By Rob Fortier – Images by the Author
2025 marked the 75th anniversary of the Grand National Roadster Show, now celebrating its second decade in Southern California at the Pomona Fairplex—and this year’s show did not disappoint!
While there was no specific truck exhibit (we’re still reeling from the Keep On Truckin’: 50 Years of Classic Haulers last year in Building 9, which was occupied by past AMBR/Slonaker winners this year in commemoration of the 75th), there were plenty of classic trucks, both inside the Fairplex facilities and outside amongst the massive collection of vehicles in attendance for the Grand Daddy Drive-In throughout the first weekend in February.
As it is every year, regardless of the themes, exhibits, and so on, GNRS is a whirlwind of activity, from set up day till the closing awards (which I’m lucky if I even make it that far!). It’s a great place to reunite with old friends and acquaintances—if you have time to cross paths with them all, which I also rarely seem able to accomplish. It’s a great event, period, no matter what type of vehicle(s) you’re into: trucks, hot rods, customs, muscle cars, VWs, and even vintage boats!
Truck-wise, however, there were quite a few new builds being shown. From Pat Kelly’s “Tri 5” 1955 F-100 with all its clever non-1955 F-100 styling cues, to Brandon Walend’s 1970 GMC fresh from Tre 5, Jimmy Hervatin’s Keith Weesner tribute 1952 F-1 “Lit Up”, to a couple-few recent cover trucks of ours (Troy Peck’s 1969 Bumpside from Scott’s Hotrods and Rick Clutter’s 1961 Unibody from Premier). Above and beyond those, you’ll just have to peruse the accompanying images to see but a sampling of the 1930s-1990s classic trucks on display at the 75th Annual Grand National Roadster Show!
(Speaking of trucks and shows, we’ve got some developing news regarding the 3rd Annual Grand National Truck Show. Stay tuned to CTP’s social media for updates as they, well, develop!)
