America’s Best Hot Rod – Ridler or AMBR? Choose and Win
What Custom Car Show has the TOP Hot Rod? 
This contest is CLOSED as of 5/5/13. Thank you.
Got an opinion? Speak up now and win a set of Auto Meter Gauges worth $500!
I believe:
- The Ridler Award – handed out at the Detroit Autorama in Feb/March
- America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award – handed out in January at the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS)
Are the most prestigious car show awards a hot rod or custom car can win. I suspect few, if any, will disagree.
Well do ya? Let’s talk about it!
To settle the score and to check-the-pulse of MyRideisMe.com readers, I’ve arranged a detailed look at past Ridler and AMBR winners RIGHT HERE. Take yourself back a few years, then answer:
Which car show presents the best hot rod or custom?
Taken year by year, side by side… pick one! Then at the end of this post, cast your vote and you’ll have a chance to win the Auto Meter Gauges. (Click on any picture for a larger, closer look.) I’m also posting links to the contenders (called, “Great 8” in Detroit) for each award for the last 3 years.
I have my favorites, what’s yours?
Ah yes. Kelly Brown’s 1927 Track T Roadster. Since they changed the rules for the AMBR, it’s hard to vote against the chosen winner. Then, here’s the 2013 Ridler Winner: A 1940 Ford that’s is truly deserving and was the consensus favorite with my friends. To help cast your vote, take a look at the 2013 AMBR Contenders.
Update! The 2013 Ridler Winner and the 2013 “Great 8” Ridler Contenders shown in 32 pictures!
2010 Ridler Winner & 2010 AMBR Winner
Starting back in 2010, “Gold Digger” won the Ridler Award in Detroit. Then, over on the west coast, a custom, but 1933 Ford Roadster-like, hot rod named “Possessed” won the AMBR. The AMBR win was quickly followed by some controversy (scroll down to the comments). The AMBR judging rules changed the very next year. Coincidence? Side by side, which would you choose? (keep track of either AMBR or Ridler)
Need more details? 2010 Ridler “Great 8” and 2010 AMBR Contenders
2011 Ridler Winner & 2011 AMBR Winner
Next is 2011… this one’s much harder!! On the left is a stunning 1956 Ford Sunliner Convertible featuring a highly detailed 427 SOHC motor – that’s why it was called the “Suncammer”. From California’s show, my buddy Doug from Squeeg’s Kustoms brought a beautiful black and brushed stainless roadster in from Arizona. Coolest thing is, I’ve seen it on the road and it’s no trailer queen! Once again, choose your favorite as the best hot rod or custom car for 2011. In this case, do you like the style or the build? (Remember you choice, either AMBR or Ridler)
Get a closer look at the trends of 2011: 2011 Ridler “Great 8” and 2011 AMBR Contenders
2012 Ridler Winner & 2012 AMBR Winner
Which brings us to 2012. Again… a very, very tough decision! Detroit’s Ridler award is not restricted to roadsters only. Like the name implies, “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” can only be a legitimate roadster! The Ridler’s open to any car as long as it’s never been shown at a car show before. (And they stick to it!) So you see here, two very different hot rods.
On the left is the Peace family’s 1955 Ford Thunderbird. Without a closer look, you’ll miss all the details… nearly everything’s customized, right down to the 1000 HP+ twin turbo motor! Then on the right, the AMBR winner is an Indianapolis 500 inspired 1927 Ford Roadster built at the SoCal Speed Shop in Pomona, CA. Both are fabulous creations… so how will you choose? (Once again, AMBR or Ridler?)
Here’s the best of 2012: 2012 Ridler “Great 8” and 2012 AMBR Contenders
OK… Decision time!
What car show, over the last 3 years, showed the best hot rod or custom car? Cast your vote in a comment below and you can win the Auto Meter Gauges.
IMPORTANT: Only subscribers to the newsletter can win. Sign up for our free newsletter (or the form’s right below here) to get updates about this contest, the Detroit Autorama, and all kinds of fun stuff! Thank you very much!
-pikesan
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I personally didn’t favor either winner in 2010, and having a ’56 Ford the Suncammer is a great car and I also dig Squeegs AMBR winner for 2011, so for now it’s a toss-up. For 2012, I have to choose the AMBR winner over the 55 T-bird. So my choice (with these examples) is the Grand National Roadster Show as having the best hot rods in the country.
The reality is ,, there is no Fastest Gun in the West , always somebody faster ,,,, no most Beautifull Girl in the World , always somebody prettier ,,,,, anybody seriously competing at this level is a winner ,, and East coast , West coast doesn’t matter ,,, the workmanship , craftsmanship, creativity , is just mind numbing ,attention to detail overwhelming ,,,how do you judge cars at that level ???? ,,,,,,,,,,Jim P , Ontario Canada
These upper echelon, big award shows are serious business….probably too serious, but it sure is easy to get wound up about getting “the big prize”. I’ve seen it and experienced it first hand a few times. It starts out knowing a shop is going to be building a very nice, heavy hitter type of car. Someone throws out the suggestion “Hey, you know what(?), we otta take a run for ______”. The car is accepted and you’re off and running. At first it’s like, “ahh, we have a nice car and it will be fun to show with the big dogs but whatever happens is cool”. Then, as time goes by and the build is getting better and better, your hopes start to ramp up. Then the big show arrives, the car is unloaded and the display is set….are you sensing a buzz about your car(?), hmmmm…. The weekend goes by and you are pretty sure your car has a serious chance for this damn award….”And the award for……” Hahahhaaa, it’s certainly an exciting situation to get wrapped up in. For what it’s worth, especially, the last coupl’a years with judging criteria being reset, the GNRS is where the truest of true hot rod is picked. If you’re into that type of thing!
Man you come out of hiding with a tough one. I lean a little towards the GNRS because of all that goes on in several buildings plus the show outside of the show. But I have to give credit to Wheel City in that it is open to all. The “Suncammer and Gold Digger” I have been lucky to see and photograph. And to be a judge at either show would be awesome and I am sure almost a nightmare. But it would be something that would be a blast.
This is a very tough question because in either one you have the most beautiful crafted works of art there is! That is exactly what these machines are is works of art and the best of the best in imagination and craftsmanship there is!! If I can only choose 1 I am going to have to go with the GNRS. I wished there was a third choice, but have no idea what that 3rd choice would be that could hold a candle to the GNRS or the AMBR.
Thanks for the insight Jimmy. In case you didn’t know, Jimmy’s been involved in a handful of AMBR contending cars as a hot rod designer. Check out his website: Jimmyshotroddesign.com. At least 2 this year (2013). Plus… he’s a hell-of-a nice guy!
Being a native Detroiter and never traveled to the west coast, I have to favor the Detroit Autorama. I favor it also because it is not limited to a particular era of cars like the Grand National Roadster Show. Both shows to me have one thing in common which is the top trophy is geared to a car owner who pays tons of money to have a car built as opposed to an owner who builds it himself/ herself.
This is a very hard question. There are so many awesome cars at both. Having attended the GNRS I ‘ve had a first hand look at the cars on display. With this being said I will have to go with GNRS!
Hot rods make my motor run. For me, the AMBR has the best hot rods. The Riddler Award has been presented to some awesome roadsters but mainly custom cars win that one. All the cars in both shows have been prepared with meticulous attention to details. All the builders should be congratulated on their excellent work.
I have to suggest that the Ridler winners were better design wise to start. Next the body work is simply flawless in either show. It would have to be to even get considered. I find that I favor a more traditional look in both arenas. There were exceptional cars that didn’t make the cut. Some that I would have switched places with the contenders.
One thing that I found interesting is that the East coast show, (Detroit) seems to favor customs over hot rods. The West coast, by design, favors Hot Rods, since it is a roadster show. Now I have a foot in both camps, I have a 1930 Ford Coupe, a 1949 Ford 2 door, and a 1953 Ford F-100 .All are under construction at the same time. Plus I have a 1967 SPE dragster.
I find I like the cars in both shows quite a bit, but what I really like are the cars that I can tell are either driven, or could be driven. The cream puffs that never run or can’t run feel like a waste to me… I put a ridiculous amount of miles on all my rods and even my restored cars all year round and in all weather conditions because that’s what they are for in my honest opinion.
So these shows can showcase the mega dollar undrivable paper weights all they want, the cars that often get my attention are usually parked in the parking lot.
My vote is the riddler. You definitely get some more interesting creations like the Ferrari/Rambler combo from a few years ago. Its gotta be hard to show up and be noticed in that zany crowd.
Since your question was which one has the Top HOT ROD, I will go with #2, the Grand National since many of the Riddler cars are not even close to being “Hot Rods” but more Kustom’s or even later model cars. The best answer to the way you asked the question.
The Riddler has more variety, but the AMBR has HOT ROD!
I have to say that each show presents itself with its own personal flavor. When it comes to it though, I have to vote Detroit. Simply because the Ridler award is not specific to a style, where the AMBR is for roadsters. While I love roadsters, seeing the SunCammer and the Peace family T-Bird win against 30’s rods makes that show a winner for me.
With both shows being the top shows in the world and having been to the GNRS more times than Detroit, you make it hard to make a choice. The GNRS is a great show whose hi-lite is the award for AMBR. Scattered among the roadsters are a great amount of fantastic kustoms, hot rods, cycles,race cars and anything else with wheels and paint. The suede palace is a favorite stop for me. But the downfall is that there may be a vehicle at the GNRS whose imagination, craftsmanship, looks and features are superior to those in competition for the big trophy,not a roadster and they are ineligible to win it. Whereas, in Detroit you have the fruition of all the mind blowing ideas built by the best of the best, any year make or model, done in ungodly perfection and countless dollars on display going for the big award…..the Riddler. Therefore, I would have to say that if you are looking for the show that has the best hot rod, the Detroit Autorama is the hands down winner.There you will see fanastic roadsters, all types of modifieds, rails, bikes, etc., take a trip down to the basement for some real fun while you are there. Plus I believe they have stricter judging rules as well. There are probably those who will argue that a “hot rod” is not a kustom car, but those of us who have grown up with the original hot rods, kustoms, pro street, g-machines, all know that they are all hot rods! One more thing, many will comment that neither of these winners will be street driven, (some will), but the whole idea of the build is to win the trophy. And that is the bottom line when contending in these two shows. Thanks for the opportunity to voice my humble opinion.
Don, no need to be so strict! It’s hot rod or OR custom… Some might argue, especially in years gone by, that not all AMBR cars were “hot rods”. So, hot rod or custom or KUSTOM if you will… which show presents the best of the best?
-pikesan
Ohhhhhhhhhh Boy –
Gotta go with AMBR…… largely because of this year’s winner.
four carbs on a flatty, steelies, and a BIG steering wheel……..makes ya smile, and that’s always a good thing
Every one of these cars has something special, but being retro (which I am), doesn’t hurt a modern rod.
Thanks for the great pics.
Pikesan, thanks for your very accurate comment to Don. You echoed my opinion on the whole “HotRod/Kustom” issue. On with the show……!!!
When it comes down to which award reflects a selection of the best HOT ROD… Hands-down, the AMBR. By pure definition, that award is centered on the hot rod. Don’t get me wrong… the Ridler has been awarded over the years to a number of beautiful hot rods, but has become more about selecting the best, most detailed purpose-built show vehicle. There’s a huge difference in the judging criteria, and the approach to building either an AMBR or Ridler contender has definitely forked in their paths over the last decade or so. With the revised judging for AMBR, it’s a lot more about the beauty and perception of the whole picture, versus a judging sheet that breaks each component down.
It takes a tremendous level of skill, dedication and sacrifice to run for either… If you were to ask which show brings in the highest caliber of vehicles, obviously, you’d look to Detroit, as the level of detail and craftsmanship needed simply to make the Great 8 are mind-blowing.
In the spirit of your original question, in my opinion, the AMBR selects the top HOT ROD. Had you asked which show or award is better, you’d have opened a HUGE can of worms!
I believe the Ridler Award is the biggest and most presitgious. It honors beauty, design, execution and engineering. Every one of the Ridler winners are the best there are.
I think for a pure Hot Rod, – AMBR
For a Custom – Riddler
The Hot Rods in the Riddler are for the most part just show cars.
The AMBR used to be that way but thankfully has changed for the better.
I do love show cars, but cars need to be driven!
It’s not fair to say that only a roadster can be the “Top Hot Rod” and from a certain custom car show in the country (GNRS). Each show has its attributes and restrictions for competing. Now, if a roadster competes at the Detroit Autorama it’s disqualified from competing the following year at the AMBR. And if a car is seen in paint before the Detroit Autorama, it’s qualified from competing for the Ridler Award.The GNRS got tried of quality left overs, like cold pizza the next day. With the changing of the guards for the judging of the AMBR award, the kind of winning cars will be different from all past winners I’ve heard. The proverbial show car will be out and only drivers will be in. You’ll have builders, although they will be changing every three or four years (I think), being judges for the AMBR award. FYI- is it fair a builder who is a judge (sidelined for the year his car is in competition) could win the AMBR award? It has happened already and might again. The Ridler Award has stayed very consistent for judging especially because the show has used the ISCA judging criteria for many years, like it or not. It really isn’t up to anyone to say what award creates the “Top Hot Rod” in the country, hell even Hot Rod magazine hands out the Top Ten of the year and then picks one as the “Hot Rod of the Year” BUT remember that top award can be any kind of “hot rod”…
Jimmy’s explanation is totally accurate. You don’t start out with the idea your even going to enter something in a contest at that level, but one thing leads to the next and you get swept up in the hype. In the end I’m not even sure if “winning” is even that important compared to “doing” what it took to get there.
As for the question this post asks though, its not a question that can be answered because “best” will always be in the eye of the beholder… AMBR and Riddler cars for the most part aren’t even in the same class of cars. “What custom car show has the top hot rod?? GNRS, the “hot rod” show has the top “hot rod”… and Detroit being more of “custom” show (just look at the cars that compete), has the top “custom”… At least that is my opinion.
I would choose the AMBR, I appreciate the Grand National vehicles but then all the trailer queens miss the point of a vehicle in my opinion. I love the Hot Rods and they are not defined as only roadsters. My two cents, now heading back to wrench on my 1964 Pontiac convertible!
Personally, I like the GoodGuys Winner…this is a true street driven car and not a piece of high dollar art that is well beyond the reach of most hot rod builders. By adding the mandatory road course as part of the judging, GoodGuys has found the true hot rod. Case in point, is Troy’s comment in this month’s Hot Rod, where he claims Ridler Winner First Love wouldn’t make it 1/2 mile down the street.
So based on that criteria, I have to pick the 55 T-Bird built by the Peace Brothers. This car has beautiful curves, clean, and they drive it on the street almost daily.
I’ve been going to the shows since the late 70’s, and it is my opinion that the GNRS is by far the best show… Always got the WOW factor with every visit.
having been at the first three national roadster shows,I feel the ambr is the clear choice
I feel a roadster IS a hot rod
I was at the 49th and the 50th also
Forget which event is better. Don’t worry about what vehicle deserves the most recognition. Just get there! If you haven’t been to either of them, add it to your “To do”, “Bucket ” or “Before I Die” list! just get there! As a car guy, you will regret not being part of the experience, the locations. the people, their historical value and the future of the performance industry they offer!
We won’t be politically correct, however, we honestly feel all of the winners are the best of the best. Can anyone top that as to building one of these special cars? We think not.
Congratulations to all the winners.
I have often thought that the Autorama was a better showcase of a cross section of American Hot Rod talent.
I vote for the Riddler. Building a roadster has pretty much been done. When you customize a T-Bird and a 1940 Ford, 56 Fairlane there are so many ways and so many more cars to choose from. Who knows what one of these builders will come up with next? The next Riddler could be a American Motors Pacer! The next AMBR will be a roadster.
ambr, because of the true concept of a hot rod, and mostly because of the great team of builders involved to complete the end result…….
I choose AMBR . Very tough decision .Ridler has amazing customs .I feel AMBR consistantly represents true hot rods.
For me the Ridler Award winners are more appealing, although the GNRS has the history.
Limiting what can win to only roadsters limits the appeal, having said that to win either award is a huge achievement.
maybe one day I’ll get to cross the pond and see some of these amazing rides first hand…
Hands down So Cal’s Grand National Roadster Show! Emphasis on 2011, a banner year with MINDBLOWING rides. The cars are stunning and all about class at GNRS and the owners take time to display them properly to show off their assets. I equate this to our practice as women. We pay attention to the lacquer that goes on our fingernails, the shine that goes on our lips, the twinkle of our earrings, the uniqueness of the piece that hangs round our neck, the way it all enhances our clothing from neck down and as for what’s underneath….look out! The cars of So Cal are finely done-up with incredible “quality” paint schemes, just the right amount of chrome and accessories and it all comes together for a stand-out result. The cars at GNRS make you take two steps back and just ogle and admire them for a long while, the same result a woman hopes to achieve after she’s painstakingly assembled her “look.” Detroit has a nice showing, but there’s something about the selection and entries in So Cal that is a cut above the rest.
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Thanks for all the great comments!
-pikesan
The 27 roadster is my pick. Why? Well I like to see simplistic design and craftsmanship and this roadster has both in spades. It’s plain and simple NAKED Craftsmanship.
I’m thinking Cindy has to be talking about the Take-out-T:)
Kelly Brown’s 1927 Track T Roadster, awesome retro :p
Did I say something wrong ???
I don’t think anyone is qualified to choose between these two shows. The quality and quantity of cars is excellant at both. Both shows have had winners which made points instead of impressions at some time or other. Picking the best car is just a matter of taste when the cars are prepped at these ultra standards. I’ve had fun downstairs in Detroit and just as much at the outdoor show in LA. both have their merits, so the best answer is just go to both shows and enjoy it!
You should be a politician Davy! If you only had time or funds for one show, which would you choose? – pikesan
I have to go with the 1956 Ford “Suncammer” because of the 427 SOHC and unique blend of rare parts that are orchestrated in a super clean and well thought out package. The car itself is outside the norm and is a refreshingly different choice.
Although I do admit that the AMBR is extremely prestige’s, and It would be a lie to say I would not want one. The fact that it is limited to strictly one type of car cancels out my vote for them. I have been a Judge in local car shows, and I can vouch for the fact, comparing Aces to Deuces, is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. The Ridler Award wins on the simple fact that the Competition could be anything on a given year. Roadsters, Deuces, Coupes, or a Delivery, one on one, pick “The One” that is the best of all of those, and you have accomplished the Ridler!
All these cars are awesome, but if were to choose one it would be the 56 Ford Suncammer hands down…I just think the retro look is more appealing and I can appreciate how they brought out the true beauty of the 56.
Hi Scott, why do you think you said something wrong? – pikesan
I personally really like the Grand National Roadster show since it is right in my backyard! I’ve been attending this show since 2006 and have aver 3000 photos, some edited and posted.
I can’t really comment on Autorama, but greatly enjoy seeing the rides posted. To me, these 2 shows represent what the best automotive custom designers are capable of, and are always without compromise.
As a west coaster myself my loyalties lay more with the event than the car. I personally love roadsters and have built two, I have been to the AMBR show once and although Detriot has a rich automotive history, to me, California is where Hot Rodding was born and nurtured. I the love the whole scene. The 2012 AMBR car to me truly exeplifies the true meaning of Hot Rod Roadster. A beautiful car built in true west cost style. The Detriot car seem to me more in the “Custom” vein, then in the true hot rod. Give me a traditional styled Roadster all the way. And in my honest opinion AMBR show seems to to be more geared toward that, so I will throw my vote that way, and let what left of my hair blow in the breeze of the roadsters reign.
I choose not to choose….here’s why. I’ve been a car enthusiast all my life. My first car memories were of my Dad’s brand-new ’70 ‘cuda 383 4spd. (i used to sit on the trans tunnel and “help” shift the pistol grip), and I’ve built, or been involved with many car projects in my time on the planet. With the current state of our nation, jobs going overseas at a frightening rate, and being blue-collar to the core, my outlook is this, I’m SUPER proud of ALL the American engineering, metal fabrication, engine building, ingenuity, creativity, imagination, and just plain-old getting dirty it takes to pull-off these mechanical wonders in our hobby. I tip my hat to the craftsmanship that is distinctly American. The Detroit iron that is crafted all over the United States should be celebrated at EVERY show in EVERY city! I cannot choose any one car, or any one show or award, because they ALL make me grin when I look at the passion that it clearly took to make it all happen. Congratulations to all the award recipients! Thank you to all people it takes to organize these events. Most of all, thank you to all of the enthusiasts, who come to the shows, the hot-rodders, musclecar owners, drag racers, road racers, restorers, and anyone who ever loved a car, for supporting and leeping our hobby alive and well in the USA! Lets keep building, and RE-building the coolest cars in the world….I dig ’em all!
I personally like the ridler. I’m a street machine guy by heart and the ridler has had some very nice entries. The ambr is amazing also