GNRS Follow-Up

Southern California rolled out a string of warm sunny days for the Grand National Roadster Show this year, and offered more cars than we could hope to see in a week.

You’ve probably seen the GNRS coverage online, but if not, go to Don’s Hot Rod Page. Don runs Highway 99 Hot Rods and has been shooting and posting event photos for years. No one provides better coverage.

Our shop truck was chosen as a contender for the Jalopy Journal’s Traditional Roadster trophy. It was the only roadster pick-up in the group. H.A.M.B.-friendly builders choose their ten favorites, then members of the H.A.M.B. vote online. The award is for traditional-styled cars and came about as a counter to the over-the-top, million dollar showboats that had been winning the GNRS’ America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy.

The Time-Out T won the TJJ trophy. It wasn’t put together by a high-end hot rod shop, it was built by a group of young guys in a car club. The little roadster brought back memories of the models we used to build as kids.

Over at the Suede Palace our friends Doug Peterson and Jack Foye won the Henchman’s Car Club trophy…

… for their resurrection of the Ross Heale roadster pick-up. This, dear reader, is a hot rod.

Paul Hoffman’s Mercury was built by Rudy Rodriguez and generated a tremendous amount of buzz. The craftsmanship, finish, and overall attention to design and detail were off the charts. Evidently it was too subtle for the judges and in the end was totally snubbed.

I wouldn’t exactly call it buzz, but it was noteworthy how times Richard Munz’ Deuce five window came up in conversation. An older, full-fendered car with an Olds engine and LaSalle trans, it’s a great example of how many little details must come together in order to really nail it.

The cars in the Suede Palace are getting nicer and nicer; you no longer need flat paint and rough edges to be featured here. This lovely little tail-dragger was just up the row from the shop truck. It was one of our favorites of the entire show.