The 2006 Grand National Roadster Show marks the 57th year for this remarkable, historic, and prestigious king of all indoor car shows. In addition, it marks the show's third year at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, and its first year under the ownership of John Buck Enterprises, which purchased the GNRS from Dan Cyr since the last time we were here.
In the three years since it came south from the Bay Area, the Grand National Roadster Show has been growing into the facilities at the Fairplex. The venue has the advantage of allowing the vehicles and vendors to spread into the main exhibition building and five more 100x300-ft buildings. New this year as well, thanks to the Fairplex's layout and Southern California's mid-winter summer-like climate, was a Saturday Cruise-In, which filled the areas around the building with cars that were equally as nice as those inside.
In another new and welcome twist, one of the exhibit halls was temporarily renamed the Suede Palace, and set aside specifically for low-dollar, traditionally styled rides. Primer was not a requirement but was warmly welcomed. Live swing and rockabilly bands set the musical tone at this end of the event.
Of course, the big draw was in the main hall, where the high-end cars vied for the big award-America's Most Beautiful Roadster. Many of these competitors were finished only a few days before arriving in Pomona.
We set up Rod & Custom mission control in a room above the main hall and kept our R&C Web site crackling with up-to-the-minute information and photos from the event, which you can see at www.rodandcustommagazine.com.
If you'd like to see your car in next year's coverage, contact www.hotrodshows.com for information on participating in the 2007 Grand National Roadster Show. We know we'll be there.
Rich Hanson's '28 Ford roadster pickup named the Black Widow 2 is based on the mega-popular Monogram model kit from the early 1960s. | 
Tommy Otis splashed the main floor with amazing color with his L.A. Tub originally designed by Steve Stanford. | 
Saturday's Cruise-In provided an opportunity for showgoers to see even more great cars. |
This gorgeous Cadillac-powered '32 Ford three-window was entered by Tim Thompson. | 
Paul Hoffmann's '32 Ford coupe is the latest creation from the shop of Rudy Rodriguez. | 
R&C's Jim Aust made it into the Suede Palace with the '31 Model A roadster pickup he recently completed for buddy Pete Guida. |
Mike Young brought some realism back to the GNRS with his traditional-style and regularly driven '31 Ford built in his own garage and entered for a shot at the big trophy. | 
A couple of R&C's former editors brought out their latest rides. Bill Neuman entered his BMW Rod in competition for the AMBR title. | 
Who knew a '41 Plymouth could look this good? Kevin Francis, that's who. |
What a difference a year makes. Last year Brookville Roadsters brought out one side of their new three-window body and a few miscellaneous parts. | 
It may be called the Grand National Roadster Show, but that doesn't mean the topless entries overshadowed the customs. |  |
Keith Kaucher's '54 Ford Victoria is one of the first cars to go from an R&C "Dream Car" (December '04 issue) to reality. | 
New this year was the Suede Palace and several local hot rodders took advantage of the venue to show off their rods. | 
The Hot Rod Trio was one of the bands rocking the Suede Palace to the enjoyment of all those in attendance. |
Robert House's '50 Chevy Fleetline has it all. It's clean, simple, and low-what else could it need? | 
Traditional hot rods and music weren't the only things going on in the Suede Palace. | |