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History of the The Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame
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.

In Memory of Tom Prufer (1940–2025): A True Craftsman of the Hot Rod World
On May 19, 2025, the hot rod community lost one of its most respected and beloved figures—Tom Prufer. For those familiar with polished frames, hand-fabricated parts, and the unmistakable smell of hot oil on cold mornings, Tom was more than just a builder—he was a quiet giant in the world of traditional rods and custom craftsmanship.

Installing a Custom Accessories Three-Point Harness System
This is the problem in a nutshell: When we are traveling in an automobile, it may seem that we personally are not moving, only the car is. But that is not the case. If the vehicle that we are traveling in happens to stop suddenly, we won’t, unless … there is something there to stop us. That something could be a seatbelt—or it could be something less desirable.
The cold hard fact is that injuries can be suffered during an auto accident. Injuries such as those sustained by the face and head as a result of being thrown into the windshield or dash. Or it could mean those nasty abdominal injuries due to contact with the steering wheel. Either way, it doesn’t sound like much fun. They can also be prevented.
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Ford Fever in the Smokies
Inside the F-100 Supernationals, where Blue Oval trucks rule and legends roll.
Inside the Show
Inside the Sevierville Convention Center, you get air-conditioned aisles lined with vendors, feature trucks under the lights, and parts you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. It’s the calm before the storm—organized rows, bright lights, and cool air that make it easy to wander and take it all in.
Outside on the Show Grounds
But the real chaos of the Supernationals lives outside—hundreds of Fords under the Smoky Mountain sky, stretching row after row with every generation represented. It’s part open-air museum, part rolling car corral, with patina’d workhorses parked beside flawless restorations and wild customs. Add in the swap meet buzzing with parts hunters and project dreamers, and the outdoor lot becomes the beating heart of the show.
What Makes the Supernationals Special
What makes the Supernationals special is the mix. You’ll see polished builds that could sit in a museum parked next to a weathered daily that’s earned every dent. Builders debut projects, legends swap stories, and you’ll find yourself geeking out over details you’ve never noticed before. It’s part truck show, part family reunion, part treasure hunt—and it’s only getting bigger.
Our Visual Journey
This year, our photographer hit the ground running and brought back a visual journey through some of the top trucks that stopped us in our tracks. From radical customs to survivor rigs with perfect patina, here’s a look at the iron that defines the F-100 Supernationals.
Why You Should Go
Scroll through, soak it in, and if you’ve never made the trip—start planning. Once you go, you’ll get it. Don’t just drool over the photos—make it happen for yourself. The F-100 Supernationals isn’t just a show, it’s a three-day celebration of everything Blue Oval. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot for next year—trust us, you’ll want to be part of the action when the Smoky Mountains turn Ford blue again.
ARTICLE SOURCES
F-100 Supernationals & All Ford Show
SEVIERVILLE CONVENTION CENTER
202 Gists Creek Rd.
Sevierville, TN 37876









