We just returned from the world's longest running indoor car show, the Grand National Roadster Show, held in Pomona, California. With the classic So-Cal weather you'd expect while visiting, there were plenty more hot rods packing the fairgrounds adding even more to an already great show.
One of the most prestigious awards in hot rodding, the America's Most Beautiful Roadster, is presented at this show. Adding to the excitement was the inaugural Al Slonaker Memorial award which is presented to the best all-round vehicle (non-roadster) at the event. Slonaker founded the GNRS back in 1949 and this award is given in memory of Al and his wife Mary. (A best of show award has been presented since 1979.)
The two major awards were announced Sunday evening during a fun ceremony with over 600 other awards. The AMBR went to Monte Belsham's 1932 Ford Roadster that was built by Jerry Kugel. The Slonaker Memorial award went to an amazing '36 Willys Model 77 owned by Ron and Vicki Ernsberger and built by The Tin Man's Garage.
This year's show featured a special exhibit called "Drag Racing Then and Now" which was packed with incredible race cars of the past and present. There was a hall full of customs, the ultra-cool suede palace and more. We passed by rock 'n rollers Billy Gibbons, Michael Anthony and Mike Ness walking the halls and even saw a right hand drive coupe owned by Pink Floyd's drummer, Nick Mason.
We could prattle on more about the cars, but we'll let the rods do the talking. One awesome item is that the annual pin strippers auction raised over $50,000 for Teen Challenge in memory of Barry Meguiar's daughter, Nicole. With that, enjoy the gallery.
Note - if you're looking for more info on the AMBR winner, check out Rod Show's recap.
