Modern Rodding Event
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The Granddaddy is Back
The 72nd Annual (Well Almost) Grand National Roadster Show Shines Brightly
By Brian Brennan Photography by THE AUTHOR
Every year there’s one award that captures the entire rodding world: The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster and its nearly 10-foot-tall perpetual trophy
 Every year there’s one award that captures the entire rodding world: The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster and its nearly 10-foot-tall perpetual trophy. For 2022, it was awarded to Jeff Breault for his ’34 Chevy roadster, masterfully built by Tim Devlin and the crew at Devlin Rod and Customs.
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he 2022 Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) was everything we have come to expect. Many said this just might have been one of the all-time best. Lots of great cars, many historical featured vehicles, the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award, and the Al Slonaker Memorial award both presented by ARP, both featuring a stunning collection of hot rods. In addition, ARP stepped up and presented each winner with a $12,500 check as a reward for a job well done. In the past, Building 4, with the AMBR, had become known as the “main hall.” This year saw the emergence of Building 6, with the Slonaker, as the place to be.

First a bit of recent history. The 2020 Grand National Roadster Show came off without a hitch but that doesn’t mean it was without unrest. Think back and you will realize, at least here in California, this was the last indoor car show for nearly two years. The 2021 show was first postponed, then rescheduled, and then canceled. Even the 2022 show was preceded by a great deal of breath holding. All of us have overcome the “bad old days” as that’s behind us, we all hope, and what lies ahead is a world with many indoor and outdoor car shows to enjoy–like in the good old days. Life in the rodding world is getting on its four wheels once again.

This year’s show featured Rodger Lee of Ironworks Speed & Kustom located in Bakersfield, California, as the Builder of the Year. Ironworks is housed in a 12,500-square-foot facility that is filled with 17 craftsmen who work on 10-12 hot rods at a time. Lee tells us that almost 75 percent of their customers are repeat.

This year’s entrants into the GNRS Hall of Fame should need little or no introduction. The three inductees were Billy F. Gibbons (we are guessing you’ve heard of ZZ Top, he’s also the owner of many a hot rod), Eric Peratt (award-winning builder), and Roger O’Dell (lifelong drag racer and custom car builder).

Other high points of this year’s show included but surely weren’t limited to the following. One of the major outside draws was the area set aside for the 90th anniversary of the Deuce, presented by SO-CAL Speed Shop and CW Moss Ford Parts where all the parking was reserved for the venerable Deuce. Located in this area one could find past AMBR contenders, Street Rod and Hot Rod of the Year cars, as well as some famous Deuces, like “Lime Fire,” several SO-CAL Speed Shop roadsters and a coupe or two, and cars built by such famous builders as Boyd Coddington, Lil’ John Buttera, Dave Lane, Roy Brizio, and Fat Jack. In fact, Lil’ John Buttera’s “white roadster” now owned and wonderfully cared for by Karpo Murkijanian, took home the Brizio Family award. The award is intended for those remarkably built hot rods that are driven, foregoing the trailer, and show up everywhere yet look amazing.

Also set up in their own parking area was a grouping titled “A Gathering of Hot VWs” presented by EMPI. They also had several historical and very famous Bugs from the past. The Cal Look through full customs was well represented. On view were the Lightening Bug 1 and 2, Darrel Vittone’s restored Econo Race Shop ’67 drag race VW.

The Greg Aronson and Jim Holmes ’63 Bug (the white one) is often considered to be the first of the Cal Look cars that was brought in from Scotland. There were also clubs like DDK, DKP, DBK, and GKF who had Bugs both inside Building 9 and outside in the Grand Daddy Drive-In VW area.

Not to be outdone, the Tri-Five Chevy was well represented with arguably two of the most stunning ever built. One was the Bob Matranga “Brute Force” (the premiere cover car for Modern Rodding) and the “X-Box” originally built by Denny Terzich.

AMBR Award

To say that a Chevy doesn’t win the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) often would be an understatement of grandiose proportions. The last time—and only time—was the ’35 Chevy phaeton belonging to Wes Rydell and built by Rad Rides by Troy (Troy Trepanier) back in 2014. Fast-forward eight years and here we are, this time crowning a ’34 Chevy roadster as the second Chevy to win the AMBR.

Jeff Breault is a lifelong Chevy lover and has spent many years seeing this build to completion. Built at Tim Devlin’s shop, Devlin Rod and Customs, and working from e. Black Design and Tavis Highlander artwork, the dreams came to life. There is a “preview” story in this issue on page 60 on the building of the roadster, but there will be more to come in the form of a metalworking story by Ron Covell, more about the engine from Ron Ceridono, and, of course, a final feature shot by John Jackson. So, there is lots more to see on how this Chevy claimed its fame as AMBR.

Quickly though, the chassis is based on a Roadster Shop custom frame; remember, their history is steeped in early Ford and Chevy chassis. Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop had plenty to do with making the LS V-8 so unique in its appearance, while Chuck Rowland Interiors handled the stitchwork, Wright’s CustomChrome managed the brightwork, EVOD Industries the wheels, along with plenty of ARP fasteners.

Aside from the AMBR 10-foot trophy and the ARP check for $12,500, the Chevy took home the AMBR Achievement Plaque and an AMBR Outstanding Display award.

Slonaker Award

Hollywood Hot Rods (HHR), under the direction of Troy Ladd, is no stranger to amazingly and uniquely built hot rods. HHR has also won the AMBR in the past with a unique build. Seeing this year’s ’32 Ford fenderless three-window coupe belonging to Pat Gauntt has a great deal of unique metalwork. Ron Covell will be handling a story on how this came about in an upcoming issue. The final feature was aptly handled by Wes Allison, and it too will be coming shortly.

This too was a life’s work effort, taking in 15 years to complete. If one looks closely enough at the interior you will see that the suspension is controlled by the driver from within. Of course, underhood is traditional hot rod fare in the form of an amazingly detailed ’49, 331-inch Caddy V-8. It’s topped with an Offy 2×2 intake with a pair of Stromberg 97s resting on top and backed up to a BorgWarner five-speed.

Aside from taking home the Slonaker award and the accompanying ARP check for $12,500, the Deuce coupe won multiple other awards. For starters, the Deuce was awarded the Blackie Gejeian Memorial award and Slonaker Achievement Plaque.

Well, that about wraps it up for another amazing GNRS. Make sure to be around and participate in the fun that the show has to offer. For more information, you can check out hotrodshows.com.

We will be there next year and so should you. Remember, there is the outdoor portion of the show for rodders to bring their rides on Saturday and Sunday. Talk about great parking.

One of our hobby’s iconic cars is this ’51 Merc custom originally owned by Bob Hirohata and built by Barris Brothers Custom Shop
 One of our hobby’s iconic cars is this ’51 Merc custom originally owned by Bob Hirohata and built by Barris Brothers Custom Shop. It was on display courtesy of Galpin Motors under the watchful eye of Dave Shuten. Owner Beau Boeckmann authorized the purchase at the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, FL, just weeks before the GNRS for a whopping $1,950,000 (fees brought the final price to $2,145,000).
Ross Meyers delivered the Dick Williams ’27 Ford roadster winner of the 1953 AMBR for display
’27 Ford roadster engine
 Ross Meyers delivered the Dick Williams ’27 Ford roadster winner of the 1953 AMBR for display. The roadster was restored by Roy Brizio of Roy Brizio Street Rods in its original Robin’s Egg Blue. It also took home H&H Best Dressed Flathead award. (Future Modern Rodding feature.)
Squeeg Jerger of Chandler, AZ, was on hand with his amazing candy red with white interior ’32 Ford roadster that took home several honors: First in Street Roadster (pre-1935), Outstanding Rod Interior, and Outstanding Detail and Outstanding Use of Color Design, both sponsored by PPG
’32 Ford roadster engine
 Squeeg Jerger of Chandler, AZ, was on hand with his amazing candy red with white interior ’32 Ford roadster that took home several honors: First in Street Roadster (pre-1935), Outstanding Rod Interior, and Outstanding Detail and Outstanding Use of Color Design, both sponsored by PPG. The Brookville roadster was built by Doug Jerger and assembled by Doug and Bruce Benson, and the staff of Squeeg’s was there to help all the way. (Future Modern Rodding feature.)
Phil and Deb Becker brought out their award-winning ’32 Ford Vicky built by Dave Lane of Fastlane Rod Shop
 Phil and Deb Becker brought out their award-winning ’32 Ford Vicky built by Dave Lane of Fastlane Rod Shop. The Deuce took home First in Street Sedan (pre-1935), Sweepstakes Rod award, and Outstanding Individual Display.
Eddie Tovar took home the George Barris Memorial Kustom D’Elegance award with his immaculate ’40 Merc ’vert
 Eddie Tovar took home the George Barris Memorial Kustom D’Elegance award with his immaculate ’40 Merc ’vert. Early on the Merc was “restyled” by Barris Kustoms and appeared in the 1951 National Roadster Show. (Remember, it wasn’t until 1963 or so that the word “Grand” was added to the show’s title.)
Stacey Gann took home First in Hand Built Street Rod and Outstanding Individual Display with this highly modified ’29 Ford roadster
 Stacey Gann took home First in Hand Built Street Rod and Outstanding Individual Display with this highly modified ’29 Ford roadster. Paint and bodywork attributed to K-Daddyz Kustomz’s Kyle Gann and Penga.
Jim Escarcega brought out his ’65 Buick Riviera painted in a custom red by Jimmy of Rancho Auto Body
 Jim Escarcega brought out his ’65 Buick Riviera painted in a custom red by Jimmy of Rancho Auto Body. The Rivi is powered by a 425 Nailhead with 4L60E and features Wilwood disc brakes and Dakota Digital gauges. This hardtop brought home Second Place class honors.
The Jimmy Summers ’36 Ford custom originally built for Bob Fairman that now belongs to Jim Bobowski was on hand
 The Jimmy Summers ’36 Ford custom originally built for Bob Fairman that now belongs to Jim Bobowski was on hand. This car was an early influence on Alex Xydias, as it was built across from Fairfax High School where Xydias attended, leading to a lifetime of hot rods and customs. (Future Modern Rodding feature.)
Taking home First Place in Full Pickup (’53-56) was the ’54 Chevy belonging to Tom and Barbara Seedorf
 Taking home First Place in Full Pickup (’53-56) was the ’54 Chevy belonging to Tom and Barbara Seedorf. It was built by Harold Clay of Harold’s Hot Rod Shop and sits on an Art Morrison Enterprises chassis with Schott wheels, powered by a Gen III Hemi with TREMEC six-speed and painted with PPG. Inside a Ron Mangus interior with Classic Instruments gauges can also be seen. (Future Classic Truck Performance feature.)
This amazing ’63 Ford Fairlane belongs to Bobby Alloway (did the PPG Delton 9700 Black give it away?) rides on an Art Morrison chassis, is powered by a “real” Boss 429 with an American Powertrain system that fits a TREMEC TKO behind it
’63 Ford Fairlane engine
 This amazing ’63 Ford Fairlane belongs to Bobby Alloway (did the PPG Delton 9700 Black give it away?) rides on an Art Morrison chassis, is powered by a “real” Boss 429 with an American Powertrain system that fits a TREMEC TKO behind it. Other goodies are Billet Specialties “true” knockoffs built exclusively for Alloway, Wilwood brakes, Classic Instrument gauges, and Pro Auto Custom Interiors stitchwork.
By night you can find Bill Ganahl driving his personal ride, this very cool Rivi, while by day he keeps watch over South City Rod & Custom
 By night you can find Bill Ganahl driving his personal ride, this very cool Rivi, while by day he keeps watch over South City Rod & Custom. We all should be this lucky!
Richard Hammer is the proud owner of this ’65 Acadian (think of the Canadian version of the American Chevy II Nova) that’s powered by a Pontiac 400 with a 700-R4, PPG custom-mix paint, Classic Instruments, and Vintage Air A/C
 Richard Hammer is the proud owner of this ’65 Acadian (think of the Canadian version of the American Chevy II Nova) that’s powered by a Pontiac 400 with a 700-R4, PPG custom-mix paint, Classic Instruments, and Vintage Air A/C. The hot rod was built at Hot Rods by Dean in Phoenix and brought home First Place in Semi Hardtop/Sedan (’60-69).
A Saturday Modern Rodding Editor’s Pick went to Steven Villa for his fenderless ’30 Ford Tudor that sits on a ’32 frame and sports a Deuce grille shell
 A Saturday Modern Rodding Editor’s Pick went to Steven Villa for his fenderless ’30 Ford Tudor that sits on a ’32 frame and sports a Deuce grille shell. The hot rod is mildly channeled, shortened, and chopped. It runs a blown small-block Chevy for power.
The two-tone (off-white and maroon) ’55 Chevy Nomad that’s LS powered was one of the Saturday Modern Rodding Editor’s Picks belonging to Dan Vels.
 The two-tone (off-white and maroon) ’55 Chevy Nomad that’s LS powered was one of the Saturday Modern Rodding Editor’s Picks belonging to Dan Vels.
The Sunday Modern Rodding Editor’s Pick belongs to Bruce Fortie for his ’32 Ford highboy three-window
 The Sunday Modern Rodding Editor’s Pick belongs to Bruce Fortie for his ’32 Ford highboy three-window. It features an Art Chrisman–built ARDUN topped with a S.Co.T. blower that we found in the “Celebrating 90 Years of the Deuce” area.
The 90th Celebration of the Deuce was sponsored by SO-CAL Speed Shop and CW Moss Ford Parts
 The 90th Celebration of the Deuce was sponsored by SO-CAL Speed Shop and CW Moss Ford Parts. The award plaques were presented by PerTronix Performance Brands under the guidance of Don Lindfors, who is no stranger to the show or hot rodding.
Deuce vehicles
Another favorite in the Deuce Celebration area, or anywhere it shows up, is the Darryl Hollenbeck ’32 Ford highboy and previous AMBR-winning roadster
 Another favorite in the Deuce Celebration area, or anywhere it shows up, is the Darryl Hollenbeck ’32 Ford highboy and previous AMBR-winning roadster.
Bruce Wanta had his recreation of the 40 Speedster originally designed and built by Edsel Ford on display
 Bruce Wanta had his recreation of the 40 Speedster originally designed and built by Edsel Ford on display. This latest homage was completed by Hollywood Hot Rods under the guidance of Troy Ladd. Project was originally started by Dr. Riccardo Grasso in Italy. It also took home an AMBR Achievement Plaque.
Phil Becker was on hand with a second hot rod, this time his ’32 Ford three-window coupe in the specialty Deuce Celebration parking area
 Phil Becker was on hand with a second hot rod, this time his ’32 Ford three-window coupe in the specialty Deuce Celebration parking area.
John Mumford brought out his version of a ’33 Ford roadster for the AMBR award
 John Mumford brought out his version of a ’33 Ford roadster for the AMBR award. It features Chip Foose styling, Luc Marcel top (left in metal finish), Sid Chavers interior, and a truly amazing build by Roy Brizio Street Rods. The chassis was lengthened 21 inches, an Aston Martin 12-cylinder engine is used, and IFS/IRS is used. Multiple awards awaited the roadster: an AMBR Achievement Plaque, Outstanding Paint, and Outstanding Engine.
Joe Dooling brought out his race car–inspired ’32 Ford highboy roadster to compete for the AMBR
 Joe Dooling brought out his race car–inspired ’32 Ford highboy roadster to compete for the AMBR. This roadster brought home an AMBR Achievement Plaque and the Outstanding Engineering award.
Joe Faso and his ’35 Ford roadster was beautifully built and detailed by Roger Burman of Lakeside Rods & Rides and in competition for the AMBR award received an AMBR Achievement Plaque
 Joe Faso and his ’35 Ford roadster was beautifully built and detailed by Roger Burman of Lakeside Rods & Rides and in competition for the AMBR award received an AMBR Achievement Plaque.
Edward McSweeney had his ’27 Ford roadster in AMBR competition
 Edward McSweeney had his ’27 Ford roadster in AMBR competition. It was built by a combination of Terry Hegman on metalwork and Tom Medlock from Specialty Cars on the chassis. Awards received: an AMBR Achievement Plaque, Outstanding Detail, and Outstanding Undercarriage.
A crowd favorite was the historically significant ’32 Ford roadster belonging to Bob Owens for AMBR competition
 A crowd favorite was the historically significant ’32 Ford roadster belonging to Bob Owens for AMBR competition. It was originally the Ian Cusey car seen on a record album and magazine covers. Award received: an AMBR Achievement Plaque. (Future Modern Rodding feature.)
Henry Verbeck brought out his ’32 Ford highboy roadster built by Patrick Heady of New Age Designs for AMBR competition
 Henry Verbeck brought out his ’32 Ford highboy roadster built by Patrick Heady of New Age Designs for AMBR competition. (Future Modern Rodding feature.) Award received: an AMBR Achievement Plaque.
The Root brothers, David and Ryan, were on hand with their ’32 Ford highboy roadster
 The Root brothers, David and Ryan, were on hand with their ’32 Ford highboy roadster. It was driven 3,000 miles before being blown apart and reassembled for the AMBR competition. An amazing effort from two young men but clearly the future rod builders. Awards received: an AMBR Achievement Plaque and Outstanding Interior.
Ewald Penner dropped down from Canada with his ’29 Dodge DA Sport roadster built by JellyBean AutoCrafters with its Canadian Plymouth straight-six for power to compete for the AMBR
 Ewald Penner dropped down from Canada with his ’29 Dodge DA Sport roadster built by JellyBean AutoCrafters with its Canadian Plymouth straight-six for power to compete for the AMBR. Award received: an AMBR Achievement Plaque.
Kevin Williams brought out his ’32 Ford full-fendered roadster built at the shop of New Metal Coachworks for the AMBR competition
 Kevin Williams brought out his ’32 Ford full-fendered roadster built at the shop of New Metal Coachworks for the AMBR competition. Award received: an AMBR Achievement Plaque.
The ’62 Chevy was a contender for the Slonaker award. The bubbletop belongs to Dan Duffy and was built by Big Oak Garage
 The ’62 Chevy was a contender for the Slonaker award. The bubbletop belongs to Dan Duffy and was built by Big Oak Garage. Many subtle sheetmetal changes, including the use of a straightened ’61 bumper. Awards received: a Slonaker Achievement Plaque, Stitch of Excellence award presented by Sid Chavers, and Sam Foose Memorial Design award.
Taking home the prestigious Slonaker award, and the ARP-sponsored $12,500 check, was the mildly channeled and chopped ’32 Ford highboy three-window coupe belonging to Pat Gauntt and built under the direction of Troy Ladd of Hollywood Hot Rods
 Taking home the prestigious Slonaker award, and the ARP-sponsored $12,500 check, was the mildly channeled and chopped ’32 Ford highboy three-window coupe belonging to Pat Gauntt and built under the direction of Troy Ladd of Hollywood Hot Rods. (Future Modern Rodding feature.)
Owned by Gary Stell Jr., his ’52 Volkswagen was a huge hit in Building 6 and as a Slonaker competitor
 Owned by Gary Stell Jr., his ’52 Volkswagen was a huge hit in Building 6 and as a Slonaker competitor. Awards received: a Slonaker Achievement Plaque, Slonaker Outstanding Display, Detail, Engineering, and Undercarriage.
Jim and Carol Fortelny were in contention for the Slonaker with their ’32 Ford three-window coupe and it was homebuilt–amazing
 Jim and Carol Fortelny were in contention for the Slonaker with their ’32 Ford three-window coupe and it was homebuilt–amazing! Awards received: a Slonaker Achievement Plaque and Slonaker Outstanding Engine.
The iconic ’69 Camaro, this time belonging to Jesse Lindberg who did his own bodywork (along with Eric Sanderson) in prepping for the Slonaker award
 The iconic ’69 Camaro, this time belonging to Jesse Lindberg who did his own bodywork (along with Eric Sanderson) in prepping for the Slonaker award. Jesse also applied the Glasurit 55 paint. Award received: a Slonaker Achievement Plaque.
This subtle yet amazing ’40 Chevy Suburban is owned by Amadeo Angelo and built by Roseville Rod & Custom was another top competitor in the Slonaker award running
 This subtle yet amazing ’40 Chevy Suburban is owned by Amadeo Angelo and built by Roseville Rod & Custom was another top competitor in the Slonaker award running. Award received: a Slonaker Achievement Plaque, Outstanding Paint, Interior, and the Triple Gun Award of Excellence award.
The brilliant red ’56 Chevy pickup belonging to Ken Fontes and built by SIC Chops and running on a Roadster Shop chassis was on hand for the Slonaker competition
 The brilliant red ’56 Chevy pickup belonging to Ken Fontes and built by SIC Chops and running on a Roadster Shop chassis was on hand for the Slonaker competition. Award received: a Slonaker Achievement Plaque.
Sonny Freeman was on hand with his Slonaker award competitor in the shape of his ’32 Ford three-window coupe built by Mike Goldman Customs
 Sonny Freeman was on hand with his Slonaker award competitor in the shape of his ’32 Ford three-window coupe built by Mike Goldman Customs. Award received: a Slonaker Achievement Plaque.
John Bollier’s ’58 Corvette was also in contention for the Slonaker
 John Bollier’s ’58 Corvette was also in contention for the Slonaker. Eckerts Rod & Custom built the Vette that rolls on a Roadster Shop chassis with IFS/IRS suspension and one-off factory-style appearing wheels. Award received: a Slonaker Achievement Plaque
Modern Rodding
VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 19 • 2022