WINTER WONDERLAND
2018 GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW SETS THE TONE
WITH MANY SHOWS held during the summertime, most would assume it’s the busy season for builders and insiders. However, many of the movers and shakers get cranking during the winter, making sacrifices around the holiday season for one good reason. These folks know that if they wrench during the off-season, they can make a strong debut at one of the most historic and notorious events better known as the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS).
This is one of our favorite shows because it has something for everybody. The three-day invitational kicked off on a Friday with more than seven halls filled with custom vehicles, including one that featured special sections for motorcycles, lowriders and custom trucks. Another amazing hall was the Suede Palace, which featured ratstyle classic vehicles. Though most vehicles were showcased indoors, numerous vehicles were set up outside too.
One of the highlights of the show was seeing the vehicles in competition for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award. With previous winners like George Barris and Boyd Coddington, the battle for the title is always fierce. Earning the title also comes with prizes, like getting your name engraved on the coveted 9-foot-tall trophy and a cash award of $10,000. Though only U.s.-built vehicles from 1937 and older are eligible for entry that includes pickups from that era as well.
GNRS not only starts the show season, it sets the tone for the rest of the year in grand fashion. It’s been doing so for 69 years, making it the world’s longest-running indoor car show. Originally held in Oakland, California, the show has since moved to the Pomona Fairplex, and this latest event was held on Jan. 26-28. For more info on next year’s show, visit Rodshows.com.