throttle. Built by Brad Gray for Ashley Gray, this Porsche Red ’65 Mustang is powered by a 427 LSX. Plumbing begins with an 8-71 Weiand blower center-mounted, then a pair of 174 Weiand blowers mounted outer, a pair of Quick Fuel 850-cfm carbs, and an NOS 250-shot.
The PPG two-tone silver over blue with stripes ’67 Mustang Fastback was once owned by George Lange and is now owned by its builder, Bobby Alloway. The block is a rare Ford Racing hardware (4.6L) that now spins 281 inches and was built by Keasler Racing. The custom intake captures a pair of 72mm Accufab throttle bodies at 12psi fed through a pair of 76mm Turbonetics turbos with Newgen wastegates. Output is 839 hp at 8,700 rpm on pump gas–yes, pump gas.
The latest from Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop is this C1 Corvette that’s highly sculpted and runs big-block power and a ’32 Ford five-window coupe with more big-block power.
An ongoing Modern Rodding tech series is this ’36 Ford highboy roadster belonging to Ross Myers and currently under construction at Rad Rides by Troy. Look for it at the Grand National Roadster Show next year, competing for the AMBR trophy.
The latest from Hot Rods By Dean is this ’56 Ford Ranch Wagon belonging to Tim Bumgarner that runs a supercharged Coyote. The wagon took home First in Mild Custom Wagon ’55-79.
This ’60 Thunderbird, “Hammur’d,” comes from the workbench at Hollywood Hot Rods. Designed by the combo of Eric Black and Troy Ladd, it belongs to Peter Chifo, Jr. It was awarded the George Barris Memorial Kustom D’Elegance award and is another future Modern Rodding feature vehicle.
One of the many fabricators on hand was Cotati Speed Shop. Cotati’s own Zane Cullen showed us the shop’s ’31 Ford A400 Victoria convertible, a rare Model A for sure. We are “almost” patiently waiting for this to roll out.
One more from Hollywood Hot Rods is this ’36 Ford custom coupe competing in Radical Custom Rod Coupe ’35-48 and belonging to Donnie Gath.
Pinkee’s Rod Shop was on hand with this ’33 Ford channeled five-window coupe belonging to Keith Hill. It competed in Early Altered Street Coupe pre-’35, taking First. It also brought home Outstanding Detail Sponsored by Meguiar’s, Outstanding Engine-Rod, and Triple Gun of Excellence Award.
Under Bill Ganahl, South City Rod & Custom bought this bare metal ’34 Willys 77. Note that it is stuffed with a blown V-8. Can you say, “Hang on!”
The ’51 Merc is owned by Gary Stell, Jr. and built at Cambra Speed Shop (2024 GNRS Builder of the Year) and was awarded First in the Radical Hardtop-Sedan ’49-54 class.
Another max effort by 2024 GNRS Builder of the Year Cambra Speed Shop is this ’70 Nova belonging to Chris Tongue. Powered by a 427 big-block power, it competed in Mild Hardtop-Sedan ’70-79 taking Second.
An early Barris Kustoms ’40 Ford custom (Tom Hocker car), it now belongs to Rich Hubbard and was meticulously restored by Canepa Customs. The custom took First Place in Early Traditional Custom Rod’s ’35-48 Radical class.
The Brizio Family Award for Driven Street Rod went to Scott Hawley for his ’32 Ford highboy five-window coupe. Yep, it’s a driver.
One of the Modern Rodding Grand Daddy Drive-In Editors’ Picks is this ’52 Cadillac Series 62 belonging to Dan Hansen. A 5.3L Chevy powers it and has Classic Instruments gauges and a Vintage Air system.
Another of the Modern Rodding Drive-In Editors’ Picks is this ’33 Plymouth coupe powered by an 8.3L Viper V-10 with 500 hp. The third-generation V-10 has more cubes and less engine weight. It’s been chopped and rests in a green over black two-tone paint.
The final of the Modern Rodding Drive-In Editors’ Picks is this beige ’61 Buick Invicta with disc brakes covered by polished five-spokes. The V-8 power comes from a 401-inch Nailhead fed by a six-pack of single-barrel Stromberg carbs.
