O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show crowns 1956 Ford F-100 as the 'World's Most Beautiful Truck'

POMONA, Calif. – The second annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show, presented by Classic Truck Performance magazine, hosted more then 400 trucks, vans and SUVs of every make, model and style at the Fairplex in Pomona on September 14-15. Rod Shows, known for producing the West Coast’s largest and longest-running hot rod shows, closed out the weekend by presenting awards in more than 50 judged classes. 

The World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award, sponsored by ARP Fasteners, was presented to Ed Ganzinotti for his 1956 Ford F-100 pickup. Built by Classic Car Studio, this exceptional truck was originally started by ‘Fat Jack’ Robinson, who was instrumental in beginning the project’s fabrication. After his passing in 2020, Classic Car Studio went on to finish the truck. The build features Robinson’s signature stance, a quick-change Winters rear end, custom wood bed floor and is powered by a Jon Kaase Boss Nine 540 cubic inch V8 with Borla Stack injection. Relic Restomods completed the immaculate body and black paint. The all-black interior is wrapped in Garrett Leather with a top-of-the-line Morel stereo system, Vintage Air air conditioning and Dakota Digital gauges. Ganzinotti bested 10 other custom trucks, which ran the gamut from early Fords and Chevrolet C-10s to a 1963 Volkswagen double cab and a 1966 Chevrolet C-60 ramp truck, to claim the $12,500 prize and a custom trophy presented by ARP Fasteners. 

“The passion for custom trucks, vans and SUVs was evident at the inaugural show and this year’s show was even bigger and better,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the Grand National Truck Show. “Our award winners are stellar examples of some of the finest vehicles in this segment and we had an incredible collection of trucks join us inside and outside throughout the weekend.” 

Two new awards were added for this year’s event to honor industry legends Steve Stillwell and Tom McWeeney. Mark Quesada’s 1956 Ford F100 was awarded the inaugural Steve Stillwell Memorial Award, which was selected by Stillwell’s family and friends to celebrate the truck that reflects Stillwell’s legendary style and vision. The Tom McWeeney Memorial Pinstriping Award was presented to Bertha Dominguez’s 1985 Datsun 720 King Cab, which was displayed as part of the NuMinis car club, to honor the master custom painter and pinstriper whose creative spirit left an indelible mark on the world of custom trucks, cars and art. 

Dino Battilana, the founder of Dino’s Git-Down, received the Truck Trend Setter Award to recognize his contributions to the custom truck hobby. 

The weekend also featured a variety of curated displays, including mini trucks with dancing beds, race trucks, vans and THOR24, known as the world’s most powerful big rig. More than 250 trucks cruised into the Truck-In for the outdoor portion of the show on Saturday and Sunday. 

The popular Pinstriper Charity Auction featured some of the country’s best pinstripers creating custom art to be auctioned off for charity. Their efforts generated nearly $20,000 for the Volunteers for Veterans Foundation.

A few more pics from the second annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show

For more information about the O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show, including the complete list of 2024 award winners and updates on upcoming Rod Shows events, please visit www.rodshows.com/GNTS.

About Rod ShowsBased in the automotive cultural hub of Southern California, Rod Shows produces the West Coast’s premier indoor hot rod and custom shows, including the Grand National Roadster Show, the Sacramento Autorama and the Grand National Truck Show. Its professional show management team sets the highest standards for top-quality competition and displays with every show and personally visits the country’s top automotive coachbuilders and events throughout the year, ensuring the best of the best participate in its events. For more information, visit www.rodshows.com.

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