HOT rods lit up the South East at the weekend as millions of dollars worth of unique and colourful vehicles descended on the region for the Australian Street Rod Federation Blue Lake Nationals.
Thousands of people wandered through the Mount Gambier Showgrounds to see the remarkable display, with the vehicles also spotted throughout the region as participants explored the South East.
An impressive 546 cars were entered in the show, with 497 vehicles on display in the special Chrome Bumper Bar area.
Hundreds of members of the Australian Street Rod Federation came from around Australia to be part of the event, with all states and territories represented.
Lake City Hot Rod Club president Terry Sparrow estimated around $12m was spent in the area at motels, caravan parks and on tours.
“A lot of people from New South Wales and Melbourne have said to me they will return to the city during their next holiday after seeing all that is on offer,” Mr Sparrow said.
With cars on display over Saturday and Sunday, event manager Trevor Cass said the preparation for the major event was a two year process and provided a significant tourism boost for the region.
“It was a big ask to get members from across Australia to the city and we knew we had to hold it somewhere with major attractions,” Mr Cass said.
“Mount Gambier is perfectly located, being close to both Adelaide and Melbourne.”
Street rods featured ranged from 1920s models through to remarkable vehicles from the ’60s and the event also featured live music, stalls and other attractions.
He praised the assistance from Mount Gambier City Council, which helped showcase the region to the visitors.
“During the stay we have been on a bus tour to Port MacDonnell, a Zippel Cruise and a trip to Penola,” Mr Cass said, explaining the broader region was showcased and participants spread their tourism dollars across the South East.
“We then did many circle tours of just Mount Gambier, going to local shops and cafes to support the area.”
Attendees travelled from the Northern Territory, with 30 entrants from Western Australia and others from Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and across the South East.
“It has been outstanding for the community to enjoy this unique event, where they have been able to get up close to hot rods, rat rods and customs,” Mr Cass said.
He said countless hours had gone into the construction and restoration of the treasured cars.
“Members have dedicated hours to ensuring their cars are beautifully detailed, chrome plated and polished, with many featuring late model running gear and state of the art automotive engineering and technology,” Mr Cass said.
