Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale to the 75th Grand National Roadster Show
By Jerry Dixey – Photography by the Author
During my 25 years as the Road Tour director for Street Rodder magazine, I had the privilege of attending countless car shows and events across the country. Two of the most memorable were the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California.
I’ve covered many miles in beautiful Southern California, the birthplace of hot rodding, where museums, shops, and attractions showcase the rich history and evolution of the culture.
Drawing on this experience, I’ve put together what I feel is a truly unforgettable, 11-day bus tour. The route and schedule weave together the stories of hot rodding’s past and present, starting at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction and culminating at the 75th Grand National Roadster Show.
Look at the detailed itinerary below. It outlines the accommodations and stops included in the tour. The price is based on double occupancy (two people sharing one room each night). There is also pricing for a solo traveler. Each participant will receive a commemorative button-down shirt, travel bag, and hat or visor.
Join me in January 2025 as we have some revved-up fun on an 11-day bucket list bus tour. All necessary forms are available at roadtourians.com. For questions you can contact Jerry Dixey at jerry@roadtourians.com or (330) 506-9169.
2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale to the 75th Grand National Roadster Show Itinerary
Thursday, January 23rd
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Transportation will be provided to the Holiday Inn Express/Scottsdale North for check-in beginning at 4 p.m. There will be a brief orientation and week overview Thursday evening at the hotel.
Friday, January 24th
After breakfast we will be at the Barrett-Jackson Scottdale Auction for the day, with entry and transportation provided to and from the event at WestWorld Event Center. Friday evening we will enjoy a social hour and barbecue at the hotel.
Saturday, January 25th
We will be back at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for the day. Saturday evening you can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the area.
Sunday, January 26th
Today we check out of the hotel. It is a five-hour bus trip to San Diego. We will arrive at Balboa Park and visit the San Diego Automotive Museum. There will be restaurants and many sights to see in Balbo Park. Our hotel for the evening is SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Escondido, California.
Monday, January 27th
After breakfast our first stop is Randy Clark’s Hot Rods & Custom Stuff shop in Escondido. Randy and crew built the 2007 1932 Ford Road Tour roadster. Then we make the short drive to the Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum. There we will see their convertibles and Americana collection. We will provide sandwiches while we are at the winery.
From Escondido we continue north to a private collection of collector cars, hot rods, and automobiles in Orange, California. After our visit we will stop for sunset at the famous Huntington Beach Pier. There are plenty of restaurants along Main Street in “Surf City” to enjoy some dinner. It is then a very short drive down Pacific Coast Highway to our hotel for the evening, the Holiday Inn Express, Newport Beach.
Tuesday, January 28th
Our very full day starts after breakfast with a visit to the new Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum (lionsautomobilia.org). This huge collection contains hot rods, dragsters and automobilia celebrating the early days of our hobby.
We are very pleased to have veteran hot rod journalist Brian Brennan as our guide at the Lions Foundation and Museum. Brian grew up in the Southern California hot rod scene and will provide some great insight.
Next, we travel to the famous Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. From the breathtaking exterior design to the automotive treasures within, the Petersen is iconic in our hobby. There is a café at the museum where you can grab a sandwich.
From the Peterson we continue north to Galpin Speed Shop, where we will be greeted by custom car and hot rod craftsman extraordinaire Dave Shuten. Dave is the curator and wizard behind the amazing Galpin Auto Sports collection, which includes Ed Roth, Von Dutch, and George Barris vehicles; Robert Williams artwork; and the iconic Hirohata Merc, which to this day is recognized as a legend in custom car history.
We then arrive at our hotel for the evening, the Holiday Inn and Suites at Ventura Harbor. Tonight, we will all enjoy dinner at the Boatyard Pub on the harbor.
Wednesday, January 29th
After breakfast we will take the short ride to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley. The museum is located on a hill that looks over surrounding areas. It includes galleries and exhibits that tell the story of our nation and one of our most famous presidents. The Air Force One presidential plane is located inside a mammoth hall and is open for visitors to walk through. There is a café and pub for those who want to grab some lunch. We will spend about two hours at the museum.
From Simi Valley we will travel to Burbank, see the famous Hollywood sign, and then onto the Griffith Observatory, known for the dramatic scene from Rebel Without a Cause. We then travel to the Hilton Garden Inn, in Pomona, California, which will be our headquarters for our weekend at the 75th Grand National Roadster Show.
Thursday, January 30th
After breakfast we will head to some of the local hot rod shops, including Stoker’s Hot Rod Factory and SO-CAL Speed Shop. We then visit the NHRA Motorsports Museum at the Fairplex. In the evening you can enjoy dinner at the hotel or one of the restaurants near the Hilton Garden Inn.
Friday, January 31st
After breakfast we will take the short trip to the Fairplex. We have VIP passes for the entire weekend at the Grand National Roadster Show. We will be allowed into the show each day one hour earlier than the general public. There is plenty to see at the show. Food trucks will be on site. We will have a return bus trip mid-afternoon and again later in the evening. There are seven buildings as well as vehicles outside.
Saturday, February 1st
After breakfast we will travel back to the Fairplex and again have two return trips to the hotel. Saturday evening we will have a catered dinner party at the hotel as we begin to wrap up our week on the tour.
Sunday, February 2nd
After breakfast we will again have transportation to the Fairplex for the last day of the show. The awards begin at 4 p.m. in the main building. We will have a return trip to the hotel prior to the awards and then another after the awards wrap up, which is usually about 6 p.m.
Monday, February 3rd
Today is check out day. We will have a very early morning bus running to the Ontario International Airport. There will be another run to the airport mid-morning
