The 2015 Grand National Roadtser Show is in full swing and we snuck in early this morning to check out all that there was to see. Because the Grand National Roadtser Show is the place where one of the most prestigious awards in the world of hot rodding is awarded, the quality of the iron on display throughout all the buildings at the Pomona Fairplex is astounding. I can say without contradicting myself that it was the greatest car show I have ever attended. Bar none, end of story. We’re going to profile some of the cars contending for the AMBR (America’s Most Beautiful Roadtser) award and we’re leading off with this amazing hot rod below known as the Rivet Roadtser which is owned by Larry and Sue Christensen and was constructed by the well known Pinkee’s Rod Shop. This is obviously a 1932 Ford roadster but leaving it there would be a travesty.
The engine is a 392ci Chrysler Hemi that’s backed by a TKO 600 5-speed manual transmission. The rear axle is a Winters quick change and the big finned brakes that live on the corners appear to be of the Buick type. A man named Frank Wallic was responsible for the rivet work which is readily apparent on the insides of the doors. You’ll see it as you scroll down. Autoweave Upholstery did the interior of the car and Mike Slaughter slathered the BASF paint on it. It seems as though the real driving mentality behind the cars vying for the big award this year was subtlety. That sounds completely insane when used in describing a car with a stack injected hemi engine in the front of it but you get where I am going here. Nothing about this car immediately causes you to freak out but when you start to look at it and realize the thing is as neat or even neater than a pin breathing gets harder. There is not a single hair out of place on this car and everything from the paint to the angle of those injector stacks was cooly calculated to deliver this stunning package.
We’re staying impartial in this fight so don’t go hanging a ribbon on this car quite yet…there are more to see!
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE AMBR CONTENTING RIVET ROADSTER –
I like this one
As it should be, they are all fantastic, love all three of the engines I can see, the wild paint on the foreign one, the attitude of the twin turbo one, the complete theme of the rivet car, but I like the little yellow track roadster for its absolute simple look
All that power through such skinny rear tires?
I think a great car has been ruined by an out of proportion engine – a well hopped-up four banger would have looked much better and maybe been easier to drive – if these beauties ever get driven that is.
The yellow track roadster(hood too long?) and this one are my favorites of all contenders.
Beautiful car, I know the guy that painted it and he does his job very well!
I am absolutely loving this. The subtle or understated trend (however you want to put it) is great. It balances out all the in your face stuff and rewards curiosity, rather than dragging your eyes all over it by force..
I like both approaches, just wish there was more of the subtle around.