ENID, OK - The 71st Grand National Roadster Show took place this weekend in Pomona, California. Seven Pomona Fairplex buildings were filled with hot rods, muscle cars, low riders, classic trucks, motorcycles, vendors, and other special displays. Harold's Hot Rod Shop from Enid, Oklahoma is becoming a well known name at the national event.
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When most people think about award winning hot rods they usually think about car builders from California they've seen on TV. Reality TV shows now document the process of turning old rusty pieces of metal into a restored classic automobiles. What many people may not know is that Harold Clay, owner of Harold's Hot Rods, and his crew have brought home trophies from shows in 2019 and 2020.
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Clay owns one of those local companies that we rarely hear about. They are making waves on a national stage but don't make the spotlight locally. Harold's Hot Rods have been featured in many of the top magazines and on several national hot rod TV shows.
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Clay's 1957 Chevy build was documented in Hot Rod Magazine in 2017. Another article was written in 2017 in Street Muscle Magazine about a 1936 Ford Cabriolet restoration. And recently he was featured in Automotive American talking about a 1961 Ford Econoline Shop Truck.
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Harold's Hot Rod Shop won first place Full Sports at the Grand National Roadster Show in 2019. Clay had restored a 1961 Corvette convertible ten years earlier. The car is owned by John and Peggy Bartholomew of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Corvette was found minus engine and transmission, with nothing left under its hood but traces of a disastrous fire. Read the build article at SuperChevy.com.
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Harold Clay, Josh Billings and Richard Crump were all back in California for the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show. They all won trophies for the work done by Harold's Hot Rods in Enid.
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They entered a 1970 Jaguar owned by Richard Crump of Enid. Crump did final assembly with all paint and body work being done by Clay and Billings. The red Jaguar placed 1st at the show.
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They also took with them a 1961 blue Chevy Impala which placed 2nd at the show. Vehicles at the event were judged by a team of professional judges using a point system based on detail, quality, condition, safety and originality.
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Clay has been doing quality work on cars and trucks since 1979 when he first opened the doors to Clay’s Collision Center in Enid. Over forty years later Clay no longer works day-today in the collision center but spends most of his time in the very back of the business.
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Harold's Hot Rod Shop has about 8,500 square-foot of space that allows Clay to build his high-end hot rods. The shop is located at 1211 W. Spruce. Call 580-233-8720 with questions about custom builds. Watch the progress of current hot rod builds on their Facebook Page.
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Josh Billings and Harold Clay in 2019 with the '61 Corvette taking 1st place.
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Harold Clay and Josh Billings in 2020 with the '61 Impala and '70 Jaguar.
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Josh Billings, Richard Crump, Steve Biddle and Harold Clay.
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Restored 1961 Chevy Impala by Harold's Hot Rods.
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Restored 1970 E-Type Jaguar by Harold's Hot Rods.
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Photo credit Harold's Hot Rods.
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Harold's Hot Rod Shop Making Waves In California
Congratulations. Had no idea this was going on in Enid.
Way to go Clay! That’s great. You do great work!
You won’t find a more qualified, or honest car builder than Harold Clay. I’ve known him for over 40 years~and his credibility is second to none. I’m proud to count him among my friends. Congratulations Harold!!
Thank you so much Curtis for this write up!! Nicely done, greatly appreciated. Well deserved by both Harold & Josh. Not only are they tremendously talented, they are great guys!!!