A 1923 Ford Two-Door Phaeton and a 1959 Chevrolet Impala hardtop were the stars of the recent Grand National Roadster Show.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show, presented by Meguiar’s, announced the winners of the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) and Al Slonaker Memorial awards Feb. 4 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California.
“We are always blown away by the hot rods and customs that compete for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster and Al Slonaker awards,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the Grand National Roadster Show. “These cars exemplify these awards and were competing against tough competition.”
The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster was awarded to a 1932 Ford two-door Phaeton owned by Beth Myers and built by Roy Brizio Street Rods. Myers will be immortalized on the award’s 9.5-foot-tall trophy alongside builders like George Barris, Andy Brizio and Boyd Coddington.
The Phaeton started with one of 32 Brookville two-door tubs. Brizio Street Rods reworked every panel, including a rear body section reshaped to resemble a 1932 Ford Tudor sedan.
The Brizio team built the custom 1932 Ford frame, complete with a Super Bell axle and Moal torsion bar suspension. The 500-plus-hp Roush 427 is backed by a TREMEC 5-speed and a Winters V-8 quick-change rear end. Its deep black paint was done by Vintage Color Studio, full-length flames by Art Himsl and custom pinstriping by Eric Reyes.
Meanwhile, David Rush’s 1959 “Bespoke” Chevrolet Impala hardtop was awarded the 2024 Al Slonaker Memorial Award. The award has been presented to the best non-roadster vehicle at the show since 1974.
Built by Steve Cook Creations, the Impala features a 518-ci LS3 motor built by Don Hardy mounted on a Roadster Shop chassis.
The Impala has been modified with raised front wheel openings, a lengthened bodyline to add length to the front, custom aluminum recessed hood panels, custom-built front and rear valances, custom side- and quarter-panel trim and flush headlight and taillight bezels.
The interior by Gabe’s Custom Interiors boasts 1965 Chevelle seats, a custom steering wheel and gauge lenses by EVOD and Dakota Digital gauges. It is finished with Adventurine Green Pearl paint by BASF and chrome by Ogden.
Overall, more than 500 individual awards were presented during the GNRS closing ceremonies.
“We are so grateful to the car owners, sponsors and attendees who make this event possible each year,” said Buck.
For more information about the Grand National Roadster Show and the full list of 2024 award winners, click HERE.
