Event Coverage 2015 AMBR contenders are up

So it is that time of year for the Granddaddy of them all, the Grand National Roadster Show. Another year I haven't been able to attend so I live vicariously thru the photos posted online and dream next year! Personally I am a big fan of the America's Most Beautiful Roadster, the history, the prestige of having your name on the big 9 footer trophy. Over the last few years I have enjoyed the cars being built for AMBR competition. These days the contenders are more HAMB friendly since the cars are now judged on styling, appearance with driver driving the roadster across a designated judging area and detail. Thankfully the days of cars winning because of a high judging score are over. Time for me to shut up and post a link to HOT ROD mags coverage of the contenders.

http://www.hotrod.com/news/2015-americas-most-beautiful-roadster-contenders/

 

Vintage style halibrands seem to be the new bellybuttons.

Per O. Martinsen '32 built by Hollywood Hot Rods gets my vote

 

I just don't get some guys thought processes. The third car down the owner said he wanted the feel of 30's and 40's grand prix cars and then puts modern wheels and radial tires on it?

 

Always 1 or 2 cars that have styling defects. As you pointed out that is a large defect, the taller grand prix style tyres (Excelsior would suit) they could help take away the bulkiness.

 

I like the fact there are some "real cars" , some cars with owner history (not just guys throwing money at it) and owner builders, and young builders.
That said, and to my eye, quite a few of the cars have some serious overall "form" issues that don't conjure an image of "Americas Most Beautiful Roadster", and would fail the drive by test.
Let's hope for another traditional pick, and a safe show this year!

 

wow . the gold deuce does it for me. thanks jimmy

 

Oh boy, it never really changes. I could cull that line-up down pretty fast. I don't know if it's the process of trying to win a prize or just plain funny eyes, but most these AMBR entries end up looking aesthetically challenged.

As an example, Chis Casney's roadster isn't in the AMBR contest, but it looks right. It looks really good. But then, it isn't trying to win at a big car show either.

 

A couple look dated. And a couple look strange.

 

I liked Dustin Smiths Roadster.
Seems a lot of cars are blown this year.

 

I'm kinda wonderin about a couple of those cars???? What were they thinking?

 

Ya' know, I think there'd be a strong sense of poetic justice if the little green gow job won AMBR.

Somehow it's just naturally "right" while the others are trying 'way too hard...!

 

I'm with Jimmy B on this one. That black Deuce roadster just flat does it for me. It has some real tricks in it that make it really special while not making it look like it was changed for the sake of change. It's the one car out of the bunch that when we see it 20 years from now we will remember as being an AMBR contender.

 

Definitely, when I first saw it there was a timeless sense about it, to me it is the love child of the Doane Spencer roadster & Brian Burnett Deucari with a hint of something new. A gorgeous roadster.

 

@Jimmy B Troy has been posting some detail pictures of the car over the last couple of weeks on Instagram as they were getting it ready for the show and there are some very cool things on that car.

 

@K13 I have been watching Instagram including a short drive vid, very cool.

 

Go dusty! That car was built in true hotrodder fashion. A couple of buddies in their garage on a budget we all could afford. Love it!


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K.I.S.S comes to mind and it worked!

 

That is a terrible bunch of photos. You'd think HRM would have someone who knew how to point a camera/phone at a hot rod? :\

 

There are some awesome cars contesting, right there.

Deuce, hemi, hilborn like stacks and Gold paint job, that one looks good.

Two cars running 4bangers, that both looks good, but I can't figure out who wants to chrome the whole engine.
Even with blackie's car, with all that chrome, I feel in doubt to if it's enough to ruin the car for me.

Love the quote: the whole crew was at the bar. That just epic.

The little RPU ain't bad either, and that champagne color ain't that bad.

That a tough competition to judge.

That glowing red one with a Alu 4 banger looks good too, but ain't my favorite.

 

The Grasshopper.... that just screams 'HOT ROD!' to me. The black Deuce runs second, only because the bucket seats in it just don't 'fit' the style of the car; I do love the Dunlop wires though.... The RPU is also very nice, but just doesn't have enough of 'the look' to outdo the other two. The 'gow job' is nice, but looks more like a museum piece than a real hot rod. Most of the rest are suffering from one sort or another of wretched excess...

Granted, the pics are terrible, but that's my .02 worth.... LOL

 

You had me at Grasshopper, grasshopper. Gary

 

This one I like a lot, simple, down to business time of old school rod.


This one looks like a stock banger early 40 build, no fenders and dropped in the front. Don't like the color, but like the car. But not as a winner.



I like this one more then the Norwegian one.
And epic quote still standing.


Like the engine, dislike chromed engine. Like wheel and interior, but not interior color.


Like it, but don't love it.

 

Love the flat head, likes the car, dislike interior.

 

Like the car, love nerd bars and bucket seats. dislike exhausts and wheels.

 

Ok...I'll be the one to say it. WTF were the builders thinking when they built that twin turbo mess? Horrible car. Some people need their tools taken away.

 

The engine is an absolute piece of art and put together by Tony over at Ross Racing Engines. Cool recreation.

 

I think Crazy Steve summed it up well, "Most of the rest are suffering from one sort or another of wretched excess.."

 

All I see anymore is Built by, Built by, WTH doesn't anybody build there own cars anymore ??????

 

Interesting mix of power plants, guess being an old codger, I say "go Grasshopper", speaks to my youth and little magazines hidden in study hall text books.

 

Congratulations to Ted Davis from Oklahoma City.............His 1931 Ford Roadster Pickup is one of the contenders for Americas Most Beautiful Roadster............ Good Luck Ted!