Chevys From the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show
By Nick Licata – Images by the Author
While the Midwest and East Coast were enduring one of the longest and coldest Januarys on record, it was a very different story out West. Things were heating up, literally and figuratively, at the 76th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) held at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. The weather was uncharacteristically warm for late January, with the weekend temps hovering in the mid-to-upper 80s. The show itself … hot, as always.
The GNRS once again delivered the best muscle cars, hot rods, and of course, roadsters on the planet. For the 76th time, the coolest vehicles in the country made their way West, continuing a longstanding legacy of showcasing the very best in the classic car and hot rod world.
From its humble beginnings in 1950, as the National Roadster Show, this once-modest gathering has evolved into the premier event for hot rodders, car builders, and classic car enthusiasts alike. Today, the GNRS stands as the benchmark for craftsmanship, creativity, and automotive passion.
One of the event’s defining features is its unique indoor format, spread across multiple large buildings, each focused on specific themes but united by a common goal: high-quality builds. In Building 6, 12 top-tier hot rods, customs, and wild street machines of various brands and styles competed for the coveted Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Meanwhile, Building 4 hosted elite builders unveiling their latest creations, a collection of world-class pinstripers produced artwork for daily charity auctions with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Every ONE Free Foundation, while nine of the finest roadsters in the country battled for the crown jewel of the show, the prestigious America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award.
GNRS is about far more than roadsters alone. The show caters to a broad audience, featuring an impressive variety of classic vehicles competing across numerous classes. From vintage muscle cars and customs, to lowriders, hot rods, and trucks, there’s something here to satisfy just about every classic car or truck enthusiast.
The 76th Grand National Roadster Show ran from January 30-February 1, drawing massive crowds who enjoyed both the warm Southern California weather and the nation’s hottest automotive creations. GNRS continues to build on its reputation as the one place where the best hot rod builders and hot rods converge, allowing attendees an up-close look at everything from meticulous restorations and restomods to wild Pro Street and Gasser-style builds.
For those who like to dig a little deeper into the vintage car culture, there was the Suede Place where hot rods, customs, drag cars, vendors, and music reflect the styles associated with the 1940s-60s. It’s a must-see portion of the show to soak in some authentic hot roddin’.
For fans of homegrown, daily driver rides, the Grand Daddy Drive-In took place just outside the exhibit halls. Over the course of the weekend, over 1,500 classic muscle cars, hot rods, customs, and trucks rolled in under their own power, driven by enthusiasts who value the driving experience as much as the cars themselves. This outdoor showcase highlighted a deep commitment to preserving Southern California’s rich car culture. Sponsored by All Chevy Performance, Classic Truck Performance, and Modern Rodding magazines, the Drive-in also featured three special Editor’s Choice awards. At All Chevy Performance, we honored vehicles that stood out for their unique qualities—or were simply impossible to ignore.
After 76 years, the Grand National Roadster Show still reigns as the country’s premier classic car and hot rod event, effortlessly blending elite, high-end builds with the honest character of local, driven rides. As always, the show was packed with an impressive lineup of amazing Chevys. We hope you Chevy fans enjoy this photo gallery showcasing some of our favorite vehicles from another unforgettable GNRS.
For information on the 77th Annual Grand National Roadster Show, visit rodshows.com/gnrs. ACP
