Grand National Roadster Show
Written by Keith Fudge

Last January, Dennis Gage and the crew from My Classic Car had the privilege to attend the Annual Grand National Roadster Show!  Held at the LA County Fairplex in Pomona, California, this event is billed as, “The Grand Daddy of Them All!”  This show features some of the wildest machines ever built and is a showcase for the best talent in custom automotive design on the planet!  After he arrived, Dennis met with John Buck, Grand National Roadster Show President, who told him that this event is the oldest indoor car show in the United States.  However, now they have also added an outdoor show area to accommodate more of these fantastic custom creations.  John went on to say that there were approximately 450 cars displayed indoors and 350 for viewing outside.  John noted that the facilities here are outstanding, citing that there were nine buildings housing cars, vendors, and other activities related to the event.  In fact, there was one building that was totally devoted to “the hot rodder’s dream:” the 1932 Ford!  In addition, John mentioned that this show is a national event, drawing participants from coast to coast.  Many of the entries hope to win the coveted prize of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster.  Dennis had a great visit with John, but soon it was time to see some of these fantastic cars up close.  Dennis headed outside to see what he could find.

First, Dennis discovered Al Von der Werth and his sweet drop-top Ford.  What started out in life as a 1932 Ford is now some kind of hot rod thanks to Al’s restoration in 2001.  Some of Al’s custom touches include a 1935 grille, suicide doors, added fenders and fender skirts, and a 1958 fully-blown 392 cubic-inch Hemi!  With a two-toned black and red color scheme, frenched-in license plate, and custom pinstriping, it is easy to see why this car is a Von Dutch Award winner and why it placed 2nd in the Grand Nationals!  Al also said that he drives the car on a regular basis!  How cool is that?  Next, Dennis found Ron Segal and his custom “cab-over hauler!”  This cool custom classic started its life as a 1½ ton flatbed hay truck!  Chopped 3 inches and fitted on a custom chassis that is home to a 460 Ford V-8 complete with a C-6 tranny and 9-inch Ford rear end, you can bet this baby has the power to haul anything!  With a fantastic custom paint job, Dennis referred to this ride as a “mid-engine truck!”  The next radical roadster that Dennis encountered was Ian Roussel’s “Tractor Dragula!”  A car that Dennis referred to as, “completely insane,” is made from the front end of a ’31 Ford and the rear end of a ’27 touring car.  Powered by a White truck engine and featuring air suspension and an unusual “exhaust through the frame” system, this car is, as Ian called it, “raw and aggressive.”  Ian fabricated the doors from scrap metal, and the windshield frame came from an Auburn boat-tail speedster.  The speedometer is even from an older VW bus!  Ian said that he has been building rat rods for some time and wanted to take it a step further…how about a giant leap!?  Finally, Dennis spoke with Chris Cuoto, the owner of a sweet low-ridin’ 1963 Chevy pickup.  Chopped 3½ inches off the top and 2 inches off the bottom, this custom has an amazing look!  The inside and outside are both adorned in a two-toned yellow and white color scheme, and the interior features the original dash with some modifications.  The truck is powered by a tuned-port V-8 and naturally features air-ride suspension.  Now the most unbelievable part about this custom is that it is all metal with no fiberglass or bondo at all!  Chris said that the truck has been featured on the cover of a car and truck magazine, and it turns quite a few heads.

Dennis and the crew had a great time in Pomona, California at the Grand National Roadster Show.  As Dennis said, “It is a show where art, innovation, and engineering are at their finest.”  That’s it from sunny California.  So until our next visit, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”