The 68th O’Reilly Auto Parts Autorama In Sacramento Is Coming!

Known as the “Kustom Capitol of the World,” the Sacramento Autorama will bring together the best customs, hot rods, lowriders, pickups, motorcycles and muscle cars from across the nation on February 16-18, 2018.

Dave Martin's 1931 Ford Roadster, "The Martin Special," beat out 14 other contenders and nabbed the coveted title of "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" at the 2018 GNRS. Look for it at the Autorama Feb 16th - 18th in "The River City," aka Sacramento.

One of the longest-running indoor car shows in the world, the three-day event will feature over 400 cars positioned on the Cal Expo grounds, with an additional 250 cars in the clubhouse competing to win one of the show’s coveted awards. Known as “The Kustom Capitol of the World,” the Autorama will feature an incredible collection of radical customs, restored classics, motorcycles, trucks, hot rods, muscle cars, lowriders and street machines.

More than 60 awards will be up for grabs over the course of the weekend, led by the coveted “Custom d’Elegance.” This award will be presented to the best chopped, channeled and sectioned vehicle from 1935-1948 that embodies the true spirit of a classic custom.

This year, six of the best custom owners and builders in America will compete for a $2,000 cash prize, and having their name added to the historic perpetual trophy alongside iconic customizers like Gene Winfield, Joe Bailon, George Barris and John D’Agostino. In addition, the show’s “King of Kustoms” award will recognize the best 1935-1964 custom build that emphasizes exceptional bodylines, design, flow, and quality of workmanship.

Sue and Tad Leach's 1958 Lincoln, "Maybellene" built by Kindig-It Design won "Best Custom," at 2018 GNRS is Pomona. A stunner with impeccable details and craftsmanship. Dig the blown, 12 cylinder, Falconer mill. Breathtaking and worth the price of an Autorama ticket to see it in person. Swoon.

The Sacramento Autorama will also include appearances by Dave Kindig and Kevdogg, who will sign autographs in front of their new big rig, alongside a display of Kindig cars. Live pinstriping will generate proceeds for the U.C. Davis Children’s Hospital, while DJs spin records throughout the weekend. The Martin Special, winner of the 2018 “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” award at the Grand National Roadster show, will also be on display.

The show will be open to the public Friday, February 16, from noon to 8 p.m.; on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult admission will be $20 each day, children ages 6-12 are $10 each day and ages five and under are free. Parking will be $10 and located at the Main Gate and East Gate off of Exposition Blvd.

The Eddie Dye Roadster, built in 1950 by the Ayala Bros at Gil’s Auto Body. Won Bruce Meyer Hot Rod Preservation Perpetual Trophy Award at 2018 GNRS. Raced at the 1951 Bonneville Nationals, featured in the film “The Lively Set," back in the day... Resurrected by Circle City Hotrods, body and paint, East Bay Speed and Custom. Kudos to owner James Bobowski for rescuing this classic roadster. Made a big splash at GNRS and we should see it again in Sacramento.

Rod Authority will be on the ground for the entire weekend!  Be sure and check back frequently here and on Rod Authority Facebook for live feeds of all the coolness.  We expect many of the big debuts of GNRS to show up in the River City up north so if you missed them in Pomona, the will make an encore appearance.

For more information about the Sacramento Autorama, please visit www.rodshows.com/sa/.

About Rod Shows
Based in the automotive cultural hub of Southern California, Rod Shows produces the West Coast’s premier indoor hot rod and custom shows including the Grand National Roadster Show, the Sacramento Autorama, and the LA Roadster Show. Its professional show management team sets the highest standards for top quality competition and displays with every show and personally visit the country’s top automotive coach builders and events throughout the year, ensuring the Best of the Best participate in its events. For more information, visit www.rodshows.com.

Article Sources

About the author

Dave Cruikshank

Dave Cruikshank is a lifelong car enthusiast and an editor at Power Automedia. He digs all flavors of automobiles, from classic cars to modern EVs. Dave loves music, design, tech, current events, and fitness.
Read My Articles