Ed Ganzinotti's 1956 Ford F-100 wins the 'World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award' at the 2024 Grand National Truck Show in Pomona.
At the 2024 O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show, a stunning 1956 Ford F-100 pickup owned by Ed Ganzinotti stole the spotlight, taking home the prestigious 'World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award.' Held at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, on September 14-15, the event showcased over 400 custom trucks, vans, and SUVs, but Ganzinotti’s blacked-out masterpiece emerged as the clear favorite.
This award-winning truck, expertly built by Classic Car Studio, carries a special history. The project was originally started by the legendary ‘Fat Jack’ Robinson, who was known for his expertise in hot rod and custom truck fabrication. After Robinson’s passing in 2020, Classic Car Studio completed the build, preserving his signature style while adding their own masterful touches. Powered by a massive Jon Kaase Boss Nine 540 cubic-inch V8 engine with Borla Stack injection, the truck offers an intimidating combination of raw power and refined design. It also features a quick-change Winters rear end, a custom wood bed floor, and immaculate bodywork and black paint by Relic Restomods. The all-black interior, wrapped in Garrett Leather, is equipped with a high-end Morel stereo system, Vintage Air air conditioning, and Dakota Digital gauges.
Ganzinotti’s 1956 Ford F-100 triumphed over fierce competition, which included early Fords, Chevrolet C-10s, a 1963 Volkswagen double cab, and a 1966 Chevrolet C-60 ramp truck. His victory earned him the $12,500 prize and a custom trophy from ARP Fasteners.
John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the event, expressed his excitement about the increased size and quality of this year’s show. “The passion for custom trucks, vans, and SUVs was evident at the inaugural show, and this year’s show was even bigger and better,” he said.
In addition to the 'World’s Most Beautiful Truck Award,' new honors were introduced to recognize industry legends. Mark Quesada’s 1956 Ford F-100 was awarded the inaugural Steve Stillwell Memorial Award, while Bertha Dominguez’s 1985 Datsun 720 King Cab won the Tom McWeeney Memorial Pinstriping Award.
Dino Battilana, the founder of Dino’s Git-Down, also received recognition, winning the Truck Trend Setter Award for his influence on the custom truck scene.
The weekend was packed with highlights, from the display of mini trucks with dancing beds to THOR24, the world’s most powerful big rig. A pinstriper charity auction raised nearly $20,000 for the Volunteers for Veterans Foundation, adding a charitable note to the event’s success.
