Best Of Show
July 16, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
CHILL OUT
Be Cool is no newcomer to cooling heavy metal. For years it has provided cooling solutions for some of the most impressive high-performance engines to rumble down the streets and dragstrips of America. The folks at Be Cool understand that having the proper cooling components in any car or truck is vital to keep an engine safely within its operating temperature range. They also understand that to make cooling and installation easier, they had to design a full bolt-in system, a system that would fit hundreds of applications for classic cars and trucks, as well as more modern vehicles that also need cooling help.
F-THIS!
When the illustrious Mr. Foose set pencil to paper, the creativity flowed all the way from the design input on this truck to the catchy appellation, “F-This.” That he titled it means that not only can he draw, but he’s a funny guy, too.
BLOWN AWAY
In 1994, Denny and Dawn Johns picked up a ’55 Chevy two-door sedan. Along with Dale Johns, the couple runs Van Buren, Arkansas’ D&D Specialty Cars (479/414-2654), so it was no huge deal to think they would quickly rebuild the ’55 into something very special; after all, they had sold the car and its rebuild to Ed Johns, Denny’s father.
But about a year later, a major tornado tore through Van Buren, and along with most everything else, it left the ’55 demolished from bumper to bumper. Since the car wasn’t the only thing destroyed in the tornado’s path, it took a back seat as the Johns family rebuilt their homes and their business. Then in 2003, Ed sold the ’55 back to Denny and Dawn, and the couple decided to rebuild the car for themselves. Apparently the original plan was to build a nice driver, but once under way, Denny says, “We couldn’t find a good stopping point.” So they didn’t—stop, that is—until three years later.
Spotlighter
Myers Fenderless ’36 Takes the Trophy at the 75th Grand National Roadster Show
Flawless Execution, Timeless Style: How the Myers Fenderless ‘36 Stole the Show in Pomona ⚙️🏆
If you caught this machine in bare metal at the Rad Rides booth last year, you knew it was gonna be special. But now? Fully finished and flexing some seriously next-level craftsmanship, it’s the total package. From the hand-built body to the insane drivetrain and killer stance, this car just oozes cool.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
A Back-to-Back Victory
Pomona, California – Boom! Ross and Beth Myers just pulled off an epic back-to-back win at the Grand National Roadster Show, snagging the 75th AMBR award with another jaw-dropping ride. This thing is an absolute masterpiece, built by the wizards over at Rad Rides by Troy. And yeah, the Myers are making a habit of owning the AMBR stage—last year, Beth took top honors with her killer ’32 Ford Phaeton. Now, Ross is back with a fresh, full-custom 1936 Ford-based roadster that’s been dialed in to perfection.
If you caught this machine in bare metal at the Rad Rides booth last year, you knew it was gonna be special. But now? Fully finished and flexing some seriously next-level craftsmanship, it’s the total package. From the hand-built body to the insane drivetrain and killer stance, this car just oozes cool.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Myers Fenderless ’36 is powered by a 1957 McCullough Supercharged, 312ci Ford Y Block. This old-school powerplant delivers serious punch, making sure this roadster isn’t just about looks—it’s got the muscle to back it up. Power is transferred through a Bowler 4r70w Four Speed Automatic transmission, ensuring effortless cruising with smooth and precise shifts.
The rear axle is a Winters Champion Quick-change unit, built for both performance and show-stopping appeal. The suspension setup features a torsion bar system with wishbone-style radius rods and Ridetech Adjustable Shocks, offering a killer stance with modern handling. Stopping power is handled by Wilwood 4-Piston Calipers on all four corners, paired with custom machined drum covers that add to the car’s vintage vibes.
Custom-Built Excellence
The body of this masterpiece is a fully custom, hand-shaped design, loosely based on a 1936 Ford Roadster. No cookie-cutter styling here—every curve and contour was carefully crafted to create a truly unique ride. Underneath, a hand-built frame supports the structure, featuring custom-machined steering and suspension components that highlight pure artistry in engineering.
The car’s BASF/Glasurit Modified Porsche Aventurine Green Metallic paint is deep, rich, and totally unique, ensuring this roadster stands out in any crowd. Inside, the interior is just as impressive, with a custom-built seat and panels wrapped in hand-tipped leather, square weave carpet, and a hand-built lift-off top that ties everything together with a luxurious yet hot rod-inspired feel.
Rolling in Style
Rolling on Ford wide-five, mid-century race-inspired custom-machined wheels wrapped in Excelsior Stal-Sport Radials, this roadster embraces a period-correct look with a modern twist.
A Well-Deserved Win
This ride isn’t just another pretty face—it’s got the engineering chops and attitude to back it up. The AMBR award isn’t just about looking good; it’s about building something truly special, and the Myers’ roadster delivers in spades. Hats off to Rad Rides by Troy for another knockout build and congrats to Beth and Ross Myers for keeping the AMBR trophy in the family. See ya next year, Pomona!
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