The art of hot rodding has been part of our community for more than 60 years.
Hot Rodders are crafters who take an older vehicle and customise it to their own desires. Some are subtle makeovers – some are pretty wild! All are one-off creations that reflect the personality of the builder.
This weekend you can take the opportunity to meet some of these incredible makers when the Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre Limited stages its fifth annual ‘Autopia’ event at Autoplex Castlemaine.
The two day extravaganza on March 11 and 12 at the former Castlemaine Secondary College Senior Campus in Etty Street will feature hot rod and visiting car displays, a two day model show, the John Davis Memorial Run, mini trucks, a great range of food and more.
Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre chairperson Vicki Farrell said hot rodders are the original ‘Greenies’.
“We have been recycling, repurposing and reusing old vehicles since the late 50s and early 60s rather than buying something new,” she said.
This year’s event will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1923 T Model Ford and will also include the auction of a ‘project car’ – a 1928 Roadster Pickup on Sunday March 12 at 12 noon.
“This is a great opportunity for someone to secure their next project and join our hot rodding community,” Vicki said.
Funds raised will assist the Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre with its initiatives at Autoplex Castlemaine where they work to support local young people to learn the inner workings behind building cars and are also establishing a permanent display recognising the region’s rich hot rodding history.
“Come along and meet the members, see some beautiful vehicles and learn more about our plans for Autoplex,” Farrell said.
“We will also have a visit from Jasmine Green from Kyabram whose stunning mini truck won the ‘Street Machine Car of the Year’ in 2022 and an extensive display of low rider push bikes,” Vicki said.
“The model show is always popular and we will have exhibitors with quarter-scale and model cars,” she said.
“There will also be metal work, crafts and hobby displays. There will be something for the whole family.”
The event will run from 10am to 4pm each day. Entry is just $5 Adults, Kids Under 16 free.