Mateo Helps Grandpa Get His ’35 “Ground Zero” Ready for GNRS
Gennie Shifter and Ground Zero: Two Icons at the Grand Nationals
The 2026 Grand National Roadster Show is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in years—not just because of the cars, but because of the stories behind them. Gennie Shifter will be on site in Building 4, near the entrance and the beer garden, ready to talk shifters, design, and traditional craftsmanship with builders and fans alike.
Just steps away, in Building 5, Al, his grandson Mateo, and Al’s 1935 Chevrolet coupe “Ground Zero” will be on display—giving showgoers two great reasons to explore the floor.
A Custom Classic with a Personal Touch
Al’s 1935 Ground Zero isn’t just another custom car. It’s the result of more than a decade of enthusiasm, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
(See the car here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVAho-xSZlY)
What makes this build special isn’t only its extremely low stance or carefully considered design choices—it’s the family connection that runs quietly through the project.
Al has eight grandsons, but it’s Mateo who is consistently drawn to the garage. He always wants to be in on what Al is working on. Mateo turns three in March, the day before Al’s birthday.
Al made Mateo a hotrod of his own. Mateo plans to show it off at GNRS, too.
Gennie Shifter: A Part of the Story
One of the standout elements of Ground Zero is its connection to the Gennie Shifter. Al first noticed a Gennie Shifter in another car and assumed it was a one-off custom piece—it looked that intentional. After tracking down the original, he gained a deep appreciation for its blend of classic appearance and functional design. It is one of Mateo's favorite parts, too.
That shared respect for traditional style with modern reliability makes Gennie Shifter a natural fit at the Grand Nationals—and a meaningful part of the Ground Zero story.
A True Community Build
After seeing his grandpa's shifter, Mateo is a consistent presence in the garage, but Al is quick to point out that this car was never a solo or duo effort. Throughout the build, friends stepped in to help with welding, fabrication, metalwork, and problem-solving.
One thing that stands out when talking with Al about Ground Zero is how freely he gives credit. This car reflects not just his vision, but the skills and generosity of a close circle of fellow builders who shared their time and expertise to bring it to life.
The Chop at Bello’s Kustoms
A pivotal moment in the build was the roof chop, performed by Mike Billos of Bello’s Kustoms. This work dramatically reshaped the car’s profile, giving Ground Zero its lean, aggressive character.
The entire process was documented in a multi-part video series:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=474DlUQF6J0
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiYsGwBYxH8
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByrB6JGHDrM
Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DPiQ_J1lNw
Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG9e2be1u6A
Part 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-BqUHpa7i0
For Al, this phase of the build was especially important—it was where the vision truly locked in.
Family, Vision, and the Road Ahead
At its core, this story is simple: Al loves the car, and he loves sharing it. He’s excited about the conversations Ground Zero will spark at the Grand National Roadster Show and about seeing people connect with the car the way he does.
Mateo isn’t building the car himself—but his presence matters. He watches, notices, and absorbs. Like many family traditions, this one is being passed along not through instruction, but through exposure and time spent together.
Find Al and Ground Zero
Al also makes custom trim for classic cars, and you can follow Ground Zero and the build journey here: https://www.instagram.com/als35groundzero/
