What began 70 years ago and originally based out of Oakland, California, the Grand National Roadster Show has since grown into the world’s greatest hot rod show! This iconic show (formally known as the Oakland Roadster show) premieres only top quality hot rods, roadsters, classics, muscle cars and motorcycles! We had a chance to check out this unique experience again this past weekend and celebrated its 16th consecutive year at the Fairplex Fairgrounds in Pomona, CA.
Here’s the objective of this show: judges are organized into special groups with their emphasis based on originality, quality, attention to detail, condition, and safety. The idea is to retain consistency within each point system per vehicle class. Each vehicle contestant has their eye on the grand prize, with hopes they fit the select team of judges’ specific criteria to become crowned the 2019 champion.
Each point awarded is based upon quality and degree of difficulty in modification. The top achievable award is “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster”, with a cash prize of $10,000! Other notable awards include: Outstanding Overall, Outstanding Detail, Outstanding Color Design, Outstanding Engine, and Outstanding Interior.
This year, George Poteet’s 1936 Ford “Three Penny” took the title for 2019 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster! Eric Peratt of Pinkees Rod Shop in Windsor, Colorado built this unique hot rod. The “Chocolate Milk” nostalgic paint job is a reflection of when people could purchase milk for 3 cents. Many top quality builds competed for the 9 ½ foot trophy, and it’s clear why “Three Penny” took the crown!
On Saturday and Sunday, the show hosted 800+ additional outdoor candidates parked in between the halls for outside viewing pleasure. Everywhere you turned, all you saw were rows of pristine, exclusive builds ranging from classic Cadillac’s to timeless trucks. The amount of detail poured into each project oozes perfection. This is definitely a show that demands the best of the best.
Vendors lined the entrance and inside exhibitors including pin stripers and nostalgic clothing. They displayed everything needed to pay homage to the past. Guests of the show enjoyed displaying their best pinup looks and classic rockabilly style.
VIAIR equipped vehicles previously seen at SEMA 2018 such as Chris Church’s 1940 Ford Pickup “40 Shades of Grey” won top honors and First Place in her class. This Carolina Kustoms distinguishable build previously won “Best Truck” at SEMA, and runs the New Gen. 2 Dual VIAIR 485C in Stealth Black in the trunk to air up quickly.
Brad McKinnon’s 1953 Chevrolet Suburban “CarrYallSuburban” made the trek all the way from Victoria, British Columbia to this prestigious show! This breathtaking build runs dual VIAIR compressors, and was also displayed at and picked by the SEMA show as one of top 5 Chevy’s. This chocolate sensation was a crowd pleaser and fan favorite of many.
Another notable VIAIR equipped feature at the Grand National Roadster Show was Jimmy Uria’s right-hand drive Mercedes. This exclusive Benz is one of the few truly right-hand drive vehicles we have had the honor of being apart of. The subtle camber on the back tire adds to the refined ambiance this distinct vehicle brings. Jimmy has run VIAIR’s for the past 6 years on his vehicle with no issues and is happy to be part of the VIAIR team!
Each year the Grand National Roadster show upstages itself with the top of the line Hot Rod and Roadster vehicles. With attendees visiting from around the globe we look forward to what 2020 has to offer! Learn more about the Grand National Roadster show here.
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