IT’SLIKENO OTHER EVENT!
Thisyear’sGrandNationalRoadsterShow deliveredeverythingenthusiastshavecometo expect andmore Fromthemomentthedoors opened,theenergywasundeniable.Withsomeof thefinesthotrodsandcustombuildsinthe countrygatheredunderoneroof,and unseasonablyperfecttemperaturesinthe80sall weekendlong,itwastheultimatewaytokickoff theshowseason.
Thecraftsmanship,creativity,andpassionon displaymadeeveryaisleworthexploringand everyconversationonetoremember.Whether youweredrawntometiculouslyrestoredclassics, radicalcustoms,orcutting-edgebuildspushing theboundariesofdesign,thisyear’sshowhad somethingunforgettableforeveryone.
InsidethislatestissueofOpposingCylinders DigitalMagazine,we’vecapturedsomeofour favoritemomentsandstandoutcarsfromthe event Wehopeyou’llspotafewofyourpersonal favoritesinthesepages.Andforanevendeeper look,besuretowatchourthreeYouTube episodescoveringtheshow—packedwith additionalfeatures,interviews,andbehind-thesceneshighlights.You’llfindthelinksonthe followingpages.
STOKER’S HOT ROD FACTORY!
If you have the opportunity to arrive in town a little early, it’s well worth it The days leading up to the event are filled with open houses, shop tours, and local stops that proudly welcome the influx of enthusiasts. The excitement starts long before the show doors open.
Our first stop before the main event was Stoker’s Hot Rod Factory, and it did not disappoint. There’s always something incredible in the works, and the steady flow of hot rods cruising in and out throughout the day makes it an experience all its own. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend surrounded by craftsmanship, horsepower, and the unmistakable buzz of hot rod culture
SHOP TOUR!
Around every corner, traditional hot rods seem to be quietly waiting to be discovered some tucked into booths, others gleaming in the sun—and yes, more than a few with “For Sale” signs in the window. The hunt is part of the thrill.
This time, it was a beautifully styled 1932 Ford 3Window Coupe that stopped us in our tracks. With its unmistakable silhouette and timeless hot rod attitude, it was the kind of car that demands a second look and maybe even a serious conversation.
SO-CAL SPEED SHOP!
It’s no secret that a visit to So-Cal Speed Shop has become a must during Grand National Roadster Show week. What started as a popular stop has grown into one of the premier hot rod gatherings of the season an open house and party that draws enthusiasts from across the country.
Each year, the crowds grow larger and the lineup of hot rods spilling into the streets seems endless. By the time the event is in full swing, the shop and surrounding area are packed with incredible builds, familiar faces, and the unmistakable energy that only true hot rod culture can create.
GNRS OPEN HOUSE!
Hot rods lined the streets in every direction, and enthusiasts filled every corner of the scene. The energy was constant, the conversations endless, and the celebration carried on well into the late hours each night.
For many, the shop has become more than just a gathering place. An increasing number of owners now choose to store their hot rods there or ship their vehicles in for secure storage during the week’s festivities making it a trusted home base at the heart of the action.
What Will Each Driver Receive?
7 Nights Hotels
Road Tour T-Shirt
Road Tour Key Chain
Road Tour Sticker
Road Tour Goodie bag to include other items from sponsors and partners
Several lunch and dinner stops along the tour path, and be eligible for free giveaways during the tour.
2 Private Car Collections you won’t want to miss
Roseville Rod and Custom Kickoff Party
Blackhawk Museum Tickets
Hearst Castle Tickets per person
Hot Rods and Hobbies Tour Stop
So-Cal Speed Shop Open House Party - LA Roadster Show weekend
The Opposing Cylinders Kugel Muroc Roadster made its return to California this year, heading back to Kugel Komponents for a series of recent updates and what better stage for its reappearance than the Grand National Roadster Show
Kevin and Susan began their journey in true Midwest fashion, leaving Ohio in bone-chilling -8 degree temperatures with more than a foot of snow blanketing the ground. Just days later, they were greeted by mid-70s sunshine and perfect roadster weather in California a dramatic change that felt tailor-made for top-down cruising
Their first stop was Kugel Komponents, where the car had been carefully stored since October 2025. After reconnecting with the team and finalizing preparations, the roadster hit the pavement for an 18-mile cruise to So-Cal Speed Shop, settling in for the night before making its way to the fairgrounds for setup the following morning.
Then came the moment no one expected Amid an elite field of world-class builds, the Kugel Muroc Roadster earned a class award at this year’s event—a rewarding and humbling recognition that made the cross-country journey, the late nights, and the long miles more than worthwhile.
After traveling all day, Susan had a much-needed coffee stop
America’s America’s
MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADSTER CONTENDERS MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADSTER CONTENDERS
SlonakerAward SlonakerAward
CONTENDERS CONTENDERS
KARMANN GHIA BUILT BY TYPE ONE RESTORATIONS
STANDING OUT IN A CROWD! STANDING OUT IN A CROWD!
Standing out at the Grand National
Roadster Show is no small feat. When you’re surrounded by a sea of fresh builds one-off fabricated components, and
creativity pushed to its absolute limits simply being noticed is an accomplishment At a show w
excellence is the standard, it o bold vision—and the confide execute it to rise above the
This year, two unforgettable b stopped spectators in their tr from the same builder. Yes— same builder who also claim
coveted America’s Most Bea Roadster award.
Squeeg’s Kustoms once aga why their reputation precede Known for paintwork that de attention under any light, thes vehicles were rolling showca precision, depth, and artistry. were rich, the finishes flawles details meticulously executed angle.
The judges took notice. By th event, Squeeg’s Kustoms ha multiple Best Paint awards to impressive accolades—furth cementing their place among builders in the industry At a s by greatness, they didn’t just —they dominated. @squeegskustoms @squeegskustoms
The Silver Sapphire aka Little Deuce Coupe!
The iconic hot rod on the cover of Little Deuce Coupe by The Beach Boys is a chopped 1932 Ford three-window coupe built and owned by Detroit hot rodder Clarence “Chili” Catallo. Originally assembled in the late 1950s and early ’60s as a high-performance street machine, the car gained national attention after appearing in Hot Rod magazine, which led to its selection for the band’s 1963 album cover and cemented its status as one of the most recognizable hot rods ever. Over the decades, the coupe has undergone careful preservation and restoration work to maintain its period-correct appearance and craftsmanship, passing through dedicated caretakers while remaining a celebrated symbol of early American hot-rodding and Southern California car culture. (Chat GPT)
Recently the car has undergone a complete restoration thanks to many talented craftsmen. Congrats to all those involved in the project (sorry, we do not have a list of everyone involved). Cory Talbert played an intricate part in the cars resurgence and assembly With names such as Daryl Hollenbeck at the Vintage Color Studio for paintwork and Sid Chavers for interior work, you know that the fit and finish is spectacular.
The car picked up the Bruce Meyer Preservation Award and the Barris Family Memorial Award at this year’s event.
EACH YEAR, BUILDING #9 BECOMES A DESTINATION WITHIN THE DESTINATION—A CAREFULLY CURATED THEMED SHOWCASE THAT DRAWS ENTHUSIASTS IN AND KEEPS THEM THERE. IT’S WHERE HISTORY, HORSEPOWER, AND ARTISTRY COLLIDE UNDER ONE ROOF
THIS YEAR’S THEME, “FAT ATTACK,” CELEBRATED THE BOLD CURVES AND UNMISTAKABLE PRESENCE OF FAT-FENDERED MACHINES. FROM PRE-WAR STEEL TO POST-WAR POWER, THE BUILDING WAS PACKED WALL-TO-WALL WITH SOME OF THE MOST HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT AND IMPECCABLY CRAFTED RIDES IN ATTENDANCE. THE DEPTH OF TRADITION AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL ON DISPLAY MADE BUILDING #9 ALONE WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION.
EVERY CORNER REVEALED ANOTHER STANDOUT CARS THAT TOLD STORIES OF A DIFFERENT ERA WHILE SHOWCASING CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT RIVALS ANYTHING BUILT TODAY. HERE ARE JUST A HANDFUL OF THE INCREDIBLE MACHINES THAT FILLED BUILDING #9 THIS YEAR.
MORE
FROM BUILDING #9 “FAT ATTACK”
The Suede Palace The Suede Palace
The Suede Palace at the Grand National Roadster Show isn’t just another building it’s the heartbeat of traditional hot rod culture Step inside and you’re instantly transported to a world where old-school style rules, craftsmanship is king, and the lifestyle is just as important as the cars themselves.
From perfectly patina’d survivors to stripped-down traditional builds, the Suede Palace celebrates the raw, authentic spirit that started it all But it’s more than polished metal and vintage speed parts it’s the music, the fashion, the artwork, and the unmistakable camaraderie that define the culture This is where tradition lives, where stories are shared, and where the soul of hot rodding continues to thrive.
The Suede Palace is the Grand National Roadster Show’s traditional hot rod stronghold a corner of the event where chrome isn’t over-polished and history isn’t rewritten It’s where the roots of hot rodding are not only preserved, but proudly lived out
Step inside and the atmosphere shifts. The focus moves away from ultra-modern, high-dollar show builds and back to the raw, mechanical soul of the hobby. Here, it’s about steel wheels, honest patina, flatheads, whitewalls, and the kind of craftsmanship that tells a story rather than chasing perfection.
More than just a display area, the Suede Palace is an experience It’s the rumble of tradition, the grit of early speed culture, and the unmistakable attitude that built hot rodding from the ground up.
ATEVERYTURN,SOMETHINGNEWCOMMANDSYOURATTENTION.FRESHBUILDSANDONE-OFFCREATIONSDEBUTWITHBOLDIDEASANDFLAWLESS EXECUTION,PUSHINGCRAFTSMANSHIPTONEWHEIGHTS.JUSTSTEPSAWAY,HISTORICALLYSIGNIFICANTVEHICLESRETURNTOTHESPOTLIGHT, REMINDINGEVERYONEWHEREITALLBEGAN.
THAT’STHEMAGICOFGNRS THESEAMLESSBLENDOFINNOVATIONANDHERITAGEUNDERONEROOF.ONEMOMENTYOU’RESTUDYINGINTRICATE,HANDFABRICATEDDETAILSONABRAND-NEWBUILD;THENEXT,YOU’RESTANDINGINFRONTOFALEGENDARYMACHINETHATHELPEDSHAPEHOTRODDING HISTORY.
TURNTHEPAGEANDTAKEACLOSERLOOK.THESEARETHEKINDSOFVEHICLESTHATSTOPYOUMID-STRIDE,PULLYOUIN,ANDDEMANDASECOND GLANCE.
Hot Rods! Hot Rods!
Cool Customs! Cool Customs!
Opposing Cylinders Editor’s Pick Award!
For the very first time, the Opposing Cylinders team was given the honor of selecting two award winners from the Drive-In vehicles at this year’s event a privilege we did not take lightly.
We set one simple rule for ourselves: we would not choose a vehicle owned by someone we knew or had any affiliation with. The mission was clear to find two cars that genuinely pulled us in, the kind that stop you in your tracks and keep drawing you back for another look.
With more than 1,000 vehicles driving into the event each year, narrowing it down to just two made the task both exciting and incredibly challenging The quality, creativity, and pride on display across the Drive-In area was nothing short of remarkable
In the end, one of our selections was this stunning 1932 Ford Dearborn Deuce, owned by Don and Irene Richardson of Hoquiam, Washington What makes this car even more meaningful is the story behind it Don built and painted the car himself in his own Washington-based shop That level of hands-on craftsmanship and personal dedication is exactly what the Drive-In is all about, and it’s what made this Deuce impossible for us to overlook
Opposing Cylinders Editor’s Pick Award!
Our second Editor’s Pick for the Drive-In awards was a decision that came naturally. We first encountered this car in 2025 at another California event, and it immediately commanded our attention. Some vehicles leave an impression that lingers and this was one of them.
So as we made our way through this year’s Grand National Roadster Show, imagine our excitement when we spotted it once again Surrounded by hundreds of incredible builds, it still stood out And just like the first time, it completely captivated us
Congratulations to owner Jerry Rodriguez of California and the talented team at @kraftsmanautoworks With a build of this caliber, we have no doubt this is just one of many awards in its future
COOL CUSTOMS COOL CUSTOMS
HOT RODS HOT RODS
TonyJurado’s1956FordF-100madeitshighlyanticipateddebutatthisyear’sGrandNationalRoadsterShow anditdidnotdisappoint Havingfollowed Tony’spreviousbuilds,we’vecometoexpectacertainlevelofexcellence,andthislatestprojectraisesthebaryetagain.Fromfirstglance,it’sclearthis truckwasdestinedtobeashowstopper.
ThecraftsmanshipspeaksforitselfEveryline,everyfinish,andeverydetailreflectsthetalentbehindit Withateamofrespectednamesbringingthevision tolife,theover-the-topqualitycomesasnosurprise.
BuiltbySouthCityRod&Custom
PaintbyGary’sRodsandRestorations
InteriorbySidChavers
Whenthislevelofexpertisecomestogether,theresultisn’tjustabuild it’sastatement
One Fine F100! OneFine F100!
Watch our Final/Part 3 Episode from this year’s Grand National Roadster Show here:
https://youtu.be/3MxKcAZQXSY?si=HpptTnHqkGNhmO9j
In today’s episode we share the Drive-In portion of this year’s Grand National Roadster Show. Go with us as we select two Opposing Cylinders awards from this year’s drive-in participants. Watch Part 1 of our Series here �� https://youtu.be/_GKFkhttZi8? si=aHZyr2P3NjKydeMu. Part 2 of our GNRS 2026 is here �� https://youtu.be/uKth_t6zdR0?si=25e-OCBPwuI8-fxq.
Susan Telling Kevin he cannot buy another car!
Thank you Susan, Rob and Chris for helping all weekend long!
Chris and Jimi ready to race!
Rob getting down to Susan size!
Rob helping on setup day.
Picking rocks out of the tires.
Rob, Chris and Kevin kicking off a new episode!
Finding reasons to smile��
Suede Palace commentary.
Susan Stole the Camera to film!
It’s easy to make Kevin and Susan laugh!
Susan pointing at one of her favorite cars!
Susan discussing the Drive 2026 Road Tour!
If you enjoy this type of content from Opposing Cylinders, please share this magazine link with your friends. Send us a message at @opposingcylinders or by email at opposingcylinders@gmail.com with what coverage you would like to see more of in the future. Follow us in Instagram and Facebook - @opposingcylinders
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Thank you to everyone that said hello at the GNRS 2026 event. Seeing old friends and making new friends is what it is all about. Some of the events we look to attend this year are listed below. If we can make it to more, we will surely try.
Goodguys Nashville Drive 2026 California Road Tour
LA Roadster Show
Goodguys Columbus Street Rod Nationals
Car Week in Monterey, CA
Goodguys Pleasanton Triple Crown of Rodding Gathering at the Roc And more…
