PURPLE, POWER & HOT ROD PEOPLE

One massive day of chrome, horsepower and full-throttle good times is locked in for May 23 at Rosehill Racecourse, Sydney, with gates swinging open from 9am to 6pm for the Hot Rod and Custom Auto Expo.

From neat streeters to elite show cars, the place will be packed with killer machinery, but a big drawcard this year is the Beatniks Car Club – one of the world’s most iconic hot rod outfits. Known for their unmistakable purple presence and deep roots in traditional hot rodding, the Beatniks bring serious style, history and attitude, with incredible hot rods and custom cars, live pinstriping, airbrush action and lowbrow art happening all day.

There’s also a major spotlight on the legendary Willys Americar, a true heavyweight of hot rodding and drag racing history. These stubby, pre-war coupes became icons in the ’50s and ’60s thanks to their short wheelbase, lightweight bodies and perfect proportions for straight-line performance. From wild gassers hiking the front wheels to blown big-block monsters owning the street, the Willys built a reputation as one of the baddest in the game.

Car unveilings kick off from 11am, and they’re set to be a serious crowd-puller, with more than half a dozen brand-new builds breaking cover for the very first time. We’re talking everything from high-end, show-stopping elite builds with flawless paint and next-level detail, right through to standout, one-off rides that don’t follow any rulebook but absolutely nail the brief. Different styles, different attitudes, and each one built to turn heads.

Look, dine, shop, rock, repeat! Tickets at the gate only; get in early, stay late and soak it all in. Full details at hotrodandcustom.com.au.