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Spotlighter
Chasing Immortality: The 2026 AMBR Competition at the Grand National Roadster Show
Nine roadsters entered the AMBR competition. One claimed the crown—while the rest proved just how brutal the margin at the top has become.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
Chasing Immortality at GNRS 2026
By the time the judges stepped away and the crowd leaned in, the outcome was already etched into steel, paint, and countless hours of labor. The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster doesn’t hinge on a single detail or dramatic reveal—it’s decided through relentless scrutiny, measured comparison, and respect for a standard that has defined hot rodding excellence since 1950. GNRS 2026 delivered exactly that kind of showdown, with nine roadsters pushing the limits before one ultimately claimed the crown.
The Unforgiving Standard of AMBR
The nine-foot AMBR trophy doesn’t celebrate excess. It rewards builders who understand proportion, restraint, and craftsmanship at the highest level—where every decision carries weight and every imperfection is amplified. Under the scrutiny of an expert judging panel, the 2026 AMBR contenders were evaluated on the fundamentals that have always defined America’s Most Beautiful Roadster: stance, line, finish, engineering, and an unshakable respect for roadster tradition. The margin between first and last place was razor thin, and the pressure showed in every detail.
Nine Roadsters, One Crown
While one roadster emerged victorious and earned its place on the towering AMBR perpetual trophy, the remaining eight were anything but runners-up. Each represented a fully realized vision, executed with discipline, intent, and a refusal to compromise. In any other year, several of these cars could have walked away with the title.
Defining the 2026 AMBR Field
With the results now part of AMBR history, it’s time to take a closer look at the nine roadsters that defined the 2026 competition—the details, decisions, and craftsmanship that separated excellence from immortality.
AMBR Winner: 1932 Ford “Blue Ribbon Roadster”
Owner: Nicole Baird
Builder: Squeeg’s Kustoms
Nicole Baird’s “Blue Ribbon Roadster”, a 1932 Ford built by Squeeg’s Kustoms, took home the 2026 AMBR crown at GNRS. Among nine jaw-dropping roadsters, this metallic blue pearl Deuce with white scallops screamed old-school cool and perfect execution from the first glance. The Hilborn-injected 401 Buick Nailhead packs serious punch, polished headers gleaming, every detail painstakingly finished. The paint, interior by Recovery Room, and perfectly proportioned wheels and tires all scream precision. It’s traditional hot rod style turned up to elite, show-winning levels.
From engine bay to interior stitchwork, the Blue Ribbon Roadster oozes craftsmanship and style. Balanced, aggressive, and timeless, it’s no wonder it grabbed AMBR 2026—Squeeg’s Kustoms nailed every detail, making this ’32 Ford a modern classic that demands attention. The Hilborn-injected 401 Buick Nailhead packs serious punch, polished headers gleaming, every detail painstakingly finished. The paint, interior by Recovery Room, and perfectly proportioned wheels and tires all scream precision. It’s traditional hot rod style turned up to elite, show-winning levels.
CLICK HERE to see our deep-dive article on the Blue Ribbon Roadster.
1932 Ford Roadster “3rd Time’s a Charm”
Owners: Shawna & David Pillado
Builder: Clayton’s Hot Rods
Shawna and David Pillado’s “3rd Time’s a Charm” 1932 Ford Roadster is the real deal—all original Henry steel, right down to the frame, with the paperwork to back it up. This car isn’t a quick build or a modern reinterpretation; it’s the culmination of a hot rod journey that spans more than 40 years. Originally started in the late ’40s and early ’50s by previous owners R.K. Wasella and Bob Davenport, the project was finally brought home when Pillado purchased the unfinished roadster in 2013, committed to completing it exactly as originally intended.
With Clayton’s Hot Rods taking the lead on fabrication, the car crossed the finish line without losing its soul. Sumano Customs laid down the paint with period-correct restraint, while Finish Line Interiors handled the cabin, keeping everything authentic and timeless. Under the hood, Tony Lloyd built a proper 8BA flathead, complete with a Mercury crank, Potvin 3/8 cam, and Edelbrock slingshot intake and heads—a combination that looks right, sounds right, and delivers classic flathead attitude.
Every detail on this roadster reflects patience, respect, and deep appreciation for traditional hot rodding. Rather than chasing trends, “3rd Time’s a Charm” honors the vision of its earliest builders while benefiting from modern craftsmanship. It’s not just a finished project—it’s a rescued legacy, thoughtfully completed and proudly driven, proving that sometimes the long road is the one worth taking.
Clayton's Hot Rods
Clayton’s Hot Rods is a traditional shop located in Santa Cruz on the central coast of CA. Restoration, Fabrication, Vintage Parts & Service.
1932 Ford Phaeton “Payton Phaeton”
Owner: Brandie Laird
Builder: Brookville Roadster
Brandie Laird’s “Payton Phaeton” is a graceful, head-turning 1932 Ford that blends classic hot rod proportions with refined elegance. Built entirely by Brookville Roadster, from the frame to the limited-edition all-steel phaeton body, the car carries unmistakable presence. Chip Foose–styled bodywork is finished in Payton Blue by JCT Customs, accented with precise white detailing that underscores the roadster’s refined, timeless character.
Under the hood, a dependable 350 SBC crate engine backed by a TH350 transmission provides smooth, confident power. The chassis is equally well thought out, featuring Alan Johnson radius rods and ladder bars, a 9-inch Ford rear end, and Ridetech shocks and coilovers for a refined ride. A cowl steering system keeps the look clean up front, while Billet Specialties wheels add just the right amount of modern polish without overpowering the classic design.
Inside, Fastlane Upholstery handled both the interior and top, delivering a clean, comfortable cabin that complements the car’s exterior elegance. Classic Instruments gauges, finished with customized nickel plating by Advanced Plating, tie the details together. All the way from Delaware, Brandie Laird’s Payton Phaeton proves that subtlety, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design can stand tall among the boldest builds on the show floor.
Brookville Roadster, Inc.
Brookville Roadster manufactures the most accurate reproductions ever made of 1928-1932 Ford cars and trucks
1932 Ford Roadster “Blesser”
Owners: Stanley & Daisy Chavik
Builder: Stanley Chavik / Speedsters by Chavik
Stanley and Daisy Chavik’s “Blesser” 1932 Ford Roadster is a purpose-built machine five years in the making, conceived with one goal in mind: competing on the AMBR stage. Starting with a Brookville body, the car was stretched, reshaped, and refined into a functional street-legal race car inspired by late-’40s and early-’50s Indy and land speed racers. Fire it up and the supercharged Ardun-headed engine shakes the walls, while a largely handmade, custom-machined suspension reinforces that this roadster was built to be driven—not just admired.
Built to meet Vintage SCCA, SCTA, and Antique Drag Racing regulations, the Blesser blends history, engineering, and raw ambition. Acquired originally as a partial roller in New York, the car was fully restored and reimagined by Stanley as both a competition piece and a tribute to early American racing culture. The result is inventive, artistic, and deeply personal—much like Chavik’s own journey from Czechoslovakia to the U.S., where he and Daisy founded Hot Rod Chavik and have since become known for crafting some of the most compelling roadsters and race cars in the scene.
Hot-rod Chavik Speedsters USA
Race car and vintage vehicle recreations, built to run. Period-correct restoration, custom fabrication, and coachbuilding.
1932 Ford “Samsononized”
Owners: Todd & Marie Samson
Builder: Gray’s Garage
Todd Samson’s 1932 Ford, lovingly dubbed “Samsononized”, is the perfect blend of elegance and classic hot rod flair. From every angle, the shape-shifting paint keeps you guessing—sometimes green, sometimes a deep black-brown shimmer—making this roadster as mesmerizing as it is timeless. The Ardun-headed flathead sits proudly under the hood, topped with an S.Co.T. supercharger that adds both power and undeniable presence.
Built by Gray’s Garage in Sanford, Michigan, this roadster reflects masterful attention to detail. A Tremec TKX transmission backs the flathead, while a Winters Quick Change rear end keeps the power in check. The top and interior, crafted by Colton Leigeb, complement the exterior with clean lines, vintage-inspired details, and flawless craftsmanship. Every component, from Mike Curtis wheels to Stuart Warner gauges, was thoughtfully selected to honor traditional hot rod style.
From the meticulous paint to the polished details, Samsononized is a roadster that demands a second—and third—look. It’s a car that effortlessly balances classic elegance with raw power, proving that even a traditional ’32 Ford can feel fresh, modern, and utterly unforgettable.
Gray's Garage Hot Rods & Customs, LLC
Focuses on early Ford hot rods and traditionally styled customs of any make
1933 Ford Roadster “Kansa Special”
Owners: John & Jennifer Fairleigh
Builder: Big Creek Restoration
John and Jennifer Fairleigh’s “Kansa Special”, a 1933 Ford Roadster built by Big Creek Restoration, is a jaw-dropping blend of traditional hot rod style and modern ingenuity. Starting with a body by American Speed Co. and a Speed 33 frame, the team chopped, shaped, and smoothed every panel to perfection. The result is a sleek, aggressive stance that commands attention from every angle.
Under the louvered hood sits a 520-inch Kaase Boss 9 engine, backed by a 4L80E transmission. The hood features a unique “hot air extractor” louver concept, blending function and artistry to manage airflow while keeping the car clean and aggressive. Every component under the hood, from engine to exhaust, reflects precision and performance, making the Kansa Special as powerful as it is visually striking.
Inside, the roadster shines with an interior designed by eBCo and brought to life by Elegance Auto Interiors, balancing vintage style with modern comfort. From frame to finish, the Kansa Special is a collection of ideas turned into rolling art, crafted by a small group of dedicated builders who share a passion for hot rods. Every panel, detail, and nuance reflects the collaborative spirit of Big Creek Restoration, making this ’33 a standout on the Pomona floor and a modern legend in traditional roadster culture.
1934 Ford LoBoy Roadster “Inspired”
Owner: Beth Myers
Builder: Roy Brizio Street Rods
Beth Myers’ 1934 Ford LoBoy Roadster, known simply as “Inspired”, pays homage to the iconic Jack Morgan ’34 featured on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine in April 1951. Built by Roy Brizio Street Rods, this roadster blends classic tradition with modern precision, capturing the spirit of a legendary hot rod while delivering jaw-dropping presence on every curve. Vintage Color Studio’s paint pops, while Sid Chavers’ interior work ensures every inch reflects elegance and craftsmanship.
Under the hood, the roadster rocks a Panella-built 1996 Ford 302 CI Prototyp PRAV pushrod engine with 4-valve heads, one of only two made, fed by 8-stack Borla fuel injection and backed by a Tremec 5-speed. Custom metalwork, aluminum hood, and hand-rolled pans showcase the attention to detail from Brizio’s crew, with Sherm’s plating adding mirror-like finishes to the hardware and trim. Every modification, from narrowed grille and cowl to channeled body and rounded decklid corners, reinforces the car’s classic lines while modernizing its stance and proportions.
From chassis to interior, “Inspired” is a perfect balance of heritage and high-performance craftsmanship. Every weld, curve, and finish reflects the dedication of Team Brizio—Jack Stratton, Jim Vickery, Andrik Albor, and the full crew—making this roadster not just a tribute to hot rod history but a living, rolling work of art that commands attention wherever it goes.
1935 Ford Hi-Boy Roadster “The Davester”
Owners: Dave & Rebecca Gonzales
Builder: Lakeside Rods & Rides
Dave Gonzales’ “Davester” is a stretched, slick, no-nonsense 1935 Ford Hi-Boy Roadster that hits hard from every angle. Built by Roger Burman at Lakeside Rods & Rides, the car’s long, lean proportions are amplified by a hand-built body from Marcel and finished in Nason Atomic Silver, a color that plays perfectly off the roadster’s bold stance and protruding grille. Subtle design cues by Eric Brockmeyer Design keep everything clean, aggressive, and perfectly balanced.
Power comes from a 430-horse LS3, topped with Borla 8-stack injection, backed by a Turbo 350 with a stall converter and a Corvette center section. The engine bay is all show and go—PRC radiator, polished HPC headers, and stainless exhaust—while the Boyd Coddington chassis, billet suspension, Alden coilovers, and massive 14-inch Baer brakes deliver serious performance under the skin. This thing isn’t just pretty—it’s built to move.
Rolling on Schott wheels—22x12s out back and 19s up front—the Davester plants itself with modern authority while keeping its hot rod soul intact. Inside, a Recovery Room interior, Dakota Digital gauges, and Boyd steering wheel tie everything together, blending billet, polish, and craftsmanship without overdoing it. From the suicide doors to the Harley headlights and flawless finish, Dave Gonzales’ ’35 Ford is a bold, refined Hi-Boy that proves stretched proportions and smart execution never go out of style.
Lakeside Rods and Rides
2486 220th Street
Rockwell City, IA 50579
(712) 297-8671
1937 Ford Roadster “Kapone”
Owner: Cory Kozlowski
Builder: JF Kustoms
Meet Kapone, a 1937 Ford that’s pure outlaw elegance, masterfully built by JF Kustoms. This build began over three and a half years ago with Cory Kozlowski, whose vision and trust turned a dream into reality. From the first sketches to the final reveal, every inch of this roadster exudes precision, style, and a rebellious spirit that demands attention.
Under the skin, Kapone rides on Air Ride Technologies with a 4-link rear suspension, a 9-inch Ford rear end, independent front control arms, and a power rack-and-pinion steering setup. Wilwood disc brakes coated in base clearcoat stop her with confidence. The heart of the car is an LS3 engine with Hilborn fuel injection and Holley EFI, breathing through a polished 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust and Magnaflow mufflers—a combination of performance and show-stopping detail.
The body and paint are equally stunning. Doors extended, rear shortened, body channeled, bumpers smoothed and shaved, all finished in David Launier’s Sunlight Green Matrix Metallic. The interior, by Lee Baxter and Avant Garde, features custom stitching, Dakotta digital gauges with wood-grain accents by Chaz Palmer, and bespoke roadster doors and trunk. Every wheel, light, and detail—from Curtis Speed Wheels to Hagan teardrop tail lights—demonstrates the relentless craftsmanship of the JF Kustoms Krew, making Kapone a modern classic with timeless outlaw flair.
