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More than 500 gleaming, gorgeous custom rides filled the California Expo Center last weekend, all on display to mark the 75th anniversary of Sacramento Autorama, one of the longest-running indoor car shows in the world. Up for grabs were hundreds of individual awards, along with three major honors: Custom d’Elegance, Best of the West, and World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider.
Courtesy Rod Shows
When the dust settled on May 3, judges awarded the 1936 Ford 3-Window Coupe of Nick and Beth Rogers with the Custom d’Elegance award. The slick blue coupe, known as “The Rugierro 36,” was built by South City Rod and Custom of Oakland. Powered by a Chevy 350, the Ford features a four-inch chop to the top; filled fender seams and rear deck; lowered headlights and shortened taillights; a custom-made bullnose; handmade grille trim and dash trim; bumpers from a ’37 Zephyr; and the steering wheel from a ’41 Zephyr. A Heidts suspension carries the front end, while the rear uses a four-link setup, and an Air Lift air ride system keeps things cushy. The Rogers’ received a $5000 check and a trophy presented by ARP Fasteners.
Courtesy Rod Shows
Sacramento Autorama is the fifth show in the West Coast Challenge Car Show Series held throughout Oregon, Washington, and California. Events include the Grand National Roadster Show, the Portland Roadster Show, the Spokane Speed & Culture Show, and the Medford Rod & Custom Show, and winning vehicles from those are eligible for the “Best of the West” award presented in Sacramento. This year, the 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible of Charlie and Alanna Butts claimed the top honor—and a $12,500 prize. The couple and their cherry drop top are no strangers to victory; it also won the Grand Champion award in 2024 at Hot August Nights.
Courtesy Rod Shows
Built by Roseville Rod & Custom, the Bel Air is coated in Space Red Candy paint and rides on an Art Morrison chassis, with power rack-and-pinion steering, modern independent front suspension, and a four-link rear. An LT4 V-8 with custom-machined valve covers provides plenty of power, with Ultimate Headers flowing through a custom exhaust fitted with Borla mufflers. A 4L80-E transmission topped by a Lokar shifter sends that power through a 9-inch rear end. The Budnick wheels are 20 inches in the rear and 16 inches up front, all backed by 14-inch Wilwood disc brakes. A custom console features a digital display, while Dakota Digital gauges are fitted to the original cluster. The result is a gorgeous cruiser and a fitting winner.
Courtesy Rod Shows
Finally, the 1963 Chevy Impala convertible of Juan Montero took home the $5000 prize for World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider. Every bit of this chromed and metalflaked car, dubbed “Hidden Paradise,” was spectacular, with elegant custom paintwork and delicate engraving from top to bottom, front to back.
“This weekend wasn’t just a celebration of Sacramento’s hot-rodding roots, it was a statement about where the craft is today,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows, the group that puts on this and several other West Coast shows. “Seeing builds like Nick Rogers’ ’36 Ford Coupe take top honors made our 75th anniversary one of the most competitive and inspiring shows we’ve ever hosted.”
Next up on the Rod Shows calendar is the Grand National Truck Show, which takes place at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, September 26–27.
Courtesy Rod Shows
This 1937 Lincoln Zephyr owned by Taylor Yager took home the Sam Barris Memorial Award.Courtesy Rod Shows
Ernie Enriques and his 1947 Dodge Coupe claimed the Joe “Candy Apple Red” Bailon Memorial Award.Courtesy Rod Shows
The Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award was presented to Steve Castellano and his 1956 Ford Panel.Courtesy Rod Shows
The H.A. Bagdasarian World’s Most Beautiful Custom Award went to Homer Diaz with his 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air.Courtesy Rod Shows