Hot Rods Up close look at the controversial roadster at GNRS

"No hubcaps" is a look. At a point in time that rim was a contemporary design that got familiar by running as long as it did. That doesn't stop it from looking good as it ever did.Even if they can be had for a lot less coin than next level versions.The vid enabled me to appreciate this car and ( have to mention), its upholstery's design and workmanship.

 

The upholstery design looks awesome!

 

I talked to a friend today that runs a shop here in the midwest that specializes in very high end Hot Rods and Muscle Cars. High 6 and 7 figure cars are the norm at his shop. He was there Thursday so had a chance to take a good look at the car and in his opinion it was far and ahead of the other entries. He expressed his opinion to me why it didn't win but it would unwise to share it on this forum.

 

Gary; Let us in on his opinion and I will let you in on tomorrows soap operas secret.

 

I read this same thread every year…..

 

Thats true Anthony, but I also don't believe that having a handful of people decide which car is best always happens without some personal considerations coming into play. Not saying anyone buys a judges vote, but simply that casting a vote for the wrong car can affect some possible future business that might come the judges way, so they have personal considerations as well. They make their living based off of perception as well as well heeled customers.

The average car show attendee has to consider nothing but which car they like. Yes, if a buddy has a car in the show, he may vote for his buddy..........and a car clubs members may all vote for a members car.....
there is never perfection...........but lots of differences in perception. Neither way is perfect.

 

The average car show attendee doesn’t know what a roadster is.
I’d take an experienced judge over a random spectators opinion.
the judges are chosen to do a thankless job to get second guessed by arm chair builders.

it’s sad seeing the participation trophy mentality permeate car shows.

A PT cruiser with a bright colored vinyl wrap with teddy bears and owners handing out candy will get you a people’s choice award.

9 entered the contest knowing there was one winner.

if a career hinges on winning then that builder needs to make better choices in life.

 

Don’t we need to be concerned about this one? They have their black and red mixed up.

 

Mmmmmmmmmm

I’d drive it

 

Looks like a Hovercraft got lost on Sponge Bob. No thank you, but I hope the owner likes it

 

This shit is as tedious as all the Uncertain T nonsense..seriously.

 

I'm amazed someone isn't upset about the GM headlight buckets that they used.

 

I agree that many of the people attending a car show do not have a broad knowledge of the Rod and Custom world. I can see many people also having a different opinion of what looks good, so we get a lot of the younger people voting for newer model cars that they identify with. My thought would be that cars be entered by catagories and the voting be by catagory. If someone wants to compete for the "Most Beautiful Roadster" catagory, they can stipulate that its limited to cars manufactured between certain years. After all, it is just another catagory although its made to sound extra important. Think about it.........only 9 cars entered. How many roadsters are there in the world? I see lots of beautiful roadsters at the SRN every year. Its just a lot of hype, but its not really true. Do you think maybe there is a reason why there weren't many competitors ?

Yep, 99% with you there. The only place I think they should be given out is in handicap sports. I remember when my son was a kid playing Little League Baseball and a friends Dad ran the handicapped league. They had more fun and enjoyed it more than all the other age groups put together. I'll never forget Todd, a kid with cerebral palsey sitting in his wheelchair and looking out over an empty field one day while other activities were taking place. He looked up at me and said "What a waste, what a waste". I asked what he meant. He said: "Look at that empty field out there....If I could play I'd be out there EVERY day". He later became a beloved figure at a local college as their teams unofficial mascot. I never forgot that, so I think participation trophies are fine for them..........but I agree with you about not giving them out for other things.

So to elaborate a little more. Since these cars were in a special catagory, people could cast votes for only those cars if people were allowed to vote.

I think most judges deserve credit for volunteering their time and expertise and try to do an honest job, so I don't mean to cast aspersions on them. I do however realize that the more prestigious the show and the award being given, the more likely for things other than the actual beauty of the car to become part of the process. Maybe I'm wrong, because there are a lot of good people in the industry...I hope so.

As for trophies in general...........great for high dollar events of different types like INDY and Nascar..........other than stuff like that its not something that I would personally be interested in. To me, the car someone built is their personal trophy and they should be proud of it whether its a high dollar or a low dollar build. I like seeing what true artisans can build and decorate but I think someone who uses their own hands to craft and engineer something they can enjoy deserve recognition as well. Personally I think your trophy is all the friends you have made by building cars and sharing your expertise with others..........far more important than a plastic trophy.

 

Local car shows to me work this way. Your car goes into a category and it's judged by the other participants and/or the public. It isn't impartial in the least. People vote for their club members, buddies, or their favourite color, not necessary the car that they like the best. Some local shows changed to inviting guest judges (akin to what Goodguys and GNRS does), and they take their job very seriously. It seems like the AMBR judges really do too.

AMBR already has a year limit placed on it.

No, only 9 cars were selected. We have no idea how many cars were entered, but they have to get through the application process. Applications close November 1st for the February show.

Part of the rules of AMBR is that the car has never been shown in finished condition before. Seems to me that's meant to breed creativity and innovation and so that the same cars don't compete and win year after year. It's a competition that is designed to be exclusive, and there were 9 nice competitors chosen this year. Very few of them were people's taste from this forum, but that's not the point of the competition in any shape or form.

If people here don't like all the competitors who cares? IMO if the HAMB rules dictated the builds, there would be very little creativity and no innovation. Creativity of how to solve a fabrication problem on my own car is part of why I am in this hobby.

I think you're ignoring the fact that the judges are also people in the industry, big name car builders and the like. These people have a reputation, and if they appear to be biased that won't be good for their reputation.

The great thing about the GNRS is anyone can compete. You could build one to submit for AMBR if you wanted a certain look of car in the mix.

I look at these competitions from a different lens. I'm never going to win AMBR or even a lot of local car show trophies. It doesn't mean the system is broken. If AMBR or similar competitions encourage me or any number of others to get off their lazy butt and work on their project (or start a project), they're doing their job. The competitions should bring excitement and encouragement for those competing to come up with fresh ideas. That should encourage the rest of us to do the same. The pink roadster, last years brown/yellow with orange interior roadster, Coby's coupe that won Hot Rod of the Year. They all did something different (which was hated by many on here). To me they're all encouraging me to look at things differently when building a car and to be willing to take a risk. There were complaints on here about the aluminum wheels looking like steel on this pink car. Really? That's using modern materials with a nod to the past. We don't need to like all the builder's choices, but let's appreciate that they're trying something new, which helps keep new and existing hobbyists interested.

 

Only 9
I guess the others aren’t concerned or scared.
You explained it’s just a trophy so there’s that
It’s a non issue.

 

Had a guy complain that the “buddy system” is why he didn’t win an award.
I’m just another guy at the show with my beater but
I looked at his ride. It’s nice but the “buddy system” isn’t why his ride wasn’t awarded anything.
The buddies got it right.
The one complaining needs to build a better competitor.

 

The car was built for her, that is how she is comfortable driving.
I am about 5' 10" or 5' 11" and I am a good inch or two taller than my dad but I like to have the seat closer to steering wheel and pedals then he does.

There is a guy here in town who is well over 6 feet I have no idea how he drives his ProStock (Weekly oval track dirt car). The way the seat is in the car it seems like his knees would be in his ears, but that's how he is comfortable, and he has several wins and a couple track championships.

A few of the guys in the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified club have looked at my car and said they wouldn't be comfortable.

I personally I find some Irony here in the fact everyone is always asking "Where are the young people?"

Here is a 19 year girl with a hot rod people want to bash on it because it's pink or not to their taste. I don't blame young people don't want to be around a bunch of people who find fault and pick part other's car.

 

I saw in the video [I think] that she is 6' tall, she looks it. No mention was made of the steering wheel/column being adjustable but I think it is, why not.

 

Pink was once a very manly color, it's only recently in our modern times that it was gendered as girly. I use to wear pink shirts and I like this car a lot. Except the engine and trans but it's build to be a driver, with a SBC you can break down everywhere and get parts.
When I drive I get tired of seing only black, white and grey cars, when I look for cars to buy I specifically discriminate against these colors, red too, I never liked red cars.
Sure a black hot rod is super cool but it's over done, if it's a 2 tone it's a different story.
My 2 cents even though nobody asked.

 

I love the fact that a young woman is interested in hot rods. I’m disappointed that it was only professionally done. Great car, great color. Great everything! I’d like to see a separate class of judging for the AMBR show. Professional built and home built. Maybe they have that and I’m just not aware.

 

shhhhhhh
Don’t tell folks they’ve been programmed by advertising

 

First let me say. I have absolutely nothing against the pink paint job and I really like the flames. Good idea to the lengthened cockpit and 2" longer W B. Really nice components too but it is just another [ yawn ] 32 to me. Most likely some other subtle changes. It's no A M B A contender in my book. I purchased a 55 Ford conv't in 57. Tropical rose and colonial white. What was I thinking? Later customized it and painted it black with Olds Fiesta wheel covers. PS; Black wheels. No hub caps. No trim rings. BORING!

 

"Reply continued"
Want to be clear about what I said.........I'm not bashing the Pink. I'm not Bashing her age or that she isn't a man.
I simply think the car has too much Black with the black wheels. Maybe its the lighting somewhat, but I think different wheels would look better............but its her and Johnson's Rod Shops choice to go with Black wheels and like them, and my choice to think it's too much Black. I saw many things about her car that I liked, but felt that the overall finished look wasn't just right due to the Blackness. In fairness, I also looked at the other competitors and decided what I liked and didn't care for..........so for me, nothing I did was any different than what I did for any other car that was shown.
Doesn't mean they are wrong.......or me either.


Personally, I would have picked this one.............


For some reason, the use of Black on this one isn't too much for my tastes...maybe it's the incorporation of the other details that makes the difference???? Change the wheels and bumper to black ones and I would have thought it looked "wrong" too.

OR THIS ONE......


I like both of these better than the actual winner and better than the Pink and too much Black car.

PS: For the record, I AM color blind. Bought the wife a two tone green Dodge one time. Got home and she told me it was two tone Gray.

 

You’re clever as F!

 

I think that she is going to pick me up after work tonight, I will let you guys know how it handles.

 

Beautiful, well built car. Not the color I would choose for a personal build, but it looks great on that car. Hope she loves it and gets to enjoy it after the show(s).

 

Valentine’s Day gift from the wife

 

Besides the shirt, I assume she’s giving the HoHos to the DingDong?