Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day event-goers will compete for new trophies at Beaulieu’s Father’s Day event on Sunday June 16th as new show ambassador Andy Saunders presents his first award and heats are held for Classic Motor Show finalists.
Held in association with the Solent Renegades club, the action-packed show will feature 500 hot rods, customised vehicles and American classics, paired with Simply VW on Saturday June 15th for a retro motoring weekend against the backdrop of live music, dancing and a two-day Vintage Village in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.
Car customiser Andy Saunders will arrive in style at Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day in his freshly re-engineered 1937 Cord 812 Westchester Tetanus, to meet show-goers and answer their questions. For the first time, this giant of the custom car world will be judging and presenting his very own Andy Saunders award for the most eye-catching modified car of the show.
From stripped-down hot rods, off-the-wall custom creations, low-riding cruisers and American pre-1980 classics to bikes with mega-engines and wacky trikes, the vibrant line-up will please petrol heads of all ages. There will be prizes for the best custom, hot rod, American car, bike/scooter and the coveted Best in Show award.
New for 2019, Classic American magazine will also be holding the heats for its Car of the Year competition. Show participants with qualifying unmodified American cars of any era will be invited to compete, with a trophy for the owner of the most impressive machine and automatic entry into the finals at the NEC’s Classic Motor Show in November.
Across the weekend, get into the vintage groove with live music, dancing and a vibrant two-day Vintage Village by Bows & Braces. Shop for nostalgic collectables, records, jewellery, luggage, kitchenware and retro clothing from the 1920s – ’80s, then chill out with retro refreshments in a bigger than ever Vintage Tea Tent.
Dress up in vintage finery to win a prize for the best dressed VW on Saturday or individual, family or group on Sunday. You can even get the perfect retro updo at Paula’s Vintage Parlour, which will create a range of glamorous styles from the 1920s – ’60s.
Take to the dance floor with Jitterbug Jive as Bournemouth Lindy Hop Club puts event-goers through their paces with dance demonstrations over the weekend. On Sunday, enjoy toe-tapping music by Bad Detectives, Spitfire Sisters and the roaming Mariachi el Mexicano band.
Getting the retro weekend off to a great start, Simply VW on Saturday 15th will be a chilled-out affair, celebrating Volkswagen cars and vans of every era. 2018 saw a record 537 Volkswagens cruise into the grounds of the Beaulieu attraction, including camper vans, Karmann Ghias, Beetles, beach buggies, Golfs, Polos, Passats and Sciroccos – and this year’s show is set to follow in its tyre-tracks.
Why not make a weekend of it and enjoy both shows with free camping on the Saturday for participants displaying an eligible vehicle at Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day. Or camping is available at £10 for all Simply VW participants who would like to stay for the next day’s show.
If you own a relevant vehicle and would like to take part in either show, email details of your car or bike for consideration to events@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 614614. Camping must be booked in advance.
Event tickets can be bought in advance online and include admission to the whole of the Beaulieu attraction.