Images: Goodguys

Every year, pristine hot rods descend on the Grand National Roadster Show in certain abundance, every one just as nice as the next. But once shined, showed and ogled over for the weekend in Pomona, California, only one can come out on top – being designated America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR winner). This year, just like in all years past, the run for the top was filled with worthy contenders, but when it came down to the finish, it was a Roy Brizio-built 1927 Track T owned by John Mumford that took the coveted award home.

While many builds start out with a body and continue on with an engine, Mumford’s Track T took the opposite approach. After acquiring an extremely rare V8-60 Ardun conversion, Mumford looked to find the perfect car to put his prized engine into. After all, this Howard Allen-built masterpiece wears one of the most coveted pieces of automotive jewelry to date – one of just a handful of Arden cylinder heads ever produced. Mumford, the avid automotive collector he is, supplied the heads from his own acquisitions, owning two of the only eight sets believed to exist worldwide.

With the help of Roy Brizio, a track-nose T project was eventually found for the build, having been treated to gorgeous tin work by the legendary Steve Davis. Originally started for NHRA Top Fuel Champion Kelly Brown, the Track T had been fitted with a Donovan 4-cylinder engine. Once Brizio and his crew got a hold of it, however, the car was quickly reconfigured to support the Ardun engine.

Image: Roy Brizio Street Rods

Backing the Ardun is a Ford top loader transmission and an original quick-change rearend, while all four corners of the car feature Don Kinmont brakes and Firestone bias-ply rubber. Adding to the car’s exquisite body work, you’ll find brightwork from Sherm’s plating beautifully contrasted against deep Burgundy paint laid by Darryl Hollenbeck’s Vintage Color Studio. Augmenting even more class to the car (as if that were possible) is expert stitch work by Sid Chaver’s on a classic leather interior.

While Mumford’s Track T was up against some of the most amazing builds in the country at the 2013 Grand National Roadster Show, concocted by only the best of the best in the industry, it was the glorious Arden-equipped Brizio creation that stole the hearts of judges and onlookers alike.

After the award ceremony, crowning the Track T America’s Most Beautiful Roadster for 2013, Mumford signed the check which accompanied the award over to Pete Chapouris to benefit the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts Career & Technical Education Center (AXC), where many of the industry’s next major builders will certainly benefit.

Mumford’s Track T is truly gorgeous and undoubtedly deserves the designation of America’s Most Beautiful Hot Rod for 2013. Featuring signature contributions from some of the industry’s best while gorgeously melding old-school cool with modern glamour, the Kelly Brown Track T must certainly be a prized possession amongst all of Mumford’s other vehicles.

Congratulations goes out to Mumford, Roy Brizio and the entire Brizo crew from all of us here at Rod Authority for the well-deserved win for this year’s America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award.