Event Coverage 2011 AMBR Contender Preview!!!

Got to take a run out to Pomona today and see the cars checking in for the big trophy this year. In no particular order here's a look at what I saw. The vibe this year has DEFINITELY shifted as there wasn't a "Big Name" builder in the bunch with the cars being more owner built and presented. In the past you would see one of the big builders roll in with a crew of 20 guys setting up and detailing the cars- this year it was mostly just the owner and maybe a couple friends getting things set up. Some were just a husband and wife.
Whatever that means, it's definitely different than the past few years with the over the top displays and craziness.
Hopefully this shift will lead to more "traditional" cars taking a crack at it in the future.

You should all know this one- the "Takeout T"

 

This one was an odd mix of a '35 Auburn body and '36 Dodge grille and fenders- the "Wazza Auburn"

 

L.A. Roadster President's entry.

 

Steve's Auto Restoration '33

 

"Blue Haze" '29

 

1918 Chrysler "Rattlesnake"

 

"DaTwins" '32

 

'32 rpu

 

'32 Hiboy

 

"Fantom" '32

 

"Nugget" '33

 

Supposed to be 13 running- I saw these 11, one was trying to make it from Phoenix.

 

Thanks for the preview Jim!

 

My votes for that sweet T

 

Thank you Jim A ...

I like this one.

 

I see 2 that are even remotley appealing to me. Thanks for the preview!

 

Just what I was thinking.

Thanks for the preview.

 

Thanks for the pics Jim - I'll be checking them out tomorrow!

 

X2 or is that 3

 

The Takeout T, and the Rattlesnake do it for me.

 

Is the takeout T owned by Russ Freund from spokane?

 

Out of the cars pictured my choice would be the Takeout T without question. The '29 Roadster is nice but the color choice for the wheels was awful.

 

That '29 highboy is my clear choice from this distance. ...just wish I was coming on down for a closer look.

 

I most definitely agree with a lot of the guys on here.. The Takeout T should win. The others look like street rods to me, except the LA Roadsters' President's. But that T screams 60's and tradition more than the LA one.

The Auburn with the Dodge grille is an interesting concept but very badly executed. That 1918 is pretty cool too but again, badly executed.

Let's just hope the judges look at their contenders' sheet and realize none of the big name builders are in the running and maybe feel a little nostalgic and think "That T looks like something judges from way before us would pick. It's definitely worthy."

Thanks for the sneak peek!

 

My vote gets the Take Out T and The Blue Haze a very tight second. I kind of dig the Rattlesnake but not feeling the wheels and not sure about the exhaust, probably other details too.

 

Without denigrating AMBR, there are quite a few people out there with deep pockets and some talented builders willing to take on some ambitious projects. It's nice to see the focus shift to us less fortunate who actually build and drive our cars, the gr*** root practical cars that are actually driven more often than trailered. That's my view from a distant observer. As much as the new high dollar and high tech cars can be impressive, getting back to basics will put a cat a****st the pigeons.

 

Oh boy, you're not kidding!

 

My friend Marcy told me about the Takeout T, man what a nicely done T.

Can't wait to see it in Detroit.

 

I'm not a big "T" fan, but this one looks killer!

 

The "Takeout T" is by far the best car of the ones presented. Hopefully it gets the nod for the AMBR.