I can’t remember a Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) when it didn’t rain on either move-in or move-out day, but 2014 was the exception. Attendees enjoyed low 80°F temperatures during the day and comfortable mid 50s°F in the evenings. It was absolutely perfect for the huge crowd that came from around the world to view the finest array of hot rods, customs, muscle cars, race cars and motorcycles on the planet!
I enjoyed several high points this year and one was in building #9, celebrating 100 years of Bonneville Racing. John Buck and the Rodshows.com team did a fabulous of job putting the room together. There was a perfect balance of historical and contemporary race cars placed in perfect symmetry with each other—what a treat!
Like last year, I joined the ranks of the 2014 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) judges team. I’m happy to say drag racing restoration authority Pete Eastwood also joined, along with colleagues Bobby Alloway, Brian Brennan, Troy Ladd, Thom Taylor, Tom Vogele, Jeff Hymann, ISCA judges Gary Moore, Jim Karls, Brian Anderson and AMBR judging coordinator Vic “Lucky” Cunnyngham. Even though 2011 saw rules changes, many still have to be reminded the two most important words in the contest are “Most Beautiful,” that’s where Cunnyngham shines in keeping us on the path to a good decision.
From the 12 AMBR contenders this year, the Troy Trepanier-prepped Wes Rydell ’35 Chevy tub took home the gold. The impeccable maroon and black Phaeton defies description and is representative of what Rad Ride’s by Troy fans have come to expect, a traditional hot rod with just the right balance of contemporary flavor. Congratulations to Wes and Troy, and thanks for all the hard work!
Another high point of the show was the L.A. Roadsters Club booth in building 4. Club member Doyle Gammel and the Roadsters crew have teamed up with the Alex Xydias Center for the Automotive Arts (AXC) in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the L.A. Roadsters Show. The two organizations are building a Deuce Hiboy project tagged Spirit of McGee and will be completed by AXC students and community supporters of the Learning Centers at Fairplex. All proceeds from the project will benefit the Alex Xydias Center for the Automotive Arts. (Note: I’ll have updates from time to time.)
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