History of the The Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame

Classic Looks For A Classic Camaro

September 24, 2022

Alright, buckle up and listen up, folks, ’cause we’re about to dive headfirst into the heart-pounding world of the S3 Challenge at the Holley LS Fest West. Now, you might be wondering what the heck “S3” stands for. Well, let’s break it down for ya—it’s all about Start, Steer, and Stop.

BIG BLUE

When Ford introduced the Galaxie nameplate in 1960, the reasoning behind the new name was obvious. At the time, bigger was better, and short of GM introducing a car named the Universe, what could convey a greater sense of size than Galaxie?

FREDDIE’S ’55

Once a West Coast gasser, this ’55 Chevy made its way to Lebanon, Ohio, thanks to longtime Chevy enthusiast Freddie Green. That was back in 1978, when his son Jason was just four years old. Fast forward a few years, and Jason, professing to be a Chevy man since birth, took ownership of the car from his father at the age of 10.

A Tribute to Hot Rodding Legends

The Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame is where hot rodding’s biggest names get the recognition they deserve. Since 1960, it’s been the ultimate nod to the builders, visionaries, and die-hard gearheads who’ve left their mark on the scene. This isn’t just a list of names—it’s a legacy of the innovators who’ve shaped the custom car world and made the Grand National Roadster Show the powerhouse event it is today.

The Roots of Recognition

Back when the Grand National Roadster Show was still finding its groove, a handful of passionate folks realized that the pioneers of hot rodding deserved more than just a pat on the back. That’s how the Hall of Fame was born. The first inductees? Absolute legends—Al Slonaker, Joe Bailon, George Barris, Wally Parks, and Robert E. Petersen. These guys didn’t just build cars; they built the foundation for everything that came after.

How Induction Works

Getting into the Hall of Fame isn’t just about having a cool build or a flashy name. It’s a serious process. Current members nominate the best of the best, followed by a vote to decide who’s earned their place in history. Each year, the new inductees get their moment in the spotlight at the Hall of Fame dinner during the Grand National Roadster Show. It’s more than just an award ceremony—it’s a gathering of the most passionate people in hot rodding, celebrating where the industry has been and where it’s headed next.

A Rich History on Display

Eric Geisert, inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame this year, put together a killer display on the GNRS Hall of Fame’s history, and we’re making sure it gets the recognition it deserves. If you missed it, here’s your chance to check it out and dive into the rich history of the show! Be sure to follow Eric on Instagram to see more cool stuff!