74th O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show

WHAT IS THE GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW?

Hundreds of the country’s finest hot rods, customs, lowriders, muscle cars, trucks, and motorcycles will take center stage at the 74th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show, presented by Meguiar’s. More than 500 hot rods will fill the Fairplex buildings, while another 500–800 vehicles will join the event each day for the annual Grand Daddy Drive-In. The legendary show will be highlighted by the debut of dozens of incredible custom cars competing for two of the industry’s most coveted and competitive awards: America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award. And you don’t want to miss the high-horsepower salute to “Street Machines: Then & Now” in the feature building.

DATES AND TIME OF EVENT

February 2-4. The Grand National Roadster Show opens to the public on Friday, Feb. 2, from noon–8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award Contenders: Nine roadsters will compete for one of the most coveted awards in hot-rodding history, plus a $12,500 prize presented by ARP Fasteners. This year’s contenders include seven ‘32 Fords, one ‘32 Chevy, and a ‘34 Ford.

Al Slonaker Memorial Award Contenders: Thirteen hot rods, customs, and street machines will compete to win best non-roadster at the show, including three Tri-Five Chevys, five pickups, and two Dodge Chargers.

Street Machines: Then and Now, presented by All Chevy Performance: This year’s feature building will host a collection of trendsetting, historic, and unique street machines from 1955 to today. The curated display will include popular Pro Street, Pro Touring, street freaks, and muscle machines ranging from Mustangs and Camaros to Cudas and Novas.

The 18th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In: This outdoor portion of the show is open to hot rods, muscle cars, customs, classics, and trucks. It’s the perfect place to cruise in with your ride, hang out with your club, and maybe even take home an award. Three-day cruise-in pre-registration is $175, which includes show admission for two, the best parking on the grounds, a dash plaque and a goody bag.

New Hemmings.com Car Corral Drive-In: Hemmings invites car collectors to a unique selling experience at the new Hemmings.com Car Corral Drive-In. This showcase, featuring 50 vehicles from Hemmings’ “Make Offer” platform, provides owners with a unique opportunity to display and sell their collector cars to a passionate audience. For only $175, sellers will receive access to the drive-in, a dedicated entrance time, three-day show admission, plus a listing for their vehicle on Hemmings’ “Make Offer.”

Industry-leading builds: Check out Kevin Hart’s 1969 GTO built by Detroit Speed and his 1959 Corvette by John Clevenger. Plus, after over 15 years in hiding, see the return of the 1934 Ford “Cop Shop Coupe” built by Tom Prufer and the first-ever Al Slonaker award winner, Bob Reed’s 1909 Ford C-Cab “Country Butcher Shop” truck.

SEMA HRIA “Fuel for Thought” Panel: Learn from some of the most successful hot rodders in the industry. The first 50 attendees will receive a custom SEMA-branded beanie. SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a discussion with four panelists, including Jimmy Shine, Roy Brizio, Jason Slover, Brian Brennan and moderator Rick Love on Friday, Feb. 2, from 3-4 p.m. in Building 9.

Three-day Camaro Build: Grandma’s 1969 Camaro will go from “stock to not” in just three days. Orange County Hot Rods will completely overhaul a low-mileage Camaro that has stayed in the family for over 50 years during this year’s show. By Sunday afternoon, it’ll be transformed into a pro-touring street machine designed by Sean Smith.

John Ewald Memorial Nitro Fire Ups: Feel the thunder as nostalgic Top Fuelers and Funny Cars fire up in honor of longtime drag racer and Top Fuel owner John Ewald. Fire ups are slated for Friday at noon and 8 p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m. outside of Building 3.

2024 Builder of the Year: Ron Cambra and the team at Cambra Speed Shop in Orange, California, will be celebrated as the 2024 GNRS Builder of the Year. From full custom builds to classic restorations, Cambra Speed Shop is always pushing the limits of what’s possible. Stop by its booth in Building 4.

The “Custom Room” in Building 5: See customs built by legendary builders like Gene Winfield and George Barris. It’s a great mix of some of the best custom cars and traditional hot rods. Plus, more than a dozen Lincoln Zephyrs from the California Zephyrs club.

Suede Palace: Celebrate hot rodding the way it used to be in the Suede Palace. Enjoy hot rods, customs and drag cars that reflect the styles associated with the ’40s and60s, plus era-appropriate music, costumes and vendors.

Pinstriper Charity Auction: Talented pinstripers from around the world will showcase their skills as they create automotive art that will be auctioned off each day, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Teen Challenge of Southern California. From cell phones and laptops to skateboards and bowling pins, event attendees are encouraged to bring items they would like pinstriped for a small donation to the charity.