The 2025 O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) marked a momentous occasion, celebrating its illustrious 75th anniversary. The venerable America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) competition was at the heart of this grand event, complemented by the distinguished Al Slonaker Memorial Award.
The perpetual 9-foot plus trophy representing America’s Most Beautiful Roadster sponsored by ARP was awarded this year to the 1936 Ford fenderless roadster owned by Ross and Beth Myers. The roadster was also awarded Outstanding Display.
In a dazzling display, 11 newly crafted roadsters vied for the sought-after AMBR title and a generous prize of $12,500 sponsored by ARP. This impressive array featured an agreeable mix: a captivating T-bucket, two classic Model As, three stylish 1936 Fords, and five stunning 1932 Fords. Each vehicle was meticulously designed, destined to fascinate both judges and spectators alike. Notably, three vibrant orange 1932 Ford highboy roadsters graced the lineup—an uncommon sight that piqued interest.
The AMBR-winning roadster was constructed at Troy Trepanier’s shop, Rad Rides by Troy, with the oversight of project manager Adam Banks. You would have difficulty finding a component that wasn’t built from scratch to the highest degree. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding.)
Mark Bentley showcased his remarkable 1932 Ford roadster alongside Mike Curtis with a sleek 1936 Ford phaeton. Mike DeVriendt presented his masterfully crafted 1932 Ford roadster pickup, while Peter Grant displayed a 1931 Ford roadster built by Boerne Stage Kustoms. Fellow entrants included Ken Green with another 1931 Ford roadster, Tony Jurado with his 1932 Ford roadster, Scott Lorenzini presenting a highboy roadster crafted by the Veazie Brothers, John Mumford with another 1932 Ford highboy built by Roy Brizio Street Rods, and Glenn See with his exquisite 1936 Ford phaeton built by Garage Mahal, alongside Chuck Stanfill’s 1923 Ford T roadster.
The companion award to the AMBR is the Al Slonaker Memorial Award, sponsored by ARP, which was awarded to Bill and Angela Barbato’s 1933 Pontiac sedan.
Within this elite ensemble, Ross Myers’ 1936 Ford roadster, a true masterpiece created by Rad Rides by Troy under project manager Adam Banks, stood out triumphantly, claiming the coveted title of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster. This stunning vehicle highlighted extraordinary craftsmanship, featuring innovative modifications that enhanced its elegance. With a powerful blown Y-block engine mounted on a custom chassis equipped with torsion bar suspension and Ridetech adjustable shocks, it effortlessly melded performance with aesthetics. Dressed in a modified Porsche Aventurine Green metallic finish, the roadster showcased a fully custom leather interior, sleek suicide doors, and a hand-built lift-off top. Myers took home the prestigious title and secured his name on the award’s majestic 9-foot-plus perpetual trophy alongside hot rodding legends of the past 75 years, complemented by the $12,500 prize from ARP. (For more details on this incredible build, visit modernrodding.com for six insightful articles.)
The Slonaker-winning sedan was built at Cal Auto Creations and crew under the direction of Andy Leach. A blown Pontiac V-8 powers the wedge-chopped and sectioned sedan. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding.)
The Al Slonaker Memorial Award featured a parallel talent showcase with 12 exceptional builds competing for the best non-roadster title. Among the Slonaker contenders were Angelo Amadeo with his striking Roseville Rod & Custom–built 1932 Ford coupe and Bill Barbato showcasing his CAL Auto–built 1933 Plymouth sedan. Highlighting the diversity were Bruce Charles with his homebuilt 1935 International truck, Greg Heinrich’s Ironworks Speed & Kustom–built 1935 Chevy coupe, and Patrick Kelly’s customized, homebuilt 1955 Ford F-100. Other remarkable entries included Doug Mergenthaler’s Eckert’s Rod & Custom–built 1969 Plymouth Road Runner, Oscar Munoz’s Munoz & Sons 1938 Chevy panel, and Beth Myers’ Iron Hill Hot Rods’ 1932 Ford coupe, rounding out this impressive display of talent.
Scott Lorenzini’s ride was one of the three 1932 Ford highboy roadsters painted in bright orange that competed for the AMBR. Thanks to its 383 Donovan aluminum-blown small-block Chevy, it earned recognition for Outstanding Engine. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding.)
Taking home the Slonaker honors was the stunning 1933 Pontiac sedan belonging to Bill and Angela Barbato, celebrated for its Art Deco styling and built on a custom frame by Liquid Metalworks. Its exquisite AuraBella Gold finish highlighted the wedge-chopped and wedge-sectioned body, complemented by a custom grille and handcrafted running boards. The luxurious interior showcased contoured leather with diamond-pattern stitching, an Art Deco–inspired steering wheel, and a distinctive dash featuring Pontiac-inspired details that perfectly matched the overall design. It is also packed with incredible power, boasting a 400-inch Pontiac V-8 engine fitted with an 8-71 BDS blower and a 4L80E transmission from Bowler Performance Transmissions. Barbato proudly walked away with the $12,500 prize sponsored by ARP.
Mike Devriendt took home Outstanding Engineering and Outstanding Paint, sponsored by PPG, for his 1932 Ford roadster pickup, which competed for AMBR recognition.
Named to honor event founders Al and Mary Slonaker, the Al Slonaker Memorial Award has celebrated the finest non-roadster vehicles since 1974, symbolizing a rich tradition of excellence within the automotive community.
Ken Green’s Flathead-powered 1932 Ford highboy roadster, built on a Deuce frame and featuring a 1932 grille shell, won the AMBR Outstanding Detail award sponsored by Meguiar’s Premium Car Care Products.
The atmosphere throughout Building 9 presented by the Petersen Automotive Museum was electric, showcasing tributes to automotive icons like the legendary George Barris, the original “King of Kustomizers.” Twelve of Barris’ iconic creations were among the notable displays, including the illustrious Hirohata Merc and the famed Batmobile. The excitement continued with the induction of influential figures into the GNRS Hall of Fame, celebrating the contributions of automotive pioneers with 194 names honored over the years. A special recognition was given to Eric Geisert for his dedication in making this project a reality.
Greg Heinrich’s stunning and well-detailed 1935 Chevy coupe, built at Roger Lee’s Ironworks Speed & Kustom, brought home double honors in the Slonaker competition for Outstanding Paint sponsored by PPG and Outstanding Undercarriage.
Additionally, Building 9 offered a platform for discussions on the evolution of hot rod design and enriching career paths in the automotive industry, featuring insights from various successful hot rodders and industry leaders. SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) also presented a panel of accomplished designers, including Larry Erickson, Eric Brockmeyer, and Sean Smith, who shared their expertise on the transformation of hot rod designs over the years. The Lions Automobilia Foundation hosted engaging discussions with Hot Wheels designer Larry Woods, Dave Marek, Honda’s creative advisor, and Bob Florine, ARP’s VP of sales and marketing.
The full custom 1932 Ford channeled three-window coupe belonging to Cody Walls of Traditional Metalcraft brought home the Blackie Gejeian Memorial Award and a Slonaker Achievement Plaque.
As Friday night progressed, the festivities reached their peak at the prestigious GNRS Hall of Fame dinner, where four automotive legends were inducted: Scott Bonowski of Hot Rods & Hobbies, renowned photographer Eric Geisert, influential automotive artist Robert Williams—affectionately known as the Godfather of Kustom Kulture—and “Mr. Hot Wheels” Larry Wood, celebrated for his iconic toy designs. Attendees took the opportunity to meet these legends, enjoying the chance for autographs and memorable interactions.
Gary Brown showcased his Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop–built PPG black-sprayed 1955 Chevy. It features a supercharged LS engine from a GM COPO drag car paired with a Bowler Performance Transmission.
Adding to the excitement, Bill Ganahl and the team at South City Rod and Custom were honored as the 2025 GNRS Builder of the Year. Since its founding in 2008, Ganahl’s shop has received acclaim for its custom builds and classic restorations, and attendees enjoyed a stunning showcase of their work in Building 4.
Kevin Mindel, from Canada, owns this one-of-a-kind 1968 Mercury Fastback Cougar GT-P, which was built and assembled at JF Kustoms under the supervision of J.F. Launier. The power comes from an eight-stack–injected Kaase Boss 529. The Cougar took First Place in the Radical Hardtop/Sedan 1965-69. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding).
In a delightful twist, legendary car designer and TV personality Chip Foose graced the event, signing limited-edition 75th-anniversary GNRS posters. As always, Foose generously spent hours engaging with fans, signing memorabilia, posing for photos, and sparking joy in the hearts of car enthusiasts who lined up to meet their idol.
Tri-Five enthusiasts will appreciate this candy red 1955 two-door post, which seems to house a Chrysler Hemi at first glance. However, it’s the ubiquitous LS with eight-stack EFI. Built at Cambra Speed Shop under the supervision of Ron Cambra. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding.)
Beyond the indoor festivities, the 19th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In turned the outdoor area into a vibrant collection of over 1,000 classic rides, modern customs, and everything in-between. With an infectious sense of community, the popular pinstriping auctions raised over $75,000 for charity, demonstrating the automotive world’s commitment to giving back.
Patrick Kelly was present with his 1955 Ford F-100 competing in the Slonaker competition.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the 75th GNRS ended, the automotive community stood united, reaffirming its dedication to preserving the cherished traditions of the past while boldly charting a course toward a dynamic future. It was clear that hot rods, muscle cars, and custom creations would forever hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts around the globe, echoing the passion and creativity that fuels this vibrant community. For more information on the GNRS and more visit rodshows.com. MR
The perpetual 9-foot plus trophy representing America’s Most Beautiful Roadster sponsored by ARP was awarded this year to the 1936 Ford fenderless roadster owned by Ross and Beth Myers. The roadster was also awarded Outstanding Display.
The AMBR-winning roadster was constructed at Troy Trepanier’s shop, Rad Rides by Troy, with the oversight of project manager Adam Banks. You would have difficulty finding a component that wasn’t built from scratch to the highest degree. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding.)
The companion award to the AMBR is the Al Slonaker Memorial Award, sponsored by ARP, which was awarded to Bill and Angela Barbato’s 1933 Pontiac sedan.
The Slonaker-winning sedan was built at Cal Auto Creations and crew under the direction of Andy Leach. A blown Pontiac V-8 powers the wedge-chopped and sectioned sedan. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding.)
Scott Lorenzini’s ride was one of the three 1932 Ford highboy roadsters painted in bright orange that competed for the AMBR. Thanks to its 383 Donovan aluminum-blown small-block Chevy, it earned recognition for Outstanding Engine. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding.)
Mike Devriendt took home Outstanding Engineering and Outstanding Paint, sponsored by PPG, for his 1932 Ford roadster pickup, which competed for AMBR recognition.
Greg Heinrich’s stunning and well-detailed 1935 Chevy coupe, built at Roger Lee’s Ironworks Speed & Kustom, brought home double honors in the Slonaker competition for Outstanding Paint sponsored by PPG and Outstanding Undercarriage.
Ken Green’s Flathead-powered 1932 Ford highboy roadster, built on a Deuce frame and featuring a 1932 grille shell, won the AMBR Outstanding Detail award sponsored by Meguiar’s Premium Car Care Products.
The full custom 1932 Ford channeled three-window coupe belonging to Cody Walls of Traditional Metalcraft brought home the Blackie Gejeian Memorial Award and a Slonaker Achievement Plaque.
Gary Brown showcased his Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop–built PPG black-sprayed 1955 Chevy. It features a supercharged LS engine from a GM COPO drag car paired with a Bowler Performance Transmission.
Kevin Mindel, from Canada, owns this one-of-a-kind 1968 Mercury Fastback Cougar GT-P, which was built and assembled at JF Kustoms under the supervision of J.F. Launier. The power comes from an eight-stack–injected Kaase Boss 529. The Cougar took First Place in the Radical Hardtop/Sedan 1965-69. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding).
Tri-Five enthusiasts will appreciate this candy red 1955 two-door post, which seems to house a Chrysler Hemi at first glance. However, it’s the ubiquitous LS with eight-stack EFI. Built at Cambra Speed Shop under the supervision of Ron Cambra. (Upcoming feature in Modern Rodding.)
Patrick Kelly was present with his 1955 Ford F-100 competing in the Slonaker competition.
The Suede Palace always has plenty of cool hot rods to look over, and this 1955-blown Chevy Bel Air 210 Gasser belonging to Ray Fraschieri is no exception.
Danny Johnson traveled across the country from New York in his 1951 Ford two-door shoebox and received many “kool looks” in the Suede Palace.
One last look at the Suede Palace reveals this 1930 Ford highboy coupe transformed into a “roadster” owned by Jimmy Ruiz, the proprietor of Sledsville Hot Rod & Kustom Co. It appears to be designed to mimic an early Buick V-8, featuring circa 1956 Buick valve covers fitted onto a 322 Nailhead bolted to a small-block Chevy.
Andy Brizio’s original, unrestored C-Cab was built in 1971. He drove it to the 1971 NSRA Nationals, where it was awarded Best Appearing Car. In 1972, at the Detroit Nats, it won People’s Choice. It was displayed in the Roy Brizio Street Rods booth.
Sometimes, it takes a little extra effort to catch the attention of a passerby. Dean Livermore of Hot Rods by Dean achieved this with his blown Hemi-powered 1965 Volvo (Hemizon), built by Henrik Larsson of Larsson Customizing. Livermore bought the car from his friend Mikael Fredriksson in Sweden.
Building 9 holds notable history, featuring the 1972 AMBR-winning 1930 Ford roadster that originally belonged to John Corno. It was built by Russ Meeks using an Oldsmobile front-wheel-drive V-8, then modified into a rear-engine hot rod. The flip-up roadster body was innovative for its time. Roman and Judy Baszniak are its current owners.
Magoo’s Street Rods (Richard “Dick” Megugorac) completed an impressive build in 1979, creating the Deucari, which earned Brian Burnett the AMBR that year. The current owner is Rich Hubbard.
LeRoi “Tex” Smith won the 1963 AMBR award for his XR-6 roadster, which he constructed using many of Steve Swaja’s drawings. It is regarded as the first ground-up AMBR roadster body build. A cover of Hot Rod can now be seen at its permanent home in the Petersen Automotive Museum.
The recipient of the first AMBR trophy in 1950 was Bill Neikamp for his 1929 highboy roadster, which features a full bellypan and was entirely built by him. The car is now displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
A decade later, in 1960, the AMBR trophy was awarded to Chuck Krikorian for his 1929 Ford roadster pickup, titled the “Emperor.” The era was also marked by builds that were becoming increasingly “wild.” Joji Barris-Paster (yes, George Barris’ daughter) is the current owner.
One of the two-time AMBR-winning roadsters, of which there are three, is this 1929 Ford roadster pickup, “Ala Kart,” crowned in 1958 and 1959. This roadster was built by George Barris, Blackie Gejeian, and Richard Peters for Peters. John Mumford now owns it.
In 1984, the AMBR-winning roadster was the 1927 Ford roadster known as the “California Star,” designed by Don Varner for himself and panel-built by Ron Covell. It is now housed at the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed.
One of the most popular and frequently driven AMBR roadsters is the Dennis Varni 1929 Ford highboy roadster, which won in 1992. Ron Covell shaped the sheetmetal while the paint and upholstery were completed at Boyd Coddington’s shop.
In 2012, Bill Lindig won the AMBR trophy with his 1927 Ford roadster, which was significantly constructed by Jackie Howerton and completed at SO-CAL Speed Shop under Peter Chapouris. Now, Lindig’s son, Brad, owns the roadster.
If not now, this 2016 AMBR-winning 1932 Ford highboy roadster owned by Darryl Hollenbeck will eventually accumulate the most miles driven. Hollenbeck takes it everywhere, in all kinds of weather. He is one of the most sought-after painters in our industry, but it’s apparent he possesses multiple talents.
While not a roadster, it is the 1975 Slonaker-winning hot rod, the 1926 Ford sedan originally owned and built by Lil’ John Buttera. It is now housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
This 1962 Chevy Impala SS, owned by Eric Sassenberg, was built in-house at Old Anvil Speed Shop under the supervision of Paul Bosserman. You can find stories about this build on the Modern Rodding pages. The Impala won First Place in Full Custom Convertible 1960-69 and an Outstanding Individual Display award.
It’s a 1959 Pontiac “El Camino” belonging to Kenneth Yanez and built at Special Projects. They began with a 1959 Pontiac Safari wagon, then converted into a two-door pickup. Next, they added a 1960 El Camino roof and bed, followed by 1959 El Camino doors and 1959 Pontiac Catalina quarter-panels, doorjambs, and Bonneville taillights. It took home First Place honors in Custom Pickup.
It’s a GT51, born from a 1951 Ford coupe that belonged to the late Bruce Leven. It was built at Wicked Fabrication, Byers Custom for body and paint, and Stitches Custom Upholstery. It is a very intriguing build.
Tom George owns the 1932 Ford five-window highboy coupe. Randy Pierson built it, and it features a Flathead engine with twin plugs per cylinder, making it a truly rare piece.
We found this interesting in metal finish fenderless hot rod at the Hollywood Hot Rods booth.
Dan Webb (Webb Automotive Art) is building this Panhard, a French car company, “The Razor” for the Brumos Collection; it is 35,000 square feet dedicated to some of the world’s finest automobiles. It was the Panhard company’s 1926 land-speed racing attempt car.
ARP showcased a remarkable display honoring the legacy of George Poteet, who died in 2024. Poteet was a legend among rodders everywhere, making significant contributions to rodding, landspeed racing, and other pursuits.
Taking home one of the Modern Rodding Editors’ Pick was the chopped and bagged 1949 Ford custom belonging to Thomas and Jen Gross.
Mark Woz captured another Modern Rodding Editor’s Pick with his 1950 Ford custom, featuring a 454 Chevy V-8, a four-speed transmission, a Fatman frontend, and Vintage Air. The build and paint were handled by Color by Woz.
