Pomona, California — Meguiar’s is bringing one of the most celebrated custom cars in the country to center stage this weekend as part of its continued 125th Anniversary Celebration Tour. The legendary car care brand will display the 2025 Al Slonaker Memorial Award–winning 1933 Pontiac Model 601 Sedan, built by CAL Auto Creations, in its booth at the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show.
The 2026 Grand National Roadster Show takes place January 30 through February 1, 2026, at the Fairplex, drawing hot rod, custom car, and classic vehicle enthusiasts from across the country. Meguiar’s will have its signature Big Rig display on site, along with a full team of car care specialists ready to answer questions and demonstrate the brand’s newest products.
A Historic Custom Takes the Spotlight at the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show
Nicknamed “Aurabella,” the award-winning 1933 Pontiac Model 601 Sedan earned the prestigious Al Slonaker Memorial Award in 2025, an honor reserved for the finest non-roadster vehicle at the Grand National Roadster Show. Introduced in 1974 by Al Slonaker himself, the award is judged by an elite panel of builders, designers, and automotive media professionals and is considered one of the most coveted trophies in the custom car world.
For Meguiar’s—longtime supporters of GNRS—hosting the Slonaker winner beneath their Big Rig awning is a milestone moment. The company has attended the Grand National Roadster Show for more than two decades, showcasing some of the most meticulously crafted hot rods in America, but displaying the reigning Slonaker champion adds a new level of prestige.
Inside the Build: Aurabella’s Craftsmanship and Design
Built by renowned custom builder Andy Leach of CAL Auto Creations, Aurabella is a masterclass in proportion, innovation, and craftsmanship. While a 1933 Pontiac sedan might seem like an unconventional starting point, Leach embraced the challenge.
The body underwent extensive modifications, including:
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A precision roof chop that tilts forward to enhance the car’s aggressive stance
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A narrowed hood and front end for a sleeker profile
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Rear fenders raised and reshaped by three inches, connected by custom running boards
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A rear body panel leaned forward three inches at the beltline
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A custom grille and insert leaned back one inch to complete the raked look
The entire car is finished in a custom-blended pearl bronze paint known as Aurabella Gold, a shimmering color that shifts in the light and sets the Pontiac apart from anything else on the show floor.
Performance Meets Artistry
Under the custom-vented hood, the original straight-eight engine has been replaced with a 400-cubic-inch Pontiac V8, featuring:
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Edelbrock cylinder heads
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An 8-71 BOS supercharger
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Throttle-body fuel injection
Power is sent through a 4L80E automatic transmission with a fully detailed case and pan, while the chassis rides on a custom frame with machined suspension components and period-style Wilwood brake calipers. Rolling stock consists of custom CAL five-spoke wheels, sized 15 inches up front and 16 inches in the rear.
Inside the cabin, Aurabella continues its Art Deco-inspired theme with fabricated leather-wrapped panels, custom gauges, a machined steering wheel, and hand-finished trim that ties the entire build together.
Meguiar’s at 2026 Grand National Roadster Show: Products, Expertise, and Passion
Beyond the featured vehicle, Meguiar’s will also showcase up to 28 of its newest car care products, many of which debuted at the SEMA Show in November. Attendees can speak directly with Meguiar’s experts about paint correction, surface protection, preservation techniques, and product selection for everything from daily drivers to show-level builds.
The brand’s presence reinforces its long-standing message: “Play Dirty. Get Clean.” Whether you’re maintaining a garage queen or protecting a vehicle that sees real road time, Meguiar’s continues to expand its lineup to meet the needs of enthusiasts at every level.
What’s Next on the 125th Anniversary Tour
Following the Grand National Roadster Show, Meguiar’s 125th Anniversary Tour heads to Detroit Autorama, where the team will focus on winter-specific vehicle protection strategies for harsh climates. That event runs February 27 through March 1, 2026.
See It in Person
If you’re attending GNRS this weekend, make sure to stop by the Meguiar’s Big Rig to see Aurabella up close, explore the latest product releases, and talk one-on-one with Meguiar’s car care professionals.
For Gauge Magazine readers, this is a rare opportunity to experience one of the finest award-winning customs in the country—paired with one of the most respected names in automotive detailing—under one roof.
About Meguiar’s®
With 125 years of surface care leadership, Meguiar’s remains deeply rooted in global car culture. From professional detailers to weekend enthusiasts, the brand continues to push performance boundaries across automotive, marine, and RV products. At its core, Meguiar’s is driven by passion—passion for innovation, passion for results, and passion for the community that lives and breathes automotive culture.
