Nostalgia can be incredibly attractive. The Grand National Roadster Show at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, California, has been a beloved event since 1950. However, when it comes to judging the America's Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR), nostalgia can sometimes get in the way of good taste.
This year's winner, Nicole Baird's 1932 Ford 'Blue Ribbon Roadster,' was chosen for its exceptional workmanship and attention to detail. But what sets this car apart from others is its adherence to traditional hot rodding design, which may not be innovative or daring enough for some viewers. The show features over 600 customized cars and trucks that have undergone thousands of hours of tweaking, twizzling, and paintwork.
While the effort and craft are admirable, some entries lack aesthetic merit. The AMBR competition is a sculptural contest where the price of entry starts at seven figures, and the assessments are purely aesthetic. This year's winner was chosen for its exceptional craftsmanship, but some may argue that it lacks innovation or daring design.
The use of traditional hot rodding elements, such as poodle skirts and Brylcreem-inspired design, may be seen as nostalgic rather than innovative. The show is a celebration of the art of custom car building, where the focus is on the final product rather than the process. With its emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Grand National Roadster Show is an event that showcases the best of hot rodding.
However, when it comes to judging the AMBR, nostalgia can sometimes get in the way of good taste. The winner's adherence to traditional design may not be enough to set it apart from other entries. ' The Grand National Roadster Show is an event that celebrates the art of custom car building, but when it comes to judging the AMBR, nostalgia can sometimes take center stage.
The Grand National Roadster Show is a celebration of the art of custom car building, where craftsmanship and attention to detail are paramount. However, when it comes to judging the America's Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR), nostalgia can sometimes get in the way of good taste. The winner's adherence to traditional design may not be enough to set it apart from other entries, but its exceptional craftsmanship is undeniable.
