The 2013 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award

This year’s Grand National Roadster Show was held on January 25-27, 2013 at the Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona, CA.  Over the last couple of years changes were made that effect the judging of roadsters entering the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster category, or AMBR.  They must have never been shown at any show prior to the Grand National Roadster Show.  While this is a common practice at the Autorama in Detroit and other shows around the country, it was new for this show.  Another change was, the owner or authorized driver will drive the car a short distance in front of the judges who will observe the roadster in action.  Then the driver will stop in front of a viewing screen.  The judges will approach the vehicle and circle the roadster from all angles, viewing how well the car and the driver fit.  The judges will check out every detail on the car from all angles.  Then the owner or driver will be given an opportunity to point out the features on the car that he/she feels sets the vehicle apart from other roadsters.  The judges will review the “build book”.  The roadster is then scored in these categories; visual design detail, engineering, interior, engine, paint, and  undercarriage.

That being said, the cars were all beautifully crafted and built and there seemed to be no decline in quality.  One thing that was noticeable was that all the roadsters had a traditional look to them.  As usual, the AMBR Award is given to the most beautiful roadster and is open to all United States built roadsters, roadster pickups and touring vehicles built in 1937 or earlier, with most of the cars centered on the famous ’32 Deuce.  Standing next to the monstrously large trophy, one is grasped by the tradition of the AMBR award.  No matter what our views, tastes and ideals are, or how we argue our opinions, the history and heritage of the show and past recipients of the award give us all a little shiver as we view the cars vying for the 2013 AMBR award. 

“ More Bones”, the Hemi powered ’32 Ford AMBER contestant owned by Chick Koszis is the replacement for his AMBER contestant that was stolen 2 years ago.  Randy Clark of Hot Rods & Custom Stuff in Escondido, CA. has done a remarkable job with Chick’s new ride.  Chick drives his cars, the stolen roadster had 62,000 miles on it!

“Woodward” began as an original 1928-29 Ford roadster pickup 10 years ago.  About 2 years ago Thee Inland Emperors club in Spokane, WA. chipped in and helped in one way or another. Machine work, fabrication, engine, trans, body work, paint...In fact, a few guys have been putting in 18-24 hour days trying to get it done!    Almost every part is hand made, but the early Ford influence is huge.  The car is flathead powered, has a ‘39 trans and a Columbia rear end.

Out of 12 outstanding contestants, the 2013 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster is John Mumford’s awesome ’27 Ford track “T”.  John found the missing link to his project in a set of rare ARDUN heads for a V8-60.  John then completed his sleeping beauty.

Thanks for the Show!!