History of the The Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame

From Factory to Fierce: Must-See Upgrades at the 2025 Bronco Stampede

August 21, 2025

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show engulfs Fabulous Las Vegas annually. It brings together the biggest names in the automotive world to show off the latest and greatest, whether it’s new products, amazing custom builds, or the newest trends. TheAutoBuilder is excited to be in the thick of it all.

IN ARM’S WAY

Maximum’s design replaces the upper control arms with a torque arm and a Panhard rod, each of which has only one job rather than two. The Panhard rod centers the axle from side to side, and the torque arm controls pinion angle. Assigning each of these duties to separate components allows each piece to be better at its one job than the stock upper control arms are at either job. The torque arm is essentially a three-link design, and Maximum claims that it improves traction so much that after installation you may have to alter your sway bars to prevent understeer.

Destined Bel Air

This has to be one of the nicest looking ’57 Chevrolet Bel Airs I’ve ever seen in the state of Hawaii,” I kept saying to myself as I was photographing Keith Maeda’s black cherry ’57 tri-5 Chevrolet. I mean, this thing has all the bells and whistles.

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!