National Roadster Show 1953

A photo of Gene "Clean Gene" Sadoian's 1934 Ford Four-Door Sedan taken at the 1953 Oakland Roadster Show. Gene won first place in the new sedan class at the show, and this photo shows Gene and Chuck Pollard with the car. Photo from The Clean Gene Sadoian Collection.

A newspaper clipping from the Oakland Tribune, published February 23, 1953, listing the award winners from the Fourth Annual National Roadster Show. Dick Williams of Berkeley took home the title of America's Most Beautiful Roadster with his powder-blue creation, while Elton Kantor of Piedmont claimed the prestigious "Car of Elegance" award. The article highlights 47 trophy winners across multiple divisions, showcasing the outstanding craftsmanship on display at the 1953 show.

The Fourth Annual National Roadster Show was held February 17–22, 1953, at the Oakland Exposition Building in Oakland, California. Running for six days, the event featured top custom cars and hot rods from across the West Coast and beyond, drawing thousands of spectators. The theme for the 1953 show was “Glorifying American Ingenuity in the Field of Automotive Progress.”^[1]

Show Overview

Now firmly established as one of the most prestigious indoor car shows in the country, the 1953 National Roadster Show featured dozens of hand-built entries competing in categories such as rod roadsters, custom roadsters, streamliners, coupes, sedans, and convertibles. According to show manager Mrs. M. L. Slonaker, the event drew high praise for the level of craftsmanship on display, and plans were immediately announced for a fifth annual show to be held February 22–28, 1954.^[1]

America's Most Beautiful Roadster

The coveted title of America's Most Beautiful Roadster was awarded to Dick Williams of Berkeley for his powder-blue roadster. Williams received the show’s signature nine-foot trophy, solidifying his place among the top builders of the era.^[1]

Car of Elegance

The prestigious Car of Elegance award, given to the top custom entry, went to Elton Kantor of Piedmont for his dark-blue streamlined custom coupe. Restyled by Joe Bailon, Kantor’s creation was hailed for its sleek styling and luxurious execution, standing out among a fiercely competitive field.^[1]