None of the trucks in this...
None of the trucks in this story won the America's Most Beautiful Roadster trophy, the most coveted prize at the Grand National Roadster Show-but one tried and many others went home with awards in various pickup categories.
With more than two dozen awards handed out in pickup, van, panel, and delivery categories, the Grand National Roadster Show is a truck-friendly event and, as you can see, the custom classic truck participation is excellent and diverse.
At this year's 61st annual GNRS, many of the most impres-sive vehicles in the prestigious main hall were trucks. We don't really expect a pickup to win America's Most Beautiful Roadster, the top prize at the Grand National Roadster Show. Andy Brizio's "Instant T" was the last AMBR winner with a bed; that was 40 years ago. The George Barris-built "Ala Kart" pulled it off two years running, back in 1958 and 1959-and took another stab at winning the big trophy in 2008.
This time, Don Smith's glowing gold, traditionally influenced '32 represented the truck segment by earning a well-deserved spot among the finalists for the AMBR trophy. In addition to Don's RPU, the most prominent truck-maybe the most prominent vehicle-in the main hall was George Poteet's jaw-dropping '32 Ford pickup, influenced by Harry Miller's early race cars.
We didn't have to look far to find more great trucks in the Los Angeles County Fairplex's hallowed main hall, or in the eight other exhibit buildings that constitute the indoor portion of the GNRS. In addition to those participants, hundreds more showed up for the weekend to participate in the "Grand Daddy Drive In," the "show outside a show" that happens outdoors on the pavement between the buildings.
This '48 Ford F-1, built by...
This '48 Ford F-1, built by Tom Stephens at Nissens Hot Rod Garage, was featured in our March issue, when "Vendetta" was still in bare metal. Here's the finished version of the La-Salle-inspired Ford, complete with orange paint and 1,579 or 1,580 louvers.
This '35 Ford was Gene Winfield's...
This '35 Ford was Gene Winfield's shop truck almost 50 years ago, and has been revived after being hidden in a barn for many years. It was restored by owner Gary Hatfield at Hatfield Restorations in Texas, to its early '60s form. H&H Flatheads built the engine.
This flathead-powered roadster,...
This flathead-powered roadster, built for owner Don Smith by Roy's Body Shop, added a shot of tradition to the America's Most Beautiful Roadster competition. The gold '32 was a finalist for AMBR, and the winner of the Best Dressed Flathead prize, selected by H&H Flatheads.
Dean Murray's '55 Ford F-100...
Dean Murray's '55 Ford F-100 was in the "History of the Race Car" building, next to the Waters & Murray "Triple Nickel" fuel roadster raced by Murray and Mike Waters. A photo on the display sign shows the pickup as a tow vehicle for the roadster at Lions Drag Strip in 1956.
Barbara Baxter's beautiful...
Barbara Baxter's beautiful coal-black '56 F-100 was a longtime project by her husband Bob, who built it for her. The engine is a 312-inch Ford Y-block. Since it's been finished, it's been making the rounds at truck shows and other events.
Surrounded by AMBR cars, George...
Surrounded by AMBR cars, George Poteet's "Miller Hauler Special" still managed to be the center of attention, and win the Blackie Gejeian Award of Excellence. Brian Stinger at Stinger's Hot Rod Shop designed and built the eye-grabbing pickup. Troy Trepanier and crew at Rad Rides by Troy handled the paint, machining, and final assembly.
One of our favorite pickups...
One of our favorite pickups in the Suede Palace (the building dedicated to traditional rods and customs) was Scott Karuza's highly detailed '33 Ford pickup, finished with Tommy the Greek-style graphics on the firewall and roller coaster 'striping inside the cowl vent. The motor is a 327 with three deuces.