Award-winning hot rods and roadsters crowned in California

The 72nd Grand National Roadster Show recognized some of the best hot rods and custom cars, and celebrated the iconic 1932 Ford.

GNRS 2022 Winners

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

GNRS 2022 Winners

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

GNRS 2022 Winners

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

GNRS 2022 Winners

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.

ALSO READ:

First 2023 Corvette Z06 breaks record at charity auction

Hennessey VelociRaptor Bronco charges into production

Bentley details £2.5bn electric car model blitz: FIVE new EVs from 2025

spot_img
John Redfern
John Redfern
U.S. Editor with a love of all things Americana. Woodgrain-clad station wagons and ridiculous muscle cars a speciality.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hot Wheels is searching for the Tiniest F1 Team Principal

Aimed at children between five and ten, an all-expenses paid trip to a Formula 1 Grand Prix will form part of the prize package

New Ram 1500 Rumble Bee is most powerful production pickup

Aimed at muscle car owners who want a truck with similar performance and attitude, four versions of the Ram Rumble Bee are available.

Value of UK private number plate market soars to £289M a year

The market for personalised car number plates grew substantially last year, with auction revenues up by 78 percent alone.

Everything you need to know about the 2026 Indy 500

The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday 24 May 2026. Here’s the full lowdown on this all-American motorsport event.
spot_img