The return of the Grand National Roadster Show has seen a celebration of America’s best roadsters, hot rods and custom cars.
Held at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, the 2022 show marked the event’s return after the 2021 edition was postponed.
More than 1,000 custom cars were on display. The event culminated with the presentation of trophies for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Winner
Taking the top AMBR Award was a 1934 Chevrolet Roadster. Owned by Jeff Breault and built by Devlin Rod & Customs, the Chevy had been subject to an extensive two-year build project.
Using a custom Roadster Shop chassis, the Chevrolet has a host of bespoke exterior touches and details. A modern LS V-8 engine is found under the hood, covered with parts to make it appear like a vintage block.
The interior is also completely customized, with the work performed by Downey’s Auto Upholstery.
Beating 10 other contenders, the Chevrolet will now be immortalized on the nine-foot-tall trophy. The winner also receives a prize of $12,500, provided by ARP Bolts.
Al Slonaker Memorial Award Winner
Taking the other major prize at the 2022 event was a 1932 Ford Coupe. It collected the Al Slonaker Memorial Award, dedicated to the founders of the Grand National Roadster Show, as the top non-roadster on display.
Owned by Pat Gauntt, and built by Hollywood Hot Rods, the Ford has been more than 15 years in the making. It features a 331-cubic inch Cadillac V-8 engine, fitted with race-specification parts.
Making the Ford even more impressive is its bespoke suspension setup. A cockpit-controlled system uses pressurized oil, and is adjusted by valves mounted near the gear shifter.
Celebrating history and heritage
More than 600 awards were presented during the show weekend, with tens of thousands of visitors attending.
As part of the 2022 event, a celebration of the 1932 Ford’s 90th anniversary was held, and featured at the Grand Daddy Drive-In.
A special exhibit also placed attention on “A Gathering of Hot VWs”, with the display including a previously unseen Volkswagen Beetle, owned by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.
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