The Suede Palace at the 2025 Grand National Roadster Show was, as always, the ultimate hotspot for anyone who lives and breathes traditional hot-rodding. Tucked into Building 10 of the Pomona Fairplex, this gathering wasn’t about high-dollar billet builds or over-polished show queens—it was a raw, authentic tribute to the early days of hot-rodding, where creativity, attitude, and a little grease under the fingernails mattered more than a six-figure paint job.
The 75th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show, presented by Meguiar’s, once again proved why it’s the crown jewel of indoor car shows. From January 31 to February 2, the Pomona Fairplex was loaded with the meanest, cleanest roadsters in the country, all gunning for the top prize: the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award. This wasn’t just some polished-up car show—this was a throwdown of craftsmanship, power, and pure hot rod passion.
As we’ve come to learn, there’s something special about a ’55 Chevy, particularly when it is fitted with one of the popular Chevy engines that have become so common today. But that’s not the case when the hood is opened on this ’55. It is not the celebrated 265, or one of the more respected LS engines, or even a Chevy big block that captures your attention here. This is something different, and not a Bow Tie at all.
Dive into our exclusive coverage recorded LIVE from the SEMA 2024 show floor. From groundbreaking performance enhancements to next-generation customization tools, each moment is brimming with ideas and inspiration from the pros who are shaping the future of automotive innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a car enthusiast eager to discover the next big thing, The Auto Builder’s live showcase offers an unrivaled experience. Witness the passion, creativity, and expertise that make SEMA the pinnacle of automotive excellence. Catch the highlights now and immerse yourself in the excitement of automotive innovation like never before!
When it comes to squeezing every ounce of power and performance out of your ride, the details make the difference. Headers and mufflers might steal the show, but let’s not overlook a serious player in the game: oval exhaust tubing. And if you’re in the know, you’ve probably heard of Stainless Headers Mfg. Inc.—a company we respect for their top-notch craftsmanship and American-made quality.
When it comes to muscle, power, and performance, you can’t beat a big block Chevy. And if you want to harness that raw power, there’s no better way to do it than with a custom set of headers. Enter the Pro Series Big Block Chevy Round Port Custom Header Build Kit from Stainless Headers Mfg. Inc. – the ultimate toolkit for any serious fabricator.
We here at The Auto Builder understand that when it comes to performance, every component counts. That’s why the Canton Racing Products GM LS1/LS6 Front Sump Road Race and Drift Pan has earned a top spot on our must-have list for any serious gearhead looking to elevate their game.
“From the very beginning, I’ve always raced this car,” Iida says. “In the past 11 years, I’ve put 10,000 miles on the odometer a quarter mile at a time.” Like most weekend warriors, Iida’s 5.0-liter Mustang started out life 100 percent bone stock. But with help from friends such as Honolulu Ford’s performance advisor Henry Tabios (a well-known island 5.0-liter racer in his own right), members of the Hawaii Ford Performance Club, Dillingham Automotive’s Glenn Aarake and Alan “Naka” Nakamura, Iida’s ghost-flamed Mustang GT has been transformed into a 9-second, street-legal twin-turbo terror, recording a best of 9.94 seconds at nearby Hawaii Raceway Park.
If there’s one thing we can’t stress enough, it’s the importance of keeping your engine cool. That’s why we’re pumped about the Canton Racing Products Universal Aluminum Coolant Expansion Fill Tank. This baby is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to optimize their vehicle’s cooling system.
Alright, buckle up because Eddie Motorsports just dropped a bombshell in the form of their new line of high quality, billet aluminum steering wheels. Picture this: a line of wheels so slick, so badass, that your ride’s gonna scream “legendary.” Yeah, it’s that good.
