Old School, Perfected: Blue Ribbon Roadster Is the 2026 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster

At the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show, the spotlight wasn’t just on speed or style—it was on craftsmanship at the highest level. Among nine jaw-dropping roadsters displayed in Building 4, one car quietly—and then undeniably—rose to the top. Nicole Baird’s 1932 Ford Roadster, built by Squeeg’s Kustoms, claimed the coveted America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) title, proving once again that traditional hot rod values, when executed flawlessly, still reign supreme.

Built around a genuine 1932 steel Ford Roadster body, this bright blue Deuce is the definition of classic done right. Crisp white scallops accent the metallic blue pearl finish, while subtle body modifications preserve the original proportions that made the ’32 legendary in the first place. Wide whitewalls wrapped around chrome Wheel Smith steel wheels—15-inch up front and 16-inch out back—give the car a timeless stance that feels equal parts period-correct and show-ready.

Exquisite Paint, Craftsmanship, and a Chassis That Sits Just Right

Known for their obsessive attention to detail, Squeeg’s Kustoms, led by Doug Jerger and his crew, delivered a paint and finish package worthy of the AMBR spotlight. The metallic blue pearl paint doesn’t stop at the body panels—it flows underneath, onto the frame, the complete floor, and even the gas tank. Carefully placed pinstriping ties every surface together, creating a cohesive visual story from top to bottom.

Underneath, the roadster rides on a custom 1932-style chassis, subtly reworked to achieve its flawless stance. The front end was lowered with custom modifications, while the rear features a precision-executed C-notched frame, custom rear ladder bars, hairpins, and frame-through mounts. Polished Buick drum brakes at all four corners reinforce the traditional theme while delivering show-level finish and symmetry.

Hilborn-Injected Buick Nailhead Power, Perfectly Modernized

Front and center sits a beautifully detailed 1960s 401 Buick Nailhead, topped with vintage Hilborn injection that’s been discreetly updated using custom electronic fuel injection components, Holley hardware, and a Holley Terminator ECU. It’s the perfect blend of old-school presentation and modern drivability—exactly the kind of thoughtful engineering that resonates with AMBR judges.

The Nailhead is backed by a 700R4 transmission and a 9-inch rear end, giving the car smooth cruising manners without sacrificing authenticity. Ram horn–style headers feed into a fully TIG-welded and polished 2.5-inch stainless exhaust system, finished with Porter mufflers and signature flared tips from Squeeg’s Hot Rod Connection.

Hand-Built Hot Rod Details Everywhere You Look

This award-winning roadster shines brightest in its details. The body features a raised floor, a custom-formed transmission tunnel, and a reworked firewall, all executed with meticulous precision. A 4-inch chopped windshield sharpens the profile, while the hand-built aluminum top adds elegance without overpowering the classic lines.

Out back, 1939 Plymouth taillight lenses sit in custom cast-and-chromed housings, blending period-correct styling with custom craftsmanship. Steering is handled by a ’57 Thunderbird steering column paired with a 14-inch wheel, a Vega steering box, and Borgeson joints and shafts throughout.

Inside, a tilted dash houses Stewart-Warner gauges mounted in a Dale Grau insert, while the interior—expertly stitched by Recovery Room—delivers comfort and craftsmanship worthy of a top-tier GNRS show car.

Perhaps most impressive is how much of the roadster was hand-built rather than machined. From motor mounts to the steering column drop, countless components were shaped by hand from cold-rolled steel, aluminum, and stainless, then painstakingly sanded, painted, polished, or chromed. Even the hardware tells a story—chrome acorn nuts, perfectly aligned slotted screws, and consistent finishes throughout speak to the relentless attention to detail invested in every inch of the build.

Why This 1932 Ford Roadster Earned the 2026 AMBR Crown

With eight other world-class contenders on the floor, competition for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster 2026 was fierce. But Nicole Baird’s Blue Ribbon Roadster, built by Squeeg’s Kustoms, stood apart through balance. Nothing excessive. Nothing missing. Tradition, execution, and presentation aligned perfectly, earning the car the $12,500 AMBR prize, sponsored by ARP Fasteners, and securing its place in hot rodding history.

From Mansfield, Ohio to Mesa, Arizona, Squeeg’s Kustoms continues to prove that true excellence comes from patience, intention, and an unwavering respect for traditional hot rod craftsmanship.

A Well-Deserved Victory at GNRS 2026

Nicole Baird’s 1932 Ford Roadster didn’t just win AMBR—it embodied what the award represents. Timeless design. Obsessive craftsmanship. And a level of finish that rewards every closer look.

Small car. Classic soul.