The competition begins for America’s most beautiful roadster
A special part of the GNRS (Grand National Roadster Show) is the competition for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR). It is this category that draws the most interest. This award is a prize that many have sought and only a few have attained. Past winners have included Blackie Gejeian, Romeo Palamides, Rich Guasco, George Barris, Leroy “Tex” Smith, Andy Brizio, Boyd Coddington, Erik Hansen and three-time winner Ermie Immerso. The list of builders and owners are legendary.
in the year 2017, 13 roadsters were allowed into this special category of judging. That year the AMBR award was presented by the L.A. Roadsters Club. Here are the contestants and their cars for the 2017 AMBR event.
Right from the very beginning in 1949, there has been a top category for outstanding and breathtaking roadsters
“The Mulholland Speedster”
Shawn Killion of Alpine, Ca. entered his 1928 Hot Rod Lincoln Phaeton roadster. The motor was a 331ci HEMI engine, with Lincoln dash, brakes and running gear.
“The Muroc Roadster” is a 1928 Ford Model A roadster owned by Bill Grant of Upland, CA. With a traditional look it copies the 1930’s and ’40’s Dry Lakes Era and has a ’32 Ford B motor with original Miller OH conversion.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster
The 2017 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winner was, this deserving ’36 Packard roadster called “The Mulholland Speedster” and owned by Bruce Wanta of Bellevue, WA.
Hollywood Hot Rods customized the original Packard to give it that ‘30’s European styling and curvy lines.
The winter grille and the suspension are all controlled by Smartphone apps giving this one-of-a-kind roadster a healthy dose of modern technology.
The power comes from a 292 cubic inch Lincoln V-12 with Hogan aluminum heads used for the Latham-Hogan supercharger.
“Probiscus”, is a 1929 Ford roadster with a curved front grille similar to track roadsters. The owner is Wayne Johnson from Hillsboro, OR.
“Boss ’32” is a 1932 Ford pick-up with an all-steel Brookville body and Ford Boss 351 power, owned by Don Lindfors of Orange, CA.
This year, 13 roadsters were allowed into this special category of judging
“BlackJack” had a white, padded Carson top, distressed leather upholstery, and a ’33 Dodge instrument panel with power provided by a ’46 Ford 296ci flathead. Owned by James Hetfield of Marietta, GA.
“Back in ‘47” a 1932 Ford roadster owned by Scott Hawley and Joe Rebozzi from Burlingame, CA. mirroring the theme of dry lakes racing and early hot rodding. With an original 1940’s Ford dash and powered by a 383ci Chevy motor and 4-speed, will make it a fun one to drive.
“Hill Country Flyer” entry is a HEMI powered, Hot Rod 1932 Ford roadster owned by Dan Peterson of Austin, TX. It was built by Austin Speed Shop.
With a I,000 miles on it, Gordon and Caroline Gray from Surrey, British Columbia, Canada drive their H&H flathead powered traditional hot rod ’32 Ford roadster.
“Fool’s Gold”, Matt Taylor, from Concord, CA. built this ’27 Dodge in his 700 sq ft garage. This car stands out with the 1960’s custom style paint and a lowboy stance that is truly COOL!
Jim McPherson, from Nashville, TN, entered his ’34 Ford Phaeton roadster that was built entirely in Jim’s garage by he and friend Bill Akin!
“After Shock”, Glen McElroy, of Anaheim Hills, CA., brought his hand-build ’37 Phaeton roadster.
“Time Merchant” is a light blue ’32 Ford roadster pick-up crafted for a Grand National. And it’s Olds Rocket powered! Owned by Matthew Gordon from Hueytown, AL.
Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the May 2017 print issue of the Drive Magazine.
