ONE of the nation’s largest collections of hot rods and custom cars is set to arrive in Mount Gambier this weekend with attendees and their standout vehicles travelling in style from across Australia.
The Australian Street Rod Federation Street Rod Nationals gathering will be held at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Spectators will be able to get up close to the array of fascinating cars and their owners from 9am to 4pm at the show and shine event.
In addition, a collection of special interest vehicles, muscle cars, performance, racing cars and street machines will be on show in a separate car park.
Enthusiasts can enter the show with their vehicles on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm with special interest vehicle parking off Pick Avenue with $5 entry.
“Around 1000 cars are expected to be on display over the weekend and will travel from each state in Australia,” Lake City Hot Rod Club president Terry Sparrow said.
Three vehicles will travel from Northern Territory, 30 from Western Australia and the rest from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
“We even have one entrant from New Zealand,” Mr Sparrow said.
Mark Craine from Western Australia is set to bring his 1931 Ford Coupe with a supercharged Chevrolet engine.
Among the variety of cars from Adelaide is sponsor and entrant Geoff Woods with his supercharged V8 1932 Ford five-window Coupe.
Event activities will include hot rod motor events, trade exhibitor stands with a range of stylish and retro clothing, hot rod accessories and other automotive interest items will all be on sale.
There will be music, rock and roll bands, along with other entertainment, food and variety stalls, as well as a cruise track inside the showgrounds for spectators to observe entrants cruising and displaying their vehicles.
All cars will chase a top 10 award of excellence for the event, voted by entrants.
Mr Sparrow encouraged the community to attend and support the massive event in the city.
Event manager Trevor Cass said preparation for the event by the organising committee was a two-year process.
“When have locals been able to see such an amazing array of hot rods, rat rods and customs up close?” Mr Cass said.
“Countless hours have gone into the construction of these beautifully detailed, chrome-plated and polished vehicles, many featuring late model running gear and state of the art automotive engineering and technology.”
He said spectators will have the opportunity to talk with owners, builders and component suppliers.
Public entry to the event is $15 for adults and $10 for concession card holders and $5 for children under 15 years.
Visit www.bluelakenationals.com.au for information.
