Event Coverage AMBR 2024

How can anyone forget the numerous Muroc and Boydster cars?

Roger Burman built a '35 that won in 2007. I only remember this because not many big award winners come from the state of Iowa. Some of the lists mis-year this car as a '36. Not that it reduces the over-abundance of '32 cars.

Lets be honest. These sorts of awards really seem to be influenced by who built the car. The last 30+ years have been dominated by popular names in the industry. Not many home garage builds wind up winning even if they are really well built, detailed, etc.

 

Nothing for me in that lineup.

 

I'd say the chances are somewhere between slim and none because The judging sheets don't have any box for "HAMB opinion". The last time my truck was in an ISCA judged show the sheet was four pages and I don't know what they have on top of that for the AMBR.

 

I typically keep my opinions to myself regarding the AMBR contenders … but (against my better judgement) I'm gonna weigh-in on which roadster would be my choice . . .

I really like Jim Bulter's homebuilt full-fendered Deuce Roadster:

image by Eric Geisert​

. . . and I can't deny the appeal of the two flathead powered cars . . .

• Ramin Younessi's homebuilt full-fendered '34 Roadster:

image by Eric Geisert​

• Gary Holyoak's Deuce Highboy RPU by HS Customs:

image by Eric Geisert​

. . . but this year, I'm really leaning toward the two flamed cars owned by the ladies . . .

• Mekenzie Murphy's Deuce Highboy Roadster by Johnson's Hot Rod Shop:

image by Tim Bernsau​

• Beth Myers' Deuce Highboy "Phanton" (Tudor Phaeton) by Roy Brizio Street Rods:

image by Eric Geisert​

. . . and probably because of its ties to the SF Bay Area (i.e., built by Brizio's shop with chassis by Jack @jakespeed55 Stratton, paint by Darryl @hollenbeck32 Hollenbeck, flames & pinstriping by Art Himsl & Eric Reyes, upholstery by Sid @Hotrodstitcher Chavers, etc., etc.) . . . I'm kinda hoping Beth's car is crowned the 2024 AMBR.

On a side note, this black flamed "Hot Rod" tub is Mrs. Myers second Brizio-built Deuce "Phanton" . . . i.e., she also owns this full-fendered "Street Rod" tub:

image by Rob @RF Fortier​

 

Thanks HEMI 32, the additional info on the flamed '32 Phantom is most welcomed.

Bob

 

I saw it asked earlier, and maybe it was a different AMBR thread, but what does it take to enter a roadster to be considered for the AMBR?

I would assume there is a multi-year wait list, or am I wrong about that? Anyone have a “been there, done that” experience that would help explain the selection criteria?

Looking at the pictures of some of the other cars posted in the building, I would choose several over this year’s lineup. I guess it’s different to see one in person vs a picture online, so I won’t say anything more. I am curious how they are chosen though!

 

As far as I am aware you fill out your entry form, pay the $1000 entry fee and you are entered into AMBR competition. Some years there are as many as 14 entries, this year there are 9 competitors.

 

I think there is some secrecy required, the car may debut there. I followed the build of one winner but was not allowed to take photos of the progress. It is a fun process to follow, a bit like Pebble Beach with far less cars. Go, take pictures and enjoy the day, talk with people and have a great time, that advice goes to everyone. Bob

 

I've worked at it....

 

Are the judges allowed/required to have the tops put up or lowered to help in their decision, or do they just judge them as they are presented?

 

Thanks for the pics and info
In the first pics at the beginning of this thread the cars were kinda underwhelming.
As more pics popped up here and on social media, the stock on the cars have risen.
Past threads on this award have many here complaining about cars being too modern, not traditional enough, too billet looking …….. the selections you posted seem to indicate the opposite of those sentiments.
it’s not a period correct contest.
A shop could build a period correct car and it would still get flamed by some over color, wheels, stance …….
You’ll never please everyone so better please yourself.

 

Much like the Ridler award the car has to be a new fresh build and debut at the GNRS. They're allowed a showing in bare metal as seen in past TRJs, and as seen at shows. Then back into their respective bat caves to be completed unseen. No magazine or soc med coverage. That's how I think it goes anyways.

 

If the Mekenzie Murphy's Roadster was a traditional color....folks here would be slobbering all over it,
there's a lot going on there.....its pretty bad a$$ build once you look past the color.....

 

But a violent shade of Cerise is a pretty hard colour to try and look past.....

I think the flamed Brizo built Phaeton will win it.....

 

I hear ya....it was just an observation....as far as winning, I have NO idea as these things can take on a twist...I just watch and see what happens

 

I love the black wheels and blackwall tires with the pink!

 

The last GNRS I went to was the 50th in San Francisco. The highlight was meeting Marty Strode & seeing the new version of The Moonshiner, a high school favorite. I think AMBR started going down hill with Ala Kart. Maybe just the trend of show cars but I guess that is what car shows were invented for. Even back in the Oakland days when you had to drive them in & drive them out my favorite cars were usually in the parking lot. But heading home Sunday night was exciting!

 

2024 America's Most Beautiful Roadster




Beth Myers' 1932 Ford "Phanton" (2-door Phaeton)
by Roy Brizio Street Rods​

 

Thought that might win, was my 1st pick, Congrats to Beth Myers!

 

Congratulations to Beth Myers, and everyone that had a part in the build! Bob

 

Congrats to the build team and owner

 

Here's some "Under Construction" pics of the 2024 AMBR:

all images from the Roy Brizio Street Rods website
​

 

Thanks! The INDY Car torsion bars and raised wheel wells look great!

Bob

 

After seeing em in person I would pick the 34 all day long!

 

Black 32 full fender with bumpers with the red grille bars for me….not fond of tubs.

 

Tom, it was a pleasure to meet you and your great family. I didn’t go again for 20 years, when Pat and I showed his Spalding Roadster in bare metal. So, I better get something started for the 2039 show.

 

Thanks Todd. Every year I look forward to your introduction to the AMBR entries - missed it this year!

 

I like all the cars this year, the winner and the pinkish cars were my favorites. How did women get into building old undriveable hotrods??

 

Cool

 

Maybe I'll Have the wood done on my '26 Chevy by then.