The 74th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show took Pomona, CA by storm from February 2 to 4, 2024, drawing automotive enthusiasts from around the globe to the historic Pomona Fairplex. As the world’s longest-running indoor car show, it showcased an impressive lineup of over 500 meticulously crafted show vehicles competing for coveted awards, including the highly anticipated America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award and the distinguished Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Each vehicle in the competition embodied the passion and precision of builders and owners who aim to elevate car culture.
A Glimpse into Pomona’s Automotive Excellence
The Grand National Roadster Show 2024 brought together a blend of classic and modern, with cars that captured every era and style of hot rodding. One of the highlights was the Suede Palace, a dedicated space within the show that celebrated traditional hot rods, custom builds, and vintage-inspired rides that went back to the roots of car culture. In this dedicated building, fans enjoyed a retro atmosphere filled with classic tunes, pin-up fashion, and timeless car designs.
Adding to the diversity, the show featured a special exhibition titled “Street Machines: Then & Now.” This tribute encompassed a range of powerful Pro-Street, Pro-Touring, and Street Freaks rides, honoring how street machine culture has evolved over the decades. From extreme modifications and powerful engines to sleek, modernized aesthetics, the featured display showed the enduring influence of street machines in the automotive scene.
Award Highlights: Celebrating the Best of the Best
The competition for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) was as fierce as ever. This prestigious award, known for honoring only the finest roadsters, saw builders push their creativity and craftsmanship to new heights. The winner, celebrated not just for beauty but also for the innovation and engineering under the hood, took home one of the highest honors in the hot rodding world.
Additionally, the Al Slonaker Memorial Award recognized cars that exemplified a unique vision beyond the traditional roadster design. This award attracts builders who think outside the box, and this year’s contenders presented some truly breathtaking builds that amazed attendees and judges alike.
A Show for Every Enthusiast
Beyond the awards and feature displays, the Grand National Roadster Show 2024 offered a wide array of automotive excitement. From live demos to vendor booths featuring custom automotive parts, attendees enjoyed an interactive experience that allowed them to connect directly with top names in the industry. With such a comprehensive showcase of the past, present, and future of hot-rodding, the 74th Grand National Roadster Show offered fans and builders a weekend of pure automotive joy and inspiration.
The 2024 event at the Pomona Fairplex solidified its reputation as a must-attend gathering for automotive enthusiasts. As one of the most iconic shows in car culture, the Grand National Roadster Show remains an enduring tribute to the artistry, passion, and innovation that drive the world of custom car building. With each year, it continues to elevate its legacy, honoring those who have made, and continue to make, a lasting impact on the automotive world.
Whether for the thrill of the competition or the love of classic and modern car culture, this year’s event was an unforgettable experience that set the stage for future editions of the Grand National Roadster Show.
Photos by: Cheri Delgadillo
