Chrome, colour and craftsmanship were on full display in Kiama over the weekend as the Romans Hot Rod Club staged its biggest event yet.

The three-day Romans Kiama Hot Rod Run drew enthusiasts from across the state, with more than 230 entrants showcasing rare and restored vehicles.

Event co-organiser Steve Poulton said this year’s gathering marked the pinnacle of the run’s 10-year history.

“This year’s event is as good as we’ve ever had. It’s testament to the location of Kiama, the support we get from our sponsors, Kiama Council and The Bugle, and of course all our members at the club, including co-organiser of the event, Chris Cassar,” he said.

“When you look at some of the cars, and what they were like when the owners started with them, you just shake your head and think, ‘that’s unbelievable what they’ve done to restore that’.”

He said more than 100 visitors booked into local caravan parks over the weekend, giving the Kiama economy a welcome boost.

John Dyer with his 1932 Ford 500D Coupe. Photo: The Bugle

With around 70 members in the Romans club and 40 volunteering, Poulton said the event had become as much about community as classic cars.

“Hot rodding isn’t just about the guys. Ladies get into it too. The custom line that won a trophy today is owned by a lady,” he said after announcing the event’s Top 5 awards on Sunday.

“The history of hot rods is a big lure. A hot rod is a pre-1948 car of American origin, but these days they’re so hard to get that you see more modern classics like Falcons, EH Holdens and Valiants joining the runs. It’s keeping the hobby alive.”

Top of the class

The highlight of the weekend was the Top 5 awards on Sunday, where entrants were judged on the style, presentation and attention to detail in their machines.

Taking out the most votes was Jason Cavanagh, of Mount Ousley, with his immaculately restored burgundy 1936 Ford three-window coupe.

“It means a lot to win this trophy. There’s a lot of nice cars here so it’s really good to get the recognition,” he said.

Cavanagh’s coupe is a labour of love that has consumed more than a decade of his life.

“I bought it about 12 years ago and it was extremely rusty,” he said.

“The first restoration took about three years, then I drove it for a while before pulling it off the road again for another two-year rebuild. It’s all roadworthy now.”

The coupe, which reflects the art deco curves of the 1930s, has been subtly modified.

“It’s not chopped like a lot of cars, it’s a standard roof height. I’ve welded the guards and running boards together and converted the dicky seat into a boot lid. It’s also got a little blower on it,” he said.

The car has already earned recognition on the national stage, making the top 26 out of about 800 entrants at this year’s Bendigo Hot Rod Nationals.

Cavanagh joked that his professional reputation was also on the line in showing off his coupe.

“I’ve got a shop in Fernhill (called Classic Fabrications) where I do car restorations, so I have to do a good job with mine,” he added, laughing.

Jason Cavanagh with his award-winning 1936 Ford coupe.

Runner-up rides in style

Second in the voting was John Dyer, from Tomerong, south of Nowra, with his sleek 1932 Ford 500D Coupe, powered by a 351 Cleveland V8 with a C4 transmission and 9-inch Ford diff.

“I’ve had it for just over a year. It’s basically brand new. I bought the body out of the US from United Pacific Industries, who remanufacture those ’32 bodies,” he said.

He says the build cost around $80,000, with the finished car valued at about $110,000.

“It drives beautifully,” Dyer said.

“It’s got a Kugel independent front suspension, automatic beaming, cruise control, electric windows and air-conditioning.

“We’ve camped at Kendalls Beach caravan park this weekend, driving up from Tomerong. It’s a great run.”

A growing tradition

For Poulton and the Romans club, the success of the weekend reinforced Kiama’s reputation as a car-lover’s destination.

“This event helps stimulate the local economy with all these people coming to stay and eat out,” he said.

“It’s a real team effort in promoting hot rodding and custom cars.”