Grand National Roadster Show 2026: A Showcase of Automotive Artistry
The annual Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) in Pomona, California, recently concluded, marking the beginning of another year for custom car enthusiasts. This event is a significant platform for showcasing exceptional automotive craftsmanship, where custom fabrication, intricate paintwork, and meticulous presentation are judged. Vehicles vying for top honors at GNRS often gain significant recognition that extends to other major car exhibitions throughout the year, solidifying their status within the custom car community.
Established in Oakland, California, in 1950, the GNRS has always featured the highly coveted "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" (AMBR) award. This prestigious accolade attracts builders from across the nation, eager to present their creations. Initially, the term "roadster" was adopted to elevate the show's image beyond the "hot rod" subculture, which, at the time, carried connotations of rebellion. Despite this distinction, the show's spirit embraced the boundless creativity of hot rod building, with specific criteria requiring entries to be traditional roadsters (no side windows, no permanent top) from 1937 or earlier, based on American production vehicles.
In 1974, the show's founders, Al and Mary Slonaker, introduced a new award, the Al Slonaker Award, to broaden the competition to vehicles that did not fit the stringent roadster definition. This inclusive approach has since seen a variety of builds claim the award, from a 1977 Harley-Davidson to a 1948 Jaguar owned by Metallica's James Hetfield in 2014, demonstrating the show's evolving recognition of diverse custom vehicles.
The GNRS offers a vast exhibition, extending beyond the AMBR and Slonaker contenders to include hundreds of other custom builds. These range from dazzling lowriders to contemporary muscle cars, showcasing the breadth of automotive customization. Many attendees find personal favorites among the less traditional models or resurrected vintage racers, rather than solely focusing on the high-budget, elaborate constructions.
This year's event, held from January 30 to February 1 at the Pomona Fairplex, provided an opportunity to survey the impressive lineup of roadster contenders and discover other unique custom creations. Among the notable entries was a Foose Design 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II, boasting an LS3 engine and a striking viridian finish, along with two 1968 Chargers—one in progress and another fully prepared. Stanley Chavik's Ardun-flathead-powered '32 Ford, inspired by 1940s Indy machines, stood out for its unique engine conversion and being both owned and built by the same individual.
Other highlights included Shawna and David Pillado's classic black '32 Ford, featuring an original steel body and an 8BA flathead engine, a rarity in an era where many use reproduction bodies. Brandie Laird presented a Peyton Blue Phaeton from Delaware, powered by a Chevy small-block. Beth Myers's vibrant yellow 1934 Ford, built by Brizio Street Rods and inspired by a 1951 Hot Rod magazine cover, showcased a Ford small-block with rare four-valve heads, emphasizing the importance of engine design in judging.
John Fairleigh's 1933 Ford, with its Kaase Boss 9 520-cubic-inch V-8 engine and custom upholstery, captivated audiences with its fierce stance and impeccable presentation. Dave Gonzales’s 1935 Ford displayed a contemporary approach with its smoothed and stretched body, set on large thin-spoke wheels. Todd Samson's '32, built by Gray's Garage, impressed with its earthy paint scheme and dog-dish hubcaps, concealing a powerful Ardun flathead and supercharger.
The show also featured Cory Kozlowski's seafoam green '37 Ford from British Columbia and Nicole Baird's turquoise pearl '32, which evoked the golden age of show cars with its fur display, white walls, and chrome-accented Buick Nailhead engine. Ross and Beth Myers's 2025 AMBR-winning '36 Ford, built by Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy, further exemplified the caliber of vehicles at the event. Additionally, an in-progress build from Hollywood Hot Rods, featuring an Offenhauser four-cylinder, hinted at future contenders. These examples underscore the event's role in celebrating automotive heritage and innovation.