New Zealand has a rich history when it comes to hot rods. Rob Campbell, originator of NZ Hot Rod magazine, has been deeply involved with hot rodding since its first known inception in our great land. In a recent television interview he was asked if Kiwis started hot rodding due to American magazine influence. His response was affirmative. He has since gone on to rectify that answer, and has pointed out that he actually knew of guys who were hopping up their jalopies well before any international hot rod magazines ever hit our shores. So it goes without saying that hot rods are in our blood. The Scroungers are an Auckland-based car club boasting only six members, all of whom are dedicated to keeping the traditional side of hot rodding alive and well. For the past six years, these guys have been putting on the Hot Rod Blowout.
Each year more cars, dragsters and motorbikes of the traditional style have emerged from sheds all over the country.This year was geared up to be a right royal cracker. The weather had turned to custard during the week, and many feared the worst. Oh ye of little faith. Sure, a light bit of rain drizzled in from time to time, but that didn’t prevent people from pouring through the gates at North Shore Rod and Custom Club’s rooms in Glenfield, Auckland.
The cars started rolling in from 7am and finding their place for the day. Punters began showing up earlier than they usually do, and by 10am the place was packed. With around 40¯cars on display, it’s easier than most shows to get around and check out the vehicles in detail. Well, you would think that, wouldn’t you? There are a great number of guys there who have been involved in rodding for so long, it’s hard not to want to talk to them and learn from them. I chewed on the ears of legends like Bill Ward (of salt racing fame), Graham Berry (of Berry and Chung) and Scotty Bare (incredible painter/pinstriper). And that’s only to name a few.
The cars that rolled in were examples of exceptional taste, and they just oozed that cool factor. Dave Alexander always makes a huge impact in his Art Chrisman replica race car, and his flatty with open headers lets out a wicked growl. The team from Rocket Speed Equipment in Hamilton showed up with an entourage of roadsters, including Dan’s roadster running a McCulloch blower on the Flathead V8 that made many a man weep.
NSRCC opened up its licensed bar at 11am, so a lot of blokes took time to grab a cold beverage and get back outside to the cars. Inside the clubrooms the big screen had hot rod DVDs playing all day. The BBQ was fired up and the food was delicious. A couple of bands were scheduled to play, and first up was The Voodoo Kreepers (I would like to say how awesome those guys were, but it’s my band and I don’t want to sound up myself like I usually do). Not long after we finished, Labretta Suede and The Motel Six laid on their sleaze rock for all to enjoy. What a great band thay are. Once I finished playing in the band, I was able to get back to the cars. Up the end of the alley The Scroungers had their cars surrounding Colin Crook’s just completed ’32 coupe. Colin’s coupe Hi-Boy has been built to late ’40s hot rod perfection. Not a single piece on this car has been overlooked, and the paint is just immaculate.
Now, to say that this event is just for those into traditional rods would be a lie. People from all walks of rodding seem to emerge from nowhere to partake in the Blowout. Across the road there’s an allotted parking area for cars of the ‘modern hot rod’ variety, and it kind of creates a Ying to the Blowout’s Yang. So there was something for everyone at this show.
As the day wore on The Scroungers upheld the two traditions they observe at every event. One was to honour people who have made an impact on hot rodding in NZ.
The first recipient was Scotty Bare, for his contributions to custom painting and pin-striping. Second to receive the prestigious honour was Plank Sherwin, who manned the light tree at Champion for 30¯years and who has only recently retired.
With this done it was time to hold the annual auction, which always attracts collectors of hot rod memorabilia. Some great bits came up for grabs, including a first edition of NZHRM signed by Bill Ward. Once the formalities were complete, people started to drift off on their way home. A few die-hards held out till the last cars were driven into the setting sun. A pizza was ordered, and a few of us hung around and shot the breeze about the day, and how it’s only another year till the next Hot Rod Blowout. I will be there; I recommend you keep March 16 free so you can be there too.
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