Steve Frisbie took the Builder...
Steve Frisbie took the Builder of the Year award and debuted his latest creation, the Double Dozen, designed with Chris Ito. A scale model was unveiled, and those in attendance were suitably awed. The cars will be handbuilt, and there will be 12 with fenders and 12 without. Steve explained that the cars will be delivered as rollers in bare steel. He expects the first to be completed some time in late spring.
Another SAR offering unveiled...
Another SAR offering unveiled at the GNRSthis one in fullsize scalewas The Baron, a 37 German Ford Phaeton. The car, owned by Bill Bauce, featured a two-door phaeton body originally built back in 1937 by Karl Deutsch Karosserie of Koeln, Germany. The car uses a U.S. Ford chassis and fenders, and the package was extensively massaged by SAR.
John DAgostino is...
John DAgostino is a regular at the Roadster Show and usually present with a couple customs on display. This year, he showed the Caribbean, a 56 Packard with extensive modifications. Ozs Kustoms in Oroville, California, handled all of the metal work, including the chop, channel, and section job, as well as the Carson-style top. Marcos Garcia of Lucky 7 Customs in Antioch, California, laid down the House of Kolor hues, and Bob Divine of Martinez, California, stitched the leather interior. Watch for an upcoming feature.
Another connoisseur of classic...
Another connoisseur of classic customs is Richard Zocchi, who has been showing at the GNRS for years. This time, his 59 Plymouth Fury was there to grab some attention. The Plymouth was quite slick and right on the ground.
Another AMBR competitor was...
Another AMBR competitor was this stunning track-nose roadster designed and owned by Larry Erickson. It began as an Experi-Metal 32 Chevy body and was then massaged and mated with the custom steel hood and nose. It runs a small-block Chevy with a front-mounted Potvin blower and a set of one-off Coddington wheels with a strong nostalgia flavor.
Although many of the vehicles...
Although many of the vehicles displayed at the GNRS are from the West Coast, the show draws entries from around the globe. These two cars came all the way from England to be part of the So-Cal Speed Shop display. The roadster belongs to Lee Pike, while Pete Tyas lays claim to the coupe.
Despite the traditional air,...
Despite the traditional air, modern creations are also part of the GNRS mix. This radical 60 Ford Starliner belongs to Richard Mattioli and was built by Sam Foose after Chip Foose penned it. It runs a Ford Racing 460 with a Richmond Gear six-speed.
A VW at the roadster show...
A VW at the roadster show is somewhat unusual, but this 64 Bug, owned by Fred Hidalgo, chief designer for So-Cal Speed Shop, was built with help from Jimmy Shine and the Kennedy Brothers. It runs VW power but features an early Ford front axle and suspension with Sprint Carstyle steering. The radical chop and louvered body panels help endear it to traditional rodders.
Not everything at the roadster...
Not everything at the roadster show is pretty. This creation from Guido Brenner is a work in progress, and was inspired by a Hot Wheels car. The big inline engine (a 33 Chrysler 8) and arch-backed tub (19 Studebaker) retain the vibe of the scale original. All it needs is the spiked-helmet top.
Every winter for 53 years the best of the best have gathered in Northern California to determine the finest roadster in the land. Of course, the Grand National Roadster Show isnt exclusively for roadsters; there are also plenty of closed hot rods, as well a good showing of customs. This year was no exception.
The show has been altered here and there over the past few years, most notably in its venue. The Oakland Coliseum was its home for decades, but now the show is housed in the San Mateo County Expo Center. Another change that was new for this year involved the handling of the Americas Most Beautiful Roadster award.
This year, for the first time, the AMBR had its own class. In previous years, all roadsters in attendance would be considered as long as they fit the criteria (37-or-earlier model, one resembling such a model, one without roll-up windows, and so on), including roadster pickups and phaetons. The criteria remains the same, but now a vehicle must be entered specifically in the AMBR class to be considered for the big trophy. The brass behind the GNRS felt that there needed to be a way for all of the contenders to achieve some form of recognition. Of the 14 entrants this year, there was one AMBR winner and 13 runners-up, so to speak. It keeps the other entrants, most featuring outstanding craftsmanship, from remaining anonymous.
One of the other noted honors given is the Builder of the Year award. This years recipient was Steves Auto Restoration, and owner Steve Frisbie accepted the accolade. There were a number of SAR creations on hand for viewing, including the debut of an AMBR contender known as The Barona 37 Ford phaeton originally constructed by Ford of Germany. Frisbie also took the opportunity to debut another SAR creation, the Double Dozen, along with designer Chris Ito. In the near future, these designer roadsters will be handbuilt in extremely limited quantities.
The hosts for the 53rd Annual were Dan and Charlene Cyr and, as usual, they put on an enjoyable event. If you missed it, swing by www.hotrodshows. com on the Internet to see when one of their other productions is coming to your town.