That other hot rod show on Australia Day Weekend.

For the first time ever, this year I missed the VHRA Hot Rod Show. That's the bad news. The good news is that even tho I had to be somewhere else, there just happened to be a hot rod show happening in that little town at the same time.

The Grand National Roadster Show is a few years older than the VHRA show but has many similarities, although scale isn't one of them.

The GNRS moved south from Oakland a few years ago and is now held at the Pomona Fairplex and takes up 7 huge buildings. Plus, if you wish to include it because it can be accessed from the show grounds, the Wally Parks NHRA Museum, which is a whole other show unto itself.

But that aint all!

Just as the VHRA show has an outside 'parking' area, the vast grounds of the Pomona Fairplex is filled with 'driven in' hot rods, customs and a whole bunch of additional vendor displays and other car guy stuff that can't be fitted inside the buildings.

I was there every day for all three days of the show and still didn't see all there was to see, but I did manage to shoot over 4,000 photographs, man I love digital!

Unfortunately I can't show all the pics here, but I'll try over the next few days/weeks, to give you a good idea of what the Grand National Roadster Show is like.

Of course the feature of this show is the awarding of the huge 9 foot (that's like, almost 3 metres) tall trophy for America's Most Beautiful Roadster, so I'll get started with that bit first.

Before the show even opens, there is a pre judging session to sort out the contenders from the other fine roadsters entered for show judging.

This year the rules were changed such that the pre judging included such things as driver comfort, drivability of the car and what's probably a somewhat subjective element, where the cars are viewed from a distance and judged for stance and proportion.

So without further ado, let's check out the contenders, or finalists if you will, starting with one of two Aussies in contention.
This genuine '38 Roadster was imported as a stocker many years ago and has been rebuilt a couple of times, culminating in the stunning car you see pictured.



Fenders are not a pre requisite for the big prize and this was one of the few contenders to have them.



Sometimes a big engine can help, so there were a few sporting such devices, from rare…..



…… or exotic, ………..





…..to just plain old and ornery.





This one was the same only completely different.



Here's the other Aussie contender, Joe Cain's Model A Tub.



Another full fendered contender.



Plain and simple won't knock you out of contention….



….. nor will something a tad quirky.



Brand X is OK too.



And even your super detailed racer is in with a chance.

There can however, be only one winners and for 2013 that car is……………………. drumroll please Mr Music.



John Mumford's track style T, has it all covered, exotic and rare parts,



simplicity of design





and perfect proportions.

Some great ones there Thank's for sharing them.

kinda glad you missed it these are some great pics, thanks for sharing them mate

This was my ride for the weekend and the bloke standing next to it, the owner and my good friend, Ron Cole.



The car is a '40 deluxe coupe, 350 and 350 combo, with MII independent front and coil overs on 9" rear.
It's a totally bulletproof, jump in and drive anywhere any time machine, with a just right mix of semi gloss black, perfect stance and red leather interior.



This is one of Ron's more subtle modifications, the 'factory' boot badge.



Here's what an original '40 Ford boot-lid badge looks like.

This is last years winner of the AMBR trophy, a completely hand built custom car, as have been the winners for the past many years. However, this one is pretty much all homebuilt by the owner with help from a few very tallented and highly skilled mates and that's where it gets a whole bunch of hot rod fred.



Yeah, I know I cut the heads off a few folks but it's all about the car.

Just in case you all think I was pulling your legs about it snowing in Southern California, just check out the white stuff on the mountains in the background, shot from the 210 Freeway heading towards L.A.





Here's a shot from my digs in the usually tropical suburb of Rancho Cucamonga, that mountain is only a ten minute drive away and the white stuff all over it is freshly fallen snow.



With most indoor shows, the action usually starts in the parking lot, so before we hit the fairgrounds let's take a quick look around and see what there is to see.

Mike Chiavetta built his daily driver woody more than 40 years ago, from junk parts and lumber, it's still going strong and is a staple of the So Cal rodding, art and surfing scenes.





This steel '34 coupe looked good enough that it should have been in the show.



GMC trucks, then and now.



Nice '37 Ford family sedan.



White suits a '56 pickup almost as well as pale blue.



Chevy pick ip trucks are very popular.....



As too are the wagon variants.



Vans are also popular for daily duty as they are versatile and there's plenty of '70s nostalgia in many of them.



As is usual in the US, nothing is sacred, so you'll always see a few oddball brands hot rodded.

Parking on the fairgrounds requires cars to be in place before the doors open and let in the general public. That means you gotta get there early and have your ride looking the goods before the crowd arrives.



Provided it's not raining when the sun comes up, parking places fill up quickly.



This old pair were both low mileage units in pristine running order and available to new homes for the right price.



Love the business name on the doors of this old F-1.



This is Becky Sue Huff, a very nice lady who was on a mission directing and organising the film crew for a dock on the show. She also arranges models, bands, promotional and marketing activities for whatever events anyone might wish to facilitate, plus a whole lot more.



The car is Becky Sue's own small block powered Mercury Comet, that she likes to drag race when she's not busy with all her other works. She was also very apologetic that she wasn't properly 'made up' for a photo session, but I reckon she looks just fine without make-up.



There were lots of clever tricks on most of the vehicles displayed inside or outside, like the use of a second outer tailgate skin as an inner.



Just as there were a few Aussie rides inside the buildings, we were also well represented on the outside.



This '54 Chev was straight off the used car lot, with original paint and trim, its a great example of getting the wheels and stance right. However it was easier said than done. To get the right look, the rear wheels started as tens narrowed to 8 inches on the inside, the rear axle was narrowed an inch to make them fit neatly.



Honest Charlie was helping flog a few wide whitewall tyres for Mr Coker.

Lineup of cool mild customs outside the Suede Palace.



Kustom Chevy pick-up was reminiscent of the Barris Copper Kart, but it's not a clone.





Over the hill gang arrived by bus, coz they are too old to be driving themselves.





This '58 Fairlane is another example of how stance and wheels can make or break a car.



Tasty Buick was one of many early to mid sixties rives at the show.



MOPAR wagon was even tastier.






Waldorf Corvette, is a glass body on late 'Vette chassis, looks as good as the original GM concept car from the early '50s which turned out to be two cars in one, the Corvette and Nomad wagon.





Is it any wonder why '40 Ford coupes are so popular?



Walking from one building to the next was no big deal once the rain stopped, which it did early each day.

Deuces are equally as popular as '40 coupes and with the woodie and wagon theme of this years show, the old termite factories were to be seen everywhere around the fair grounds.



This deuce was so nasty the driver had to shut the engine off each time he needed to speak to anybody.



Traditional style A coupe has modified '54 Olds wheel caps.



The crowd was solid all weekend, but with so much space it didn't really seem folks were jammed into the place.



I guess the owner of this Buick, got tired of telling folks……..



…….It's Coral, not Pink!



This Pickem-up truck is just straight up neat.



At the H.A.M.B. get together, me, Don Dillard, Kurt (AKA Beach Bum) and Kiwi Kev.



Another view of the wide open spaces outdoors.



Big Buick Woodie was for sale, only $65K and you can drive it home.

Pretty much every hour on the hour, there was a special display that included lots of noise from a blown Arias Hemi powered '32 Chevy Coupe, the flame in the middle of this crown image is not from a roving circus fire eater………



It is this evil monster doing it's fire spitting act.







Not fire breathing dragons, but this group of snakes is still pretty nasty.



And many did have lots of fire power under the hood, like this 600+ hors pressure big block.



This model A is not so powerful.



I've photographed this pick-up previously when visiting the L.A. area, but it just so nice that l shot it again.



This coupe imitating the movie star Towmater, was equally timeless, the cargo, just too cool for school.



The visiting Japanese pinstripes, worked all day and all night, laying down cool lines on all manner of interesting stuff.

Here's a nice looking '55 Ford wagon.



And a pair of '56s, for you to choose which one you like best.



The crowds didn't seem to be flustered by a little drizzle or icy cold air.



Don and Ron tell me that if the sun had been shining, this grassed picnic area would have been awash with cool cars.



The few that were parked there seemed pretty darned cool to me anyhow.





Nomads were in abundance, although this was the only one I saw with '59 Caddy tail lamps.



Little Henry J looked like it should have been inside on the show floor, it was very well done and detailed to the max.



This '57 Oldsmobile Wagon was just cool.



As too was this '40 pick up



And this Chevy.



How to build a muscle car? Do what Oldsmobile did in '49, take your lightest model and load it up with your biggest most powerful OHV V8 engine and call it Super 88!



Somehow I get the feeling this big off roader will never see much dirt.



On the other hand, this little A coupe seemed to have seen a few street miles.

The star of the movie Deuce of Spades, on the red carpet at the Academy Awards Ceremony.



And yours truly, hangin' with Faith Granger, the producer, director, screen-writer, and actor from the same movie. Faith is one very nice lady and she sure does know her stuff when it comes to hot rods.



Last time I saw this pair they were parked outside a diner in Central California en-rout to Pleasanton.



Flat painted pick-up was a long way from the suede palace.



However, this coupe was right outside the door.



As was this kinda shiny little hot rod road duster.



This one too.



The tyre guys seemed to be doing a roaring trade.



Subtle but very slick '33 Ford coupe.



This little roadster appeared to be a very seriously sliced and diced model A Ford.



White doesn't seem like the right choice but this '56 Vicky looked superb in the lightest non colour.



My fellow Victorians should keep an eye open for this one, it's getting a semi kustom paint job before being sealed into a box for chipping down under.

For anybody who thinks '37 Fords are the wrong choice for any hot rodding activity, you need to see and hear this puppy.



The car is so perfect yet so understated it makes the heart pump and the blood flow.







If we needed proof, it was with this guy, who as soon as they got close his hand went from the gal's shoulder to where you see it, quicker than you could say WOW!





Having checked out all the outside stuff, I'm chomping at the bit to see some wooden cars.

One of the guys tells us they are in that hall over there, so off we go and boy am I disappointed!
Inside that hall there are only two woodies!

This one…..



…. and this one.



… which has a very big engine stuffed in it's rather small engine bay.



Now I'm hyperventilating, coz I was expecting to see lots of wooden things and there's only two!
The boys decide I need some lunch whilst we try and figure out what's gone wrong.

They had yucky fairgrounds food, mine is the salad.

Over lunch we reviewed the program and learn that the wagons and woodies are located in a whole other hall.



So having refreshed and energised ourselves of we went in search of wood.
Don and Ron figured that I'm going to be a while, so they decide to sit it out and share some stories, dunno what imaginary vehicle he was driving, but that's a big steering wheel Don has in his hands.



Not all the vehicles in this building are wooden wagons as it seems the theme was as much surfing safari than just wooden wagons. The first vehicle inside the doors was this Hawaiian taxi from MOPAR.



Then of course we have the usual surfin' Kombi vans and other VW based machinery.



Considering the big MOPAR this one I think may have been an early joint venture between the Germans and Chrysler.



There was also a few Nomad's, Suburbans and other non wooden bodied wagons, but really, who cares about them?

However, this two door Tank Fairlane was pretty cool.



On the other hand, this one was just all kinds of wrong!



This cool Mercury included something for the caravaners to drool over.



A tag along camper with integrated fishing boat, was way cool.



Not to be outdone, this '36 wagon had a matching trailer with a couple of vintage cruiser bicycles on board.

Tucked away in a back corner was one of the rarer wooden wagons, a Marmon Herrington four wheel drive Mercury from 1948 or thereabouts, think of it as the predecessor to modern day LandCruisers and RangerRovers etc.



Here's rare 1941 wagon.



And another for the MOPAR fans.



Somehow I doubt this old Mercury sedan is a actory job, but it was kinda cool all the same.



When you find an old wagon in this good a condition, the best thing to do is just leave it alone and enjoy it.



If you really have to have shiny paint, you can always try and find a second one in even better original condition.



The later model wooden panelled wagons don't have the same appeal to me as the all wooden bodies of the pre and immediate post WW2 wagons, but I'd bring this '49 Mercury home in a heartbeat if it was available.



And this '48 model demonstrates once again, how getting the wheels and stance right, make any car a standout.



What more can I say, wood is good!

Finding a Model 40 in almost pristine condition is quite unbelievable, finding an almost mint original Model 40 wagon would be like a wet dream, but the owner of this low mileage original did just that.



It's not for sale at any price, I know coz I asked. and I'm told it drives like a new one. This is another of those cars that should not be messed with or restored, just keep it roadworthy and enjoy.



Some of the 'Off brands' are a little less stylish than the Fords, but I guess they did the job, like this big International all wheel drive.



There were also a few Dodgems based on light truck chassis rather than cars.



The '37 Chevy was quite attractive, but they never sold in the numbers that Ford's wagons flew out the back door of the Iron Mountain woodshop.



The later Pontiac was a big and comfy wagon and is also quite rare among wooden cars.



Likewise any 1941 Mercury is rare and the wagon even moreso.



I am still trying to figure out what it is that the '40 Ford guys are smoking that makes them want to stuff a size ten engine in a size 9 hole?



It only just fits in there, but does look cool and I'm assured it goes OK too.



And for eye appeal, there's no substitute for candy paint!



So, the question remains, which was may favourite wooden car, the one that stopped me in my tracks and had me drooling uncontrollably?

Well wonder no more and it wasn't even a wagon it was this here Sportsman convertible!



The fit, finish and detail was close to perfection.



Just check out the woodwork, then the black painted oh so straight metalwork.



Stance, wheels and tyres, check!



And if that wasn't enough, here is the clincher!



Even the wheel caps were subtly cool.



What is not to love about a wooden car?

More of the same…..





Here's the other end of that gorgeous blue '49 Mercury.



The lone Dak-Dak woody was not in the same league as the one in Japan.



This model 40 wagon is not a real one but appears to be a repro maybe from Hurculese Motor Cars.



And lest you Deuce lovers think I've left you out.



Chevy van, was about the only thing there could swallow a longboard.



Low rid in' Suburban was pretty cool if you need to cart your mates along.



And just for you Mick a metal MOPAR wagon.



With a proper MOPAR engine.



And of course a wooden MOPAR, Garry M's latest toy.



That's a Viper V10 under that big long hood.



Guess I better include a metal Ford so's not to upset any of the FOMOCO mob, however, the two door Ranchwagon isn't nearly as sexy as a Nomad.



Even Fords ugly duckling looks great in wood!




What is not to love about a wooden car?

So here I am pondering what will I show everybody next. A group of cars of a specific type or maybe one car that simply grabbed my attention and printed itself indelibly into my memory.

There were many memorable cars at the GNRS, plus a few that go beyond being just memorable but more like "OHMYGAWD THAT IS SIMPLY INCREDIBLE!"

I'm about to post up some pics of one such car, a simple, stock bodied '65 Chevrolet Impala convertible. It's a Chicano style low ride, but it doesn't have a multi coloured paint job, just a couple of shades of a single colour.

What it does have is mind boggling attention to detail including thousands of hours of engraving, in fact every single fastener on the car is engraved. There's also a mind numbing amount of time was spent on coper plating as filler and then hand polishing and refilling with copper before hand polishing again before final application of chrome plating.

The car is over the top but without being over the top, look closely at the details and you'll see that the owner has indeed exercised considerable restraint, they could have simply continued and engraved everything all over every inch of the parts, but they didn't. They could have put gold leaf and striping all over the machine, but they used it as originally intended, to highlight specific aspects of the car. They could have airbrushed images all over the paint job, but they didn't, instead using this art form to detail certain areas of the car.

It was interesting to watch as almost every person who got close enough simply stopped in their tracks, pulled out their camera and proceeded to photograph this simple but complex Chevy in detail.

Look closely at the photos and I hope you will see what I saw looking at the car for real. You could just stand there looking for hours and still not catch every detail.

And yes, it won a couple or three trophies.

From a distance it appears nothing too special…..







Then you look more closely in the mirrors and at the details…….





























Incredible isn't it?

Where to start??? Fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

surprisingly .. i really like this one .

gerson 'rez' riviera's '29


more please mr. carps ! ... amazing stuff there at the fairplex .

ambr2013 ! what a beauty .... you couldn't fit it into 'carry-on' i suppose ?

Sorry Artus, too biig for carry on.

So to make up for it, not just because you asked nicely, but because I know you'll like it, here's another of those cars that grabs the viewer's attention and doesn't let go.



It's a far more simple ride than the yellow Chev, but no less attention grabbing.

Here's a few more, starting with the other end of that Aussie '38 Ford Roadster from the first page.



Normally frumpy '40 Chev coupe looks pretty good in a trendy orange outfit.



It appears to me there's two schools of thought when it comes to Willys, traditional gasser look or radical contemporary rod. This is the latter.



Speaking of radical, some guys just don't know when too much is just enough.



How about a hot rodded late '30s DeSoto taxi cab?



This one seems to have copped a real working over.



This deuce coupe was a neat and tidy machine and speaking of taxi cabs……



…….. I know you all want to see more of that late model next to the deuce.

The 'Murricans thought it was awesome, couldn't understand my 'ho hum' attitude.



Radically sectioned '39 Chevy coupe is rather blue and very well done.



My friend Jack Stirnemann from St Louis got his '34 coupe finished just in time for the show.



It's a shame that all the fine craftsmanship and detail is so difficult to see now that it's done.

The body was close to pristine, note the lack of any rust under the original paint in this pic from my archives..



Even though there was much time invested in making the body perfect for the black paint, the real mastery is in the chassis and mechanical package.



The twin turbocharged flattie can haze the tyres better than most big block powered cars.





Interior, like the other bits of all of Jack and Harry's cars, is super detailed yet totally understated.





Additional dials needed to monitor the blown flathead are housed below the dash, in a fascia panel that integrates with the steering mount.



You'll need to look very closely to see how the pressurised air is forced into the engine through the carburettors.
Notice also how there's no alternator, just an old fashioned generator, Jack is a man after my own heart when it comes to what accessories belong or don't on a flathead.



The driveway in the tyre smoking images is almost as steep as mine so it' takes some mumbo to do the smoker thang.
Jack and Harry are good at using turbochargers for makin' horse pressure out of small capacity or unusual engines. Harry's stovebolt six '37 Chevy runs 8s all day long and won five consecutive national championships, despite being the only non V8 in the class. They took their '32 street roadster to Bonneville in 2001 and upped the D (less than 300 c.i.) BSR record from 173 to 209mph, then drove the car home to St Louis Mo., blew it apart, detailed it and won best engineered street rod at the GNRS plus a few other awards. Jack also restored the Walker Morrison roadster (featured in late forties early 50's magazines) and the reflection in the doors of this coupe are testament to the quality of the work that comes out of Jack and Harry's home shop. They've also had a few cars featured in Rodders Journal.



OK, enough of that, back to the show.....

This little Prefect van could probably match Jack's car in the tyre hazing contest, but it might be a bit more of a handfulll.



Yep, that's a 600+hp LS1 stuffed under that firewall.



Figure it must be time for an arty farty shot.



The Deuce comes with a matching gee tar.



And to close out for today, here's another car that proves '37 Fords aint so homely after all.





Yep, there's more, I shot over 4,000 photos over the weekend. Digital photography is great!