News feed Profile Menu

THE 69TH ANNUAL SACRAMENTO AUTORAMA RETURNS TO THE CAL EXPO FAIRGROUNDS

Industry News   |   Posted: 02/11/2019
Posted by: RodShows.com

Loading

Known as the “Kustom Capitol of the World,” the Sacramento Autorama will bring together the best customs, hot rods, pickups, motorcycles and muscle cars from across the country to compete for the coveted “Custom d’Elegance” and “King of Kustoms” titles as well as 400 other awards on February 15-17, 2019

Sacramento, Calif. (February, 2019) – The Sacramento Autorama, one of the longest running indoor car shows in the world, is returning to the Cal Expo Fairgrounds in Sacramento, California on February 15-17, 2019.  The three-day show will feature over 500 vehicles on display inside of the Cal Expo buildings competing to win the prestigious “Custom d’Elegance” award, or one of the show’s many other awards, as well as an additional 300 cars participating in the 11th Annual Sacramento Autorama Drive-In on Saturday and Sunday.

The Sacramento Autorama was started by Sacramento businessman Harold "Baggy" Bagdasarian in 1950 when he brought together the members of a local car club to settle friendly arguments over the outstanding merits of their customized cars. Now in its 69th year, the show has grown to become “The Kustom Capitol of the World,” showcasing the country’s best and most radical custom cars and hot rods, all competing for one of 400 awards recognizing the best customs, restored classics, motorcycles, trucks, hot rods, muscle cars and street machines.

The most coveted award of the show is the “Custom d’Elegance,” which is given to the best chopped, channeled and sectioned vehicle from 1935-1948 that embodies the true spirit of a classic custom. This year, 10 of the best custom owners and builders in America will be competing for the title, the $2,000 purse and to have their name added to the historic perpetual plaque alongside iconic customizers like Gene Winfield, Joe Bailon, George Barris and John D’Agostino. The other highly sought-after award at the show is the “King of Kustoms,” which recognizes the best 1935-1964 custom build with particular focus on bodylines, design, flow and quality of workmanship.

In addition to “Custom d’Elegance” and “King of Kustoms,” there are an additional 47 “outstanding” and sweepstakes awards up for grabs as well as seven special judges’ picks known as the “Big B Awards.” Of these special accolades, the H.A. Bagdasarian’s “World’s Most Beautiful Custom” award is by far the most prestigious. This award is open to any custom from 1936 to present that features a major silhouette change and is chosen by show founder H.A. Bagdasarian’s family. The winner gets their name enshrined on the 8-foot tall perpetual trophy and takes home $500 in prize money.

“We couldn’t be prouder to present the 69th Annual Sacramento Autorama,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the Sacramento Autorama. “This is an incredibly historic event and one of the longest-running indoor car shows in the world, and we can’t wait to continue Harold Bagdasarian’s legacy in 2019.”

In addition, the 69th Annual Sacramento Autorama will present multiple new feature classes. Featured displays for the show include the Lowrider Showcase, the Tri-Five Chevy display, Vintage Motorcycles and the return of the traditional-style hot rod display known as the Suede Pavilion.

Beyond all the amazing custom rides, live music and good food, show attendees will also have the chance to watch the best pinstripers in the nation ply their craft as they create custom pinstriped works of art live during the show at the Autorama Panel Jam. All of this artwork will then be put up for auction, the proceeds from which will be donated to help the children of the U.C. Davis Children’s Hospital.

The 69th Annual Sacramento Autorama will also feature appearances by Joe and Amanda Martin, owners of Martin Bros. Customs in Johnson City, Texas and stars of the hit Motor Trend Network series “Iron Resurrection.” Both Joe and Amanda will be meeting their fans throughout the weekend.

The Sacramento Autorama opens to the public at noon on Friday, February 15 and runs until 6pm on Sunday, February 17. Admission for adults is $20 each day, children ages 6-12 are $10 each day and ages 5 and under are free. Tickets are also available at all participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores in Northern California for $18. Parking is $10 and the entrance to the lot is located at the Main Gate and East Gate off Exposition Blvd. For more information about the Sacramento Autorama, please visit www.rodshows.com/sa/.

2018 Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award Winner- 1957 Chevrolet Corevette 'Family Affair'

2018 Sam Barris Memorial Award Winner-1965 VW Bus

2018 King of Kustoms Award Winner - 1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III 'Maybellene'

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 and the Sacramento Autorama. 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 coachbuilders and events throughout the year, ensuring the Best of the Best participate in its events.  For more information, visit www.rodshows.com.

RodShows.com
12223 Highland Ave, Suite 550
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91739
(877) 763-7469
Email Us
View Company Profile