Grand National Roadster Show Back for 74th Year

The 74th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show presented by Meguiar’s will showcase hundreds of the country’s best hot rods, customs, lowriders, muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles Feb. 2-4, 2024, at the Fairplex in Pomona.

More than 500 hot rods will fill the Fairplex buildings, while another 500-800 vehicles will join the event each day for the 18th annual Grand Daddy Drive-In. The legendary show will be highlighted by the debut of dozens of incredible custom cars competing for two of the industry’s most coveted and competitive awards: America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award.

Since its debut in 1950, the AMBR award has been recognized as one of the custom car world’s most prestigious awards, officials stated. It is presented annually to a vehicle featuring exceptional originality, style, design, craftsmanship, engineering and functionality and is open to all 1937-and-older U.S. production-based roadsters, roadster pickups, phaetons and touring cars.

The winner receives a $12,500 prize, their name on the 9-foot-tall perpetual trophy provided by award sponsor ARP Fasteners, and a smaller version of the trophy to take home. Last year, Jack Chisenhall’s 1932 Ford Roadster joined a list of legendary cars and builders who have taken home AMBR honors, including George Barris, Boyd Coddington, Darryl Hollenbeck, Troy Ladd and Chip Foose.

Created in 1974 by GNRS founder Al Slonaker, the Al Slonaker Memorial Award recognizes the best non-roadster vehicle at the show, chosen by a panel of industry experts comprising builders, media members and automotive designers.

The winner’s name will be engraved on a custom billet perpetual trophy, and they will receive a smaller take-home trophy presented by ARP Fasteners, along with a $12,500 prize.

Past winners include Eric Clapton’s 1932 Ford Victoria built by Roy Brizio; James Hetfield’s 1948 Jaguar Mark IV built by Rick Dore; Craig Moyes’ 1950 Chevy Phantom fleetside pickup built by Dave Kindig; and Pat Gauntt’s 1932 Ford Coupe built by Troy Ladd.

George Eliacostas’ 1960 Buick Invicta claimed the award last year.

“Each year, the builders and car owners raise the bar for the entire custom car industry with the incredible machines they bring to the show,” said John Buck, producer of the Grand National Roadster Show. “We are honored to carry on the rich history of this legendary event and can’t wait to share these beautiful hot rods, custom cars and trucks with our fellow car enthusiasts and gearheads.”

The feature building will celebrate Street Machines: Then & Now with a collection of trendsetting, historic and unique street machines from 1955 to today. The curated display will include popular Pro Street, Pro-Touring, street freak and muscle machines ranging from Mustangs and Camaros to ’Cudas and Novas.

The vintage-themed Suede Palace, which celebrates more traditional hot rods, customs and drag cars from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s will feature period music, costumes and more. A large selection of artfully designed lowriders will also be on display, highlighting the best of custom car culture with local flair and classic style.

Talented pinstripers from around the world will showcase their skills as they create automotive art that will be auctioned off each day, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Team Challenge of Southern California. From cell phones and laptops to skateboards and bowling pins, event attendees are encouraged to bring items they would like pinstriped for a small donation to the charity.

As always, the weekend will include dozens of food and retail vendors, live entertainment, kids’ games and other family-friendly activities.

The Grand National Roadster Show runs from noon-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4.