Honoring Our Legends

The Portland Roadster Show Hall of Fame was born from the vision of Bill Peterson in 1968—a dream to celebrate the people whose passion, creativity, and dedication have fueled our region’s hot rod culture for generations.

For decades, our Hall of Fame has honored not just remarkable vehicles, but the individuals behind them: builders, owners, and enthusiasts who brought innovation and heart to every show. As we look to the future, we’re embracing a new chapter—one that shines the spotlight solely on the people who make this community extraordinary.

Beginning in 2026, the Hall of Fame will honor individuals whose impact and spirit have defined the Portland Roadster Show and the broader hot rod world. This change comes as many legendary vehicles have found new homes, making it harder to recognize their ongoing legacy at our event. Instead, we’re focusing on the stories, achievements, and dedication of the people who keep our traditions alive. Inductees are carefully selected by the Portland Roadster Show Executive Board and Hall of Fame officers.

We remain deeply rooted in the legacy started by Bill Peterson and the Multnomah Hot Rod Council. The Hall of Fame is our way of saying thank you to the visionaries, mentors, and leaders who inspire us all to dream bigger, build better, and keep the spirit of hot rodding alive for future generations.

Join us as we celebrate the people who make the Portland Roadster Show more than an event—it’s a family, a tradition, and a living legacy.

*Click to View the Hall of Fame photo album

1968

• Bob Tindle, ’32 Ford Tudor
• Chuck Bell, ’29 Ford Tudor
• Dave Stoner, ’29 Ford Tudor
• Mike Thelin, ’29 Ford Tudor

1969

• Al Rogers, ’29 Ford Roadster
• kupWarren Mott, ’54 Ford Pic

1970

• Wally Thompson, ’57 Corvette
• Hugh Wedekind, ’32 Austin Bantam

1971

• Lloyd White, ’45 Willy’s Jeep

1972

• Roger Simonatti, ’32 Ford Phaeton

1973

• Russ Meeks, ’30 Ford Roadster

1974

• Lloyd Elliot, ’36 Ford Phaeton

1975

• John Corno, ’51 Ford Custom

1978

• Dowhaniuk & Nelson, ’74 Mustang BB/FC

1981

• Dave Sukau, ’23 Ford Roadster
• Dave Littlejohn, ’56 Ford Pickup

1983

• Jim Drake, ’48 Chevy Pickup

1984

• Reuben & Margie Schanaman, ’23 Ford Roadster

1985

• Pete Sukalac, Honorary

1986

• Ed Tomlin, ’56 Ford Pickup

1988

• Rob Isaman, ’32 Ford Coupe
• Robb Couch, ’57 Chevy Pickup

1989

• Gil Baker, Honorary
• Bill Peterson, Honorary

1990

• Lonnie Gilbertson, ’32 Ford Tudor
• Doug Sukau, ’69 Camaro Z28

1991

• Barry Harte, ’65 Corvette

1992

• Leonard Ware, ’40 Ford Coupe
• Jim Ellett, ’83 Ford Pickup

1994

• Mildred Stevens, ’32 Chevy Pickup
• Eric & Judy Ames, ’53 Ford Victoria

1995

• Lyle Davis, ’39 Chevy Sedan
• Bill Sluman, ’67 Chevy Nova

1997

• Bill Plew, ’37 Ford Tudor
• Jack & Wendy Lewis, ’34 Ford 5 Window
• Dale & Linda Haskins , ’32 Ford Roadster

1998

• Scott Perrott, Kennedy Special
• Bob Knowles, Honorary

1999

• Lonnie Gilbertson, ’23 Ford Pickup
• Dee Wescott, Honorary
• Bill Hall, ’35 Chevy Tudor

2001

• Grant Pendergraft, ’23 “T” Roadster
• Lane Hoggson ’56 Buick Custom
• Bob Schonhoven, Honorary
• Ray Vandorn, Honorary
• Wayne Hollibaugh, Honorary

2002

• Gene Ray, ’52 Plymouth Station Wgn
• Larry & Cindy Anderson, ’32 Ford Coupe

2003

• Don Hollister, ’37 Ford

2004

• Bob & Marlene Miller, Honorary

2005

• Alex Merwin, Honorary
• Lyle Gaddis, Honorary
• Larry Sage, Honorary
• Ross Myers, ’36 Ford Roadster
• Richard & Paige Udell, ’35 Chevy Street Sedan

2006

• Ron Halbleib, ’57 Chevy 2 dr Hdtp
• Margie Schanaman, ’50 Chevy Pickup
• Jeff Olson, ’32 Ford Roadster
• John & Jake Babcock, ’40 Mercury Custom
• Big Don Van Dinter, Honorary

2007

• Dave & Sandy Spear, ’52 Chevy Fastback
• Lonnie & Candy Gilbertson, ’40 Ford Coupe

2008

• Gary Coe, ’57 Ford Pickup
• Alan Shaw, ’51 Chevy Pickup

2012

• Gary Thompson, '69 Plymouth GTX
• Doug Beattie, '40 Ford Full Custom
• Larry Maynard, Honorary
• Steve Frisbie, Honorary

2013

• Mike Conn, Honorary
• Keith Preskey, Honorary

2014

• Roger & Kathy Hill, ’39 Chevy 2 dr Deluxe Sedan
• Chuck Lawrence, (In Honor of Bill Peterson) ’32 Ford Roadster
• Duane Caseday, Honorary
• Mitch Kim, Honorary
• Mark Mathias, Honorary

2015

• Dan Graham, ’50 Ford F1 Pickup
• Jerry & Josie Kjensrud, '39 Chevy Coupe
• John & Donna Bukovi, Honorary

2016

• CJ Carlile, ’56 Chevy Custom
• Bob & Brad Vanderberg, '50 Mercury Coupe
• Bob Collison, Honorary

2017

• Joyce Johnson, ’29 Ford Model A Pickup
• Jerry Logan, '68 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350

2018

• John & Tracielyn Rydzewski, ’55 Ford F100 Pickup

2019

• Mike Itel, '71 Corvette
• Greg & Dottie Meyer, '33 Chevy Roadster
• Dan Lacey, Honorary
• Darryl Schroeder, Honorary

2020

• Greg LaRue, Honorary
• Jeff LaRue, Honorary
• Gary Parham, Honorary

2023

• Ronald Halbleib '66 Chevrolet Chevelle SS - 396
• Mike Hertz, Honorary
• Darlene Maynard, Honorary
• Joe Roberts, Honorary

2024

• Dennis Panichello '68 AMX
• Bryan Fakler, Honorary
• Terry Morris, Honorary
• Tommy Carr, Honorary

• Shane Fischer, '60 Edsel Ranger
• Curt Rardin, '54 Cobra Roadster
• Ginny Caseday, Honorary
• Larry Weber, Honorary
• Lonnie Tompson, Honorary