For the first time in history, the Kentucky Expo Center played host to the National Street Rod Association (NSRA), 49th Annual Street Rod Nationals in the heart of the bluegrass state during the first week of August, 2018. With over 10,000 vehicles registered to be in attendance, the city’s largest vintage car show was slated to be a blockbuster, and boy did it deliver.

Over the course of the past 24 years the NSRA Street Rod Nationals have consistently been held in Louisville, but with registration numbers reaching an all time high this year, and over 350 manufacturer and dealer displays making their mark, the need to expand to a larger venue brought with it fresh life. One of these machines happened to be the beast pictured here, a 1936 Ford Roadster packing just as much “show” as it does “go,” thus earning it’s creator, Dale Boesch, the distinction of being honored as the 2018 NSRA “Elite Builder of the Year.”

Here is what the NSRA had to say:

“The National Street Rod Association is proud to announce the “Elite Builder of the Year” selection for the Street Rod Nationals held in Louisville, Kentucky on August 2, 3, 4, 5, 2018. The Elite Builder of the year is voted on by all of the rod shops represented in the Builders Showcase each year.

Dana and Marge Elrod had Dale Boesch and crew in Humphrey, NB, construct the vehicle that was selected for the 2018 NSRA Elite Builder of the Year award. This 1936 Ford Roadster is stuffed with a ‘58 392 Hemi topped with Hilborn injection. Among the many body modifications… Boesch shortened the body by removing 3 inches behind the doors and 3 inches behind the roof and decklid.”

By definition, the NSRA defines a street rod as, “…a modernized vintage vehicle that is of pre 1949 manufacture.” However this does not stop vehicles from participating which have been retro-fitted with modern amenities. Safety, tech, and performance upgrades, as disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, and high-output engines all remain highly desirable hot rod mods. Add in the fact that Classic Instruments continues to issue amazing NSRA awards every season, and the rationale behind registering really is impossible to ignore!

According to the NSRA, its Street Rod Nationals remain “the area’s largest automotive participation event,” with hot rod fans from across the nation making the annual trek to Kentucky. Heralded as a premier event for spectators and showstoppers alike, the absence of roped-off rides makes this gathering extra special for those who wish to peek inside or get a closer look at what’s stuffed under the hood.

The National Street Rod Association allotted ten events to 2018, and with the season now officially over, one should keep their eyes peeled for information regarding the 2019 schedule at www.nsra-usa.com. Just be sure to register your vehicle well in advance of the event you wish to attend, and tell them the guys over at Rod Authority sent you.

A Note From Rod Authority Editor Dave Cruikshank: I saw “Elrod” at another big show and it absolutely killed under the lights. Alas, it DIDN’T win the big award and I was very disappointed with the results to say the least. This award is long overdue for Boesch and owner Dana and Marge Elrod. Congrats you guys, you deserve it!