Long known as the “Grand Daddy of Them All,” the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) is the world’s longest running indoor car show. On top of that, this event is also known for its prestige and high caliber builds that attend year after year. Originally held in Oakland, California, in 1950, the show has since moved to the Fairplex in Pomona, with this last event being held on February 3rd-5th.
One of the highlights of the show is the competition for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award. With previous winners like Chip Foose and John Buttera, the battle for the title is always strong. Winning the award also comes with some prizes like getting your name engraved on the coveted 9-foot-tall trophy and a cash award of $12,500. Though only US-built vehicles ’37 and older are eligible for entry, it does include pickups of that era.
Though there were no trucks entered into the AMBR exhibit, there definitely was no shortage of amazing haulers as this year saw the “Keep on Truckin’: 50 Years of Classic Haulers” special section in building 9. There, over 100 hand-picked trucks were on display and included many historical builds from the past as well as a few influential modern builds. This would include OBS builds from Boyd Coddington and Alan Budnik to name a few notable trucks present at the show
Outside the buildings on Saturday and Sunday was the Drive-in, which had several hundred vehicles show up in order to be a part of the action as well. This portion of the event featured vehicles from all generations including slammed rigs and even a few sky-scraping behemoths. The walkways were flooded with these vehicles as they gleamed in the winter sun.
Other highlights of the 73rd GNRS included the Builder of the Year announcement that was taken by Mike Filion of Pro Design Hot Rods. He’s been in business for thirty years and is best known in the truck community for creating “Sublow,” a green and tan ’70 Chevy Suburban that was chopped and shortened. Also, this year, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and Dave Shuten were inducted to the GNRS Hall of Fame
Though the show season peaks during the summer months, there are a few winter events that normally set the tone for the rest of the year. The GNRS is always a great way to kick everything off and we can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
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