The Roadster Show Is Here!

As someone who documents hot rods and custom cars for a living, people often ask me if I ever get tired of going to shows. That’s a tough one. Wait a second. No it’s not. Maybe you already know, but I absolutely love it. Especially these days, it recharges my batteries to see the people, the cars and all the madness that works its way in between.

That being said, some shows are more exciting than others. And this weekend, the Grand National Roadster Show (formerly the Oakland Roadster Show), is the main event. All eyes are on Pomona. As I sit in my hotel room a stone’s throw from the Fairplex, I can sense that this year is going to be a big one.

The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster contenders are strong, and some of them are traditional. Historic hot rods and freshly finished machines have already rolled into the Fairplex, filling buildings with names like Building Four and the Suede Palace. The setting is familiar, but their contents are on a whole new level.

Walking around the show, I get to study details and ask questions. This is my first GNRS as a hot rod owner, so I’ll be paying extra attention and taking plenty of notes. On my drive down there, I concluded that this is my sixth Grand National Roadster Show. With any luck, I’ll be able to make it to many more.

The H.A.M.B. is abuzz with shots from this year’s show—including this great thread by our friend Tom Davison. In the spirit of GNRS’ great return, I’ve assembled a small selection of snapshots from years past. If you’re in Pomona, make sure to flag me down and say hi!

—Joey Ukrop

Note: Looking for more GNRS action? Check out our coverage of the 90th anniversary of the Model A here.