Featured Event Coverage AMBR 2026 Contenders

If we learned anything from this years show, ALL THE CARS look different in a full video vs. photographs.
Bob

 

If we were going to pinstripe the edges of the black, we could have painted the black over the green. I chose to spray the black first, then tape off the body lines. I then sprayed the green basecoat. The tape was then pulled off of the body lines and I buried everything in clear. That way there is no edge between the colors. There is perfectly smooth transition from color to color.

 

That colors does crazy stuff in different lighting

cool

 

'cause that's not what the AMBR award is about. Isn't it a showcase of the elite builds?

 

Just like Washington Blue and a lot of other darker, vibrant tones, not to mention candies, 'flakes and pearls.

 

It sure looks great. The lack of a pinstripe makes for a nice seamless look. Thank you for the detailed explanation and photos. Amazing work!

 

I saw at least one AMBR car driving around at Deuce Days in Victoria this year.

 

Best looking winner in my lifetime

 

I've seen the AMBR winner from 2017 at several rod runs, it does get used; and I've seen several other contenders out on runs often, like @Hot Rod Ron 's RPU from 2018 I believe it was. Ron had it out at this years GNRS out in the parking lot with all of us other peon's; and he regularly has it out to the LA Roadster Show, and I know he drives it all the time. I think he told me it has >30k miles.

 

Don’t it though? When I first saw the initial photos of the nine contenders, I thought, hmm, two black 32 roadsters. Had no idea it was not. I really like it. But then again, I really liked Hollenbecks entry a few years ago.

 

I literally just did that with his in progress pics. I'm asking myself jeez he really painted the whole thing high glossy black just to cover most of that with the brown. Then looked harder and realized it was the brown. Crazy how much a "simple" color can change like that in different photos and lighting.

 

Not sure if anyone is still interested in this, the winner has been declared and everyone has already made up their minds on what they think of the contenders. Like usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short. But since I got these vid's shot on Sunday, created the video and uploaded it today, this is what I've got. FWIW, you know I favored Chavic's 32 because of my friendship with them, and was pulling for them to win, but I have no argument with the judges decision, the winner is truly a beautiful roadster. Photos don't do it justice, you really need to see the color shift that happens with that paint as the light angles change, with the chrome bling it's really a beautiful sight. In person all of the contenders are really *****in cars, even the 35 which is my least favorite. I hope some of that comes through with the video. Enjoy!

 

Great work, thanks for sharing some inside information with us.

 

I was one of the fabricators on the Fairleigh 33 and figured I’d share some of the metal work on the car. There was a large amount of detail to every bracket or mount on this car that is hard to see from photos. The more you look, the more detail you find. I’d like to say the car is like a super model in modest clothes. Hope you guys enjoy! Super thankful for being able to help on this build.

 

More details, enjoy!

 

@Madmanfab97 Beautiful details! Your work and the work of others is often missed just looking at a monitor of pics and vids. You should be proud.
I'd guess that without seeing the other build pictures, this is common on the others too, though. It really is the compe***ion of the greatest.
Chavik's 32 showed some amazing fab work also.

 

Very cool.Thanks for posting. Amazing work!

 

@Madmanfab97... Just outf------standing! Dan

 

Thanks for the video @Blues4U it really showed the cars very well. I know you were rooting for you friend to win, which is awesome, but the thing that stood out in your video to me is of all the cars competing it was the least "beautiful" and that is not meant as a slight. It was the beast dressed in his finest a****st the beauties in that group of cars. I am not sure why or if I am explaining myself in the right way but it comes across as looking way bigger and more muscular compared to the other entrants like the cl*** bully amidst the preppy kids. Great car for sure.

 

Huge respect to the incredible craftsmanship of the "Chavic Roadster", I looked at that car twice for at least 45 minutes and just could not comprehend the time and thought that went into it.
Was my pick and I think it would have been a game changer for sure if it won.
All the other cars were incredible as well my hat is off to all the other builders.

 

And yes the engine is a Kaase Boss 520, Boss 429 platform. Engine, gauges, seats, and steering wheel are all stylistically pulled a 69/70 Boss 429 Mustang.

 

Every custom, hot rod, or sports car at the show is someone's favorite, otherwise they wouldn't be there. I may not have "liked" them all, but I appreciate that they were there, and appreciate the people who brought them. I went to the Oakland Roadster Show when it was at the Civic Auditorium, the Coliseum, the Cow Palace, San Mateo, and Pomona. I still get the same feelings now that I did then.... And half the fun is gong with people that feel the same way. I really appreciate the young brothers that let me tag along in my mature years.

 

Awesome photos! Thank you for sharing them. I agree 100% that the more you look at this car, the more interesting details you notice and appreciate the engineering and craftsmanship that went into building it. That truly is a beautiful and awesome work of art. Congrats! And thanks again for sharing.

 

Thanks for posting these outstanding build pics. Watching the driver door being opened on Friday blew my mind. Your 33 and Chavik's 32 were my favorites.

 

Thanks for the compliments guys! I was only a small piece in the work on the car. There were a large amount of talented people involved, I was just lucky enough to have gotten the opportunity to help putting the puzzle together.

 

It was my personal choice, but I suspect it wasn't 'blingy' enough for the judges. Although I'd consider that a practical plus if the car is driven more than just for display. Understatement isn't always understood or appreciated. Great Job!