Grand National Roadster Show
1932 Limefire Ford Roadster Grand National Roadster Show
Check out the ultimate custom car experience at the Grand National Roadster Show and see why GNRS is the nation’s oldest indoor custom car show. Some of the best hot rods and custom cars from across the country will be on display in Pomona, CA at the annual GNRS.
But the Grand National Roadster Show isn’t just about hot rods and custom cars. They also have a building dedicated to a specific theme, which is one of the unique and exciting aspects of the event. This year’s theme for the feature building was “A Gathering of Hot VWs,” sponsored by Hot VWs Magazine and EMPI.
The VWs inside the building were incredible, not only inside, but all around the building as well. I hadn’t seen so many VWs in one location before and I couldn’t help but look forward to seeing what the theme will be for this building next year.
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Across from the Gathering of the Hot VWs was the Suede Palace building. A visit to the Suede Palace at the Grand National Roadster Show is a treat for any car enthusiast, with a wide variety of custom cars and hot rods from on display, and live Rockabilly music adding to the atmosphere. The Go Getters from Sweden were the feature band. In addition, area car clubs pick and hand out trophies for their favorite rides in the building.
With the variety of cars and the added excitement of the music and trophy presentation, it’s no wonder the Suede Palace is a popular destination at the Grand National Roadster Show
Not only did the Grand National Roadster Show have a fantastic display of custom cars and hot rods. GNRS celebrated 90 years of the 1932 Ford. This year, they dedicated an area outside just for these iconic vehicles. It was truly a sight to see the best ‘32s in the Nation in one location, like the iconic 1932 Limefire Ford Roadster. Such a large gathering of deuces is quite remarkable.
The GNRS is not only an indoor event; They displayed hundreds of vehicles outside of the buildings. GNRS is open pre-1973 style cars and trucks.
One car that caught my attention was a 1950 Oldsmobile. The interesting Oldsmobile painted yellow with a black top, with taped up headlights and a rock guard in the front. They strapped the hood, and the door closed, and to top it off, it had Gregory’s Speed Shop painted on the side.
Darrel, the car’s owner, built the car to pay homage to the Oldsmobile’s that raced in the early days of NASCAR. Darrell painted Gregory’s Speed Shop on the side as a tribute to his dad. It turns out that the Oldsmobile named Johnny was one of the last project cars that Darrel’s dad had when he passed away in ‘04. I don’t think that this car will not be for sale soon.
1950 Oldsmobile Grand National Roadster Show
Many incredible vehicles were on display in the indoor buildings as well. One of the most beautiful coupes I’ve seen was this year’s Al Slonaker Memorial Award winner. It was a gorgeous 1932 Ford coupe. The ‘32 Ford Coupe was owned by Pat Gauntt and built by Hollywood Hot Rods.
They give many awards out at the GNRS; the two most coveted are the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award, for the Roadsters at the event. In addition, the Al Slonaker Award for the non-roadster winner. Al & Mary Slonaker were the founders of the Grand National Roadster Show in 1950 when they were in Oakland, California.
1932 Ford Coupe - Al Slonaker Memotial Award Winner Grand National Roadster Show
There were many trucks at the event, but one that stood out to me was a 1934 Ford truck owned by Jerry Logan. It had suicide doors, a perfect 4 1/2" chop with a Ford 312; the paint and overall look were fantastic on this truck. It was a true beauty.
Also in one building was the gorgeous 1951 Hirohata Mercury Custom that has been getting a lot of attention lately. That’s one of the many reasons that make the GNRS so great. They attract the premier builders and owners of some of the best cars in the country.
1934 Ford Truck Grand National Roadster Show
1951 Mercury Custom Grand National Roadster Show
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Walking around and admiring the cars, there was a 1966 Buick Riviera way out back. Its stance was just right; the car was a simple green color but a genuine work of art, a showcase of the builder’s skills.
1966 Buick Riviera Grand National Roadster Show
Along with all the cars throughout the event, there were plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, many vendors selling their goods, and a live music most of the day.
If you were thinking about building your dream car or having someone build it for you, you're in luck. Along with all the vehicles on display for inspiration, there were a lot of builders and suppliers that had booths as well.
The Grand National Roadster Show is known for being the longest-running indoor car show; they call it the Grand Daddy of them all. The GNRS, initially in Northern California in the early 50s, has been in Pomona, CA, since 2004.
If you’re a car enthusiast, the GNRS is an event you won’t want to miss, even if you don’t live in California.
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