Dean Johnson is the proud...
Dean Johnson is the proud owner of this '56 Chevy big-window pickup. Brent Heathcoat's shop was also responsible for this truck turning out as cool as this with the Butterscotch paint and brushed nickel brightwork.
The Grand National Roadster Show, aka the GNRS, the Oakland Roadster Show, or the "Pomoakland" Roadster Show to some since the show moved south from the Bay Area to Pomona, California, six years ago, is also the granddaddy of all shows. To those that don't know, the GNRS is the longest running indoor car show in the country and celebrated its 60th year in 2009. Having over 500 entries under one roof is no small feat, and one that can only be understood by witnessing it first hand.
For those who are into hot rod and custom heritage, there were over 100 vehicles that had been entered in the show over the last six decades on hand. Many have been well preserved since, some restored, and some were untouched by a shop, but heavily touched by time. There are always famous vehicles on display and this year featured Speed Racer's Mach 5, the Muster Coach, the Dukes of Hazard General Lee, and Ed Roth's recently discovered and restored Orbitron. There were also cars owned by guitarist Michael Anthony and celebrity Tim Allen.
For a break from the vehicles, you could also meet TV personalities like the Fonz (Henry Winkler) and Joanie Cunningham (Erin Moran) from Happy Days. Plenty of vendors were on hand to satisfy your shopping needs, from hat pins to complete steel roadster pickup bodies, and of course good food like the infamous Pink's Hot Dogs. On Saturday and Sunday the Drive In is open, where you can bring your own classic truck or car to park and show off between the buildings.
While you are at the show, you must make a point to visit the NHRA Museum on the same grounds. There is a tremendous amount of historical photos, drag cars, hot rods, performance, parts, jackets, helmets, stories, and much more on display, some permanent and some ever changing.
So plan a trip to Pomona, California, next January if you haven't already to witness the GNRS for yourself. For more show details including entrant information, call 877-ROD-SHOWS or go to www.rodshows.com.
 This year's big surprise for...  This year's big surprise for us and many others was Kirk Johnson's '68 Ford F-100, which took First in the '57-72 Full Pickup class! We almost fell over when we first laid eyes on this beautiful Bumpside. Stay tuned for a full feature on the '68 built by NorCal's Roseville Rod & Custom. |  Helen and Richard Fripp had...  Helen and Richard Fripp had their '38 Chevy truck on full display. The couple from Reno, NV, took Second Place in the Full Rod Pickup '35-47 class. |  First Place in the same early...  First Place in the same early class went to Dave and Betty Patterson's drop-dead Viper Red '37 Chevy truck. Heathcoat Fabrication in Apple Valley, CA, are responsible for the '37 looking so good. There is a 350/700-R4 combo under the split hood and a 9-inch out back. |
 Mister Cartoon's infamous...  Mister Cartoon's infamous Ice Cream Truck was on display and certainly made an impression on many onlookers. The '63 International has literally countless hours into the paintjob alone by Marios Auto Works, not to mention the additional time spent by Cartoon airbrushing it! |  The owner of Heathcoat Fabrication,...  The owner of Heathcoat Fabrication, Brent, had his '41 Ford on display in a mild-mannered, but classy gloss black. The Ford is certainly a good calling card for the shop with its arrow-straight body, detailed 3/4 race Flathead, and perfect chrome. |  It hadn't happened for many...  It hadn't happened for many years at the GNRS, but for this big anniversary you could watch a '33 American Speed HOTROD be built over the three days spanning the show. From frame on Friday to a finished car on Sunday, it was certainly a spectacle to behold. |