Jack Howerton – Behind the 2012 AMBR Winner
January 29, 2012 by pikesan · 2 Comments
Background and Details on the 2012 AMBR Winner
How did editors and writers work before Google? I searched for some info on the man who started the 2012 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winning hot rod: Jack Howerton. I found this great video of “Jackie” from back in the day:
You can really see the expression of Jack’s racing past in the AMBR car.
Then, I found this great video by Cars.tv from the SoCal shop interviewing Pete Chapouris about the Indy Speedster following the shakedown runs. Needless to say, Pete likes it…
So here it is: America’s Most Beautiful Roadster: Bill Lindig’s Indy Speedster
If you missed them: Past Winners from the Grand National Roadster Show
2012 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Winner
January 29, 2012 by pikesan · 3 Comments
2012 AMBR Winner – The Indy Speedster
Enjoy the pictures and for any picture, click on it to see the full-size image.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster: Bill Lindig’s Indy Speedster
I got lucky, or was I good? I managed to find Houston’s Bill Lindig while the crowds started pouring into the Fairplex on Friday of the 2012 Grand National Roadster Show. I asked for an interview and the gracious Bill did NOT say, “I’m waiting for Rodder’s Journal”.
I started the interview by saying I think the “Indy Speedster” is this year’s AMBR winner. Bill humbly replied, “If the other nine cars don’t win, we will.” Guess what Bill, you did it!
The story of the Indy Speedster goes back 16 years. Bill’s friend, Jack Howerton, is an Indy Car and sprint car driver – and builder as you can see – that wanted a race car inspired hot rod like the old sprint cars he used to drive.
About 12 years ago, Jack had started the chassis, then the build kinda stalled a little, then Steve Moal from Moal Coachbuilders helped the project along, but when Bill saw it back then, “It was a rough roller compared to what it is today.” Bill talked it over with Jack saying, “If you let me acquire it, I’ll finish it.” That’s when Pete Chapouris and the Pomona, CA based SoCal Speed Shop stepped in.
Alberto Hernandez joined the team working with Bill to finalize the look and finished style of the car. Howerton was consulted sometimes and wasn’t shy on feedback… in the end, everybody was happy. If you look closely, about the only thing that changed from the concept drawing is the white around the #3 on the door replaced by polished aluminum to show off the body. Bill shook his head explaining… “What a nightmare!”
Photo courtesy of SoCal Speed Shop’s Project Page
Bill praised the team at SoCal for their hard work and craftsmanship and told me what he told them… “I built this to be a driver.” And drive they did. When the car was assembled, about 500 miles ticked by on the odometer during the shakedown. Some shock tuning and dialing in of the four-corner torsion bar suspension followed, but overall, “Where ever you pointed it, that’s where it went.” If you hadn’t guess Bill’s personality from the car, I hope the quotes are helping.
With the DRIVE IT theme in mind, the seats adjust, the wheel is a racing style quick disconnect for easy entry and there’s a functioning cowl vent to let fresh air in. (This isn’t Bill’s first roadster in Texas!) “It’s a comfortable car to sit in with the doors at shoulder height… it’s deceiving about how much room’s inside.”
As Bill and I talked, he pointed out the Art Chrisman built engine and how the 352 in. small block Ford made 450+HP but was still well mannered for street use and cruised like a dream thanks to a Tremec T5 five-speed transmission.
While looking at the engine, Bill showed me the cornerstone of the lightweight, race inspired chrome-moly frame holding up the fore mentioned one-off aluminum body. The handmade aluminum motor plate shown above. The motor plate secures the Ford, but also serves to accommodate the parallel front torsion bar suspension as well. It’s a trick, yet subtle and beautiful piece.
From any angle, the Indy Speedster’s detail is fitting of an AMBR winner. The full length and race-minded louver filled belly pan somewhat hides all the countless trick parts underneath, but the styling is true to the theme. As their show card said, “… the car is beautifully balanced and minimalistic…”
Well Bill, the other nine cars didn’t win. You did.
While the Brizo built, Washington Blue ’32 was subtly beautiful… and the red, Nailhead powered ’32 called “Sylvester III” had a storied history and was my pick for “America’s Most Bitch’n Roadster”… and finally, the Moal built, blue-and-blown ’33 was utterly beautiful… but your hot rod is the 2012 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster.
See all 10 AMBR Contending Roadsters Here – Then VOTE your favorite
Past Winners from the Grand National Roadster Show
10 Roadsters, 40 Photos of 2012 AMBR Contenders
January 27, 2012 by pikesan · 19 Comments
Ten Hot Rod Roadsters at Grand National Roadster Show 2012
It’s time for you to decide… Vote for your favorite below.
The Grand National Roadster Show is the best west coast hot rod and custom car show. Anyone want to argue that?
Start with 10 of the finest roadsters competing for the Amercia’s Most Beautiful Roadster award, then get surrounded by every other kind of hot rod, street rod and custom… But there’s more! Lowriders, some sports cars and motorcycles join the show, too. With two cars competing for this year’s AMBR from Texas and one down from Idaho and another from Oklahoma, it’s safe to say the SoCal and western build crews are bringin out the big guns for a shot at hot rod’s biggest trophy. It’s gonna be a tough call on which roadster wins… what do you think? Cast your vote, but don’t worry, there’s never any politics with this award…
Enjoy the pictures and for any picture, click on it to see the full-size image.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Contender #1
This one’s the “Indy Speedster” owned by Bill Lindig from Houston, TX. When you’ve heard someone say there’s, “Too many details to list” this is the car they’re talking about. Start with a hand-made aluminum body, sprint car style and torsion bar suspension all around then top it with an Art Chrisman build 352 cubic inch Ford backed by a Tremec 5 speed. Look for a feature story on Bill’s SoCal Speed Shop built speedster tomorrow.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Contender #2
If the AMBR award goes to the most BEAUTIFUL roadster, this Steve Moal built roadster’s our winner. Owned by Dennis Varni with a blown some-thin hide’n under the hood from Dan Brewer, this one’s called, “Livin’ the Dream”. We know that! (unfortunately, that’s about all we know about the car for now…)
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Contender #3
“Sylvester III” Three? You know there’s a story there and we aren’t disappointed. This 1932 Ford Roadster is original 50s customized steel resurrected by the guys at New Metal Kustomz. The show card says the original Sylvester debuted at the 1962 Grand National Roadster Show, but since then has been, “… traded, sold, disassembled, and stored for 40 years.” Nowadays, the 401 Nailhead powered hot rod wears some slick looking, and cream filled, headers. You know for the new rules, the AMBR cars must be driven in. Bet those headers are fun to clean! I’m hoping for a feature on ole’ Sly this week for more of the story.
This just in! Sylvester won 3 big time awards at 2012 GNRS: Best Paint, Best Engine and Best Undercarriage. Congrats to owner Paul Shaughnessy who’s also the chief at New Metal Kustomz in Cotati, CA.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Contender #4
Winner for best nickname, I give you, “Speed Racer”. Owner Tom Glory explains that his buddies were giving it to him cause he didn’t own a 1932 Roadster. (My friends bust on me cause my cars don’t run, but anyway, back to poor Tom) Tom didn’t want, “Another 32 Roadster” and started rattling off how it’d be built for the Bonneville racer in him… and be channeled, but the right way. With Roy Brizio from Brizio Street Rods involved, this Edelbrock Ford 302 powered and manual shifted hot rod is now running wide open at GNRS.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Contender #5
Number five should be number one when we’re talking unique and different powertrain. This 1932 Ford hot rod roadster, named the “Riley Roadster” is motivated by an early example of overhead cam technology from Riley Racing. And guess what? We’ve got another 5-speed, not to mention another quick change rear, but this one’s a prototype from Riley with overdrive. Here’s a case where we need some video of this thing running. The car is owned by Don Smith, but I’m hoping for an interview with the Argentine race driver who pilots this thing. Anyone know Juan Fas Boogar?
If you’ve already selected your favorite, vote now:
Loading ...#6-10 AMBR Roadsters on the next page…
Top 5 Must-Do’s for 2012 Grand National Roadster Show
January 22, 2012 by pikesan · 2 Comments
2012 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA
Here’s a short, top five must-do checklist of things to do when you’re at the show:
1) Find it! And know your way around.
Access to Gate 9 Parking from I10 traveling West and from I10 traveling East
Then, a map of the Pomona Fairplex where the show is:
The layout of the show changes every year, somewhat, except for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster contending cars are always in building 4 and the Suede Palace (which is building 10) a good place to stop as you enter the show. For cost info, show hours and the other boring details, go to Rodshows.com info page.
2) See the 12 Contenders for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster
2011 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster
This is the 2011 winning 1934 Roadster owned by Daryl Wolfswinkel and built by Squeeg’s Kustoms in Chandler, AZ. Here’s the 2008 to 2011 AMBR winners.
Can’t wait? Here’s the 2012 AMBR Winner!
The 12 AMBR Contenders are some of the best hot rods you’ll ever see… all with no roll-up windows as a true roadster must be. Need to know more about the AMBR rules, check here.
3) The Suede Palace – Traditional Hot Rods (and the Pinup Contest!)
If driven, bare-bones and often a little rough around the edges traditional hot rods are your thing… and I hope they are… then don’t miss the Suede Palace right as you come in. The Suede Palace also hosts some of the coolest vendors with pinstriping art work and t-shirts. Then, don’t miss the Pinup contest on Saturday night!
4) Pinstriping For Charity in the Main Hall
This custom pinstriping is from Diablo’s House of Style in Bakersfield, CA.
The pinstriping jam is a little different than last year, so I’ve heard, but one thing hasn’t changed… it’s all for Charity. Benefiting the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation, their mission is to increase awareness, and work towards a cure for blindness, especially Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a genetic disease that causes blindness at birth. Stop by, see the pinstripers in action and buy generously! The auctions will take place on Friday at 7:00, Saturday at 3:00, and Sunday at 3:00 in building 4, the “Main Hall”.
5) The Deuce turns 80 – See the “Driven Deuce” Display
Every year, the Grand National Roadster Show has a theme and a special display in building 9. The theme doesn’t seem to mean anything in most cases, but see if you notice any “Futurama” showing at this year’s show.
On the other hand, the Building 9 display in years past has been OUTSTANDING!
Make sure to stop by this year to see, what looks like from the info I have, so historic hot rods that shaped the future of hot rod building to come.
If you see a guy with a piston on his T-shirt, that’s probably me! Say hi and give your impressions of the show…
The Rules have Changed: 2011 AMBR Award Judging Explained
January 31, 2011 by pikesan · 24 Comments
How to Win the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award
In case you haven’t already heard, the 1934 Ford Roadster owned by Daryl Wolfswinkel’s and built by Doug Jerger and crew at Squeeg’s Kustoms in Chandler, AZ won the highly coveted “AMBR Award” or America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award. Those of you who’ve seen the story posted here at MyRideisMe.com about the 2008-2010 AMBR winners are SHOCKED! (but maybe tickled too!!)
Disagree? Here’ your chance to Vote on the AMBR winner yourself!
At the Grand National Roadster Show on Saturday morning, I learned the judging criteria for the AMBR award changed. Guess who told me? Ironically, it was my buddy Doug Jerger! (I’m in Chandler too) Sniffing a great story, I asked around and found Vic Cunnyngham, the judges coordinator for the 2011 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster. (Yes, that’s the correct spelling of his name…)
Vic, a long time hot rodder and hot rod builder set me straight on selecting the 2011 AMBR award winner. To sum it up in one, simple sentences, I’d say: It’ll be the most beautiful roadster at the show. A quick clarification: A roadster is a car with no fixed roof (obviously) but also does NOT have roll up windows.
So what’s changed and how is “beautiful” defined?
What’s changed? First off, the points system of the past is GONE. Now, there’s a panel of 12 judges who subjectively choose the AMBR car. The process is totally different as well. In past years, it was like an ISCA points system where the bulk of the judging took place with the roadster on display on the show floor. Vic explained that on display, it’s hard to see the overall car…. “It’s hard to see if it looks like an automobile or not!”
Compare the display of the 2011 AMBR winner to past years. Quoting a friend, “It looks like the car exploded!” Squeeg’s Kustoms purposefully displayed the car with doors, trunk and decklid closed and wheels on so everyone (not just the judges) could see it as it is: A Hot Rod Roadster!
Only for the judges to see, the AMBR cars were the first to arrive in the Main Hall. After staging at the far end, the roadsters were driven in, one at a time, to the center of the hall and parked on a piece of black carpet with a white backdrop. No lights, no jack stands, no bling. The car had to move on it’s own, like before, but this method accomplished two very important judging points:
- The judges can hear the car
- The judges can see the driver sit in the car
I can understand the first one, but had to ask Vic about the seating position. Vic explained that in past years, when the AMBR winner was leaving the show, people saw someone sitting in the car and it, “Looked like he was sitting on a milk crate!” No doubt a truly beautiful car should be something you could comfortably sit in and (gasp!) drive, in comfort. Vic and the judges made it so.
For the engine sound, I couldn’t agree more. America’s Most Beautiful Roadster should make a point that it can walk the walk too. Having heard Daryl’s 34 Roadster running, I promise you it helped this car win.
Interesting side note… Parked next to the AMBR trophy and across from the 2010 AMBR winner, Rico Squaglia’s 1951 AMBR winner sat on display. When the 23 Ford Roadster won in 1951, Vic says the flathead V8 it has now was missing! It didn’t have an engine! Starting in 1952, rulebooks stated the cars had to run. (Click the pic to see it full size)
Back to the new AMBR judging on the black carpet… the judges started from 50 feet away. Each car was judged for 10 minutes from every angle. They looked, most importantly, at the overall lines of the car. The engine and interior judging would come later. The fit quality, body gaps and the all important sound of the door closing were closely inspected. After that, the judges each had 10 minutes to interview the car owner or builder to hear the unique, but maybe not so obvious, features of the roadster.
After, the cars were put on display and judging continued during the show. At that time, the judges each had a judge’s sheet to keep notes on the following:
- Visual Detail
- Engineering
- Interior
- Engine
- Paint and Chrome
- Under carriage
- Display
In the end, the judges wrote down a number, 1-12 corresponding to the AMBR contender that was best in each category. Finally, they wrote one number in the box for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster. I assumed there was a weighted criteria for the list above or that the roadster with the most votes in any judging criteria would win. NOPE! Vic told me that a car that didn’t “win” any of these could still take home the AMBR award.
So who are the judges?
Vic wouldn’t name names… he did say that 2 were representatives from the ISCA. After that, the judges were from a diverse background liking different kinds of roadsters. He said some like the swoopy lines of a somewhat modern roadster and some dig the traditional or vintage look of a hot rod. On Saturday night, Vic planned for an organized dog fight as the 12 judges came together to decide which car should be labeled the most beautiful in America. I would have loved to be in that room! 12 people with 12 strong opinions…
Vic concluded, “It’s America’s Most Beautiful Roadster! That’s what it is, not what it was. That’s why they changed it.”
No points, not anymore… and the competitors and spectators I talked to like it. How about you?
