The O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show, presented by Meguiar’s, concluded its 75th annual event at the Pomona Fairplex with an unforgettable awards ceremony. The prestigious event celebrated the best in hot rodding, custom cars, and street rods, culminating in the presentation of two of the most sought-after awards in the industry—America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster: Ross Myers’ 1936 Ford
Taking home the coveted America’s Most Beautiful Roadster title was Ross Myers’ 1936 Ford Roadster, built by Rad Rides by Troy. Competing against 10 elite contenders, Myers’ fenderless ‘36 stood out, securing the $12,500 prize sponsored by ARP Fasteners. His name now joins legendary builders like George Barris, Andy Brizio, and Boyd Coddington on the 9.5-foot-tall AMBR perpetual trophy.
This custom-built roadster features:
- Handcrafted body with sleek modifications
- Supercharged 312ci Ford Y-block with a 1957 McCulloch blower
- Custom chassis with torsion bar suspension and adjustable RideTech shocks
- Modified Porsche Aventurine Green metallic paint from BASF/Glasurit
- Hand-built lift-off top and a fully bespoke leather interior
Al Slonaker Memorial Award: Bill Barbato’s 1933 Pontiac Sedan
The Al Slonaker Memorial Award, honoring the best non-roadster build, went to Bill Barbato’s golden 1933 Pontiac Sedan, crafted by CAL Auto Creations. This Art Deco-inspired masterpiece outshined a field of 11 finalists, including a dual-engine 1935 International Truck and a 1973 DeTomaso Pantera. Sponsored by ARP Fasteners, the award also came with a $12,500 prize and a custom billet trophy.
Key highlights of Barbato’s ‘33 Pontiac Sedan include:
- AuraBella Gold paint with a chopped and sectioned body
- Custom grille, hood side vents, and hand-formed running boards
- Machined crown molding with hidden LED lighting
- Art Deco-inspired interior with a one-off dash and diamond-stitched leather
A Historic Weekend for Custom Car Enthusiasts
This year’s record-breaking crowd witnessed the largest-ever display of past AMBR and Al Slonaker Award winners, with over 50 legendary builds showcased in partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum. The event also honored Bill Ganahl and South City Rod and Custom as the 2025 GNRS Builder of the Year.
Fans were also treated to a breathtaking tribute to George Barris, featuring 16 of his most iconic custom creations, including the Batmobile, Munster Coach, Dragula, and the Hirohata Merc. Other highlights included:
- Dyno Don Nicholson’s 1976 NHRA Pro Stock Ford Mustang II
- Bill Niekamp’s record-setting 1927 Ford Bonneville roadster
- Dan Webb’s “Panhard Razor” – a modern take on a 1920s French race car
Meanwhile, the 19th annual Grand Daddy Drive-In showcased over 1,500 hot rods and custom builds, while the pinstriper charity auction raised more than $75,000 for the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation.
Looking Ahead to GNRS 2026
The Grand National Roadster Show will return to the Pomona Fairplex from Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2026. For more details and the full list of 2025 award winners, visit rodshows.com/gnrs.
