RARE X 6

Scratch-built 1936 Willys Runs a Rare 800hp V6 Hemi

- Tim Bernsau

The big news at the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) in January was the revamped Slonaker Award. Named for the man who established the GNRS back in 1949, the Al Slonaker Memorial Award has been presented to the professionally judged best non-roadster at the GNRS ever since 1974. Previously, this prestigious award hasn’t received as much attention as the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award, but with a new trophy, new sponsor, and a big cash prize, that’s changing.

Like the AMBR award, the Slonaker Award involves a regular-sized trophy presented to the winner, and a larger perpetual award that will feature the names of all winners. Automotive Racing Products is the new sponsor of AMBR and the Slonaker Award. Both awards now include a prize purse of $12,500.

The Willy Wins

The first vehicle to claim the new trophy is this extraordinary 1936 Willys pickup, owned by Ron and Vicki Ernsberger from Napoleon, Ohio. The truck was built by Brian Limberg and the team at The Tin Man’s Garage in Sycamore, Illinois.