Sacramento Autorama Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary

The Sacramento Autorama returns to Cal Expo May 1–3, 2026, celebrating its 75th anniversary honoring the legacy and evolution of Northern California’s iconic car culture. One of the longest-running indoor car shows in the world, this year’s show promises an unforgettable weekend filled with hundreds of hot rods, customs, muscle cars, lowriders, trucks, motorcycles and boats, event officials stated in a press release.

Competing for the Custom d’Elegance, World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider & Big B Awards

Participants from across the country will compete for some of the industry’s most prestigious honors, including the Custom d’Elegance, the World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider and the “Big B Awards,” along with the season-ending West Coast Challenge Series title, noted the release.

Last year, Jimmy Hervatin earned the Custom d’Elegance title with his 1952 Ford F1 pickup. The award recognizes the best chopped, channeled or sectioned vehicle from 1935 to 1964 that embodies the spirit of traditional customization. This year’s winner will take home a $5,000 prize, courtesy of ARP Fasteners.

The World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider award returns to honor the most exceptional lowrider entry in the show. In 2025, Eric Wisterman took home the title with his 1962 Chevrolet Impala. The award celebrates craftsmanship, style and cultural expression within the lowrider community, with this year’s winner earning a $5,000 prize sponsored by ARP Fasteners.

The ARP West Coast Challenge Series will once again conclude at the Sacramento Autorama. The series brings together top competitors who have entered at least four of the five premier West Coast indoor shows, awarding $12,500 to the grand champion, $6,500 for second place and $3,500 for third, along with additional prizes throughout the season. Dave Maxwell claimed the 2025 Grand Champion title with his 1953 Chevrolet Corvette.

A cornerstone of the Sacramento Autorama, the Big “B” Awards celebrate excellence across multiple facets of custom car building. These four highly respected honors include:

• World’s Most Beautiful Custom, H.A. Bagdasarian Memorial Award – Awarded to a custom vehicle from 1936 to the present that features a silhouette change such as chopping, channeling or sectioning.
• Sam Barris Memorial Award – Recognizing outstanding metalwork, body alignment and paint on all-metal vehicles.
• “Candy Apple” Joe Bailon Memorial Award – Honoring excellence in candy paint, finish and overall presentation.
• Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award – Celebrating craftsmanship in assembly, fit, finish and detail on pre-1973 vehicles.

A special display will also feature past Custom d’Elegance, Big “B” and King of Kustom winners, offering a rare opportunity to view some of the most celebrated custom cars ever built.

Chip Foose Appearances, Outdoor Drive-In & Pinstriper Charity Event

In celebration of the 75th anniversary, the “Overhaulin’” crew, including Chip Foose, Chris Jacobs and AJ Janic, will appear at this year’s event with autograph sessions throughout the weekend.

The Sacramento Autorama Drive-In returns as the outdoor portion of the show. Open to all hot rods, customs, specialty cars and trucks, participants receive entry for the driver and one passenger, a goodie bag and premium parking placement among 300 to 500 vehicles displayed across the Cal Expo grounds. Editor’s Pick awards will be presented by Modern Rodding, All Chevy Performance and Classic Truck Performance.

The Pinstriper Charity Auction will once again feature some of the nation’s top pinstripers creating one-of-a-kind artwork for auction each day. Attendees can also bring personal items to be customized for a small donation, with all proceeds benefiting UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

History of the Sacramento Autorama: From 1950 to Today

Widely recognized as the “Kustom Capital of the World,” the Sacramento Autorama traces its roots to 1950, when Harold “Baggy” Bagdasarian brought together members of a local car club to showcase their cars and settle friendly debates over craftsmanship, a tradition that continues 75 years later.

“The Sacramento Autorama has been a cornerstone of car culture for 75 years, and this year’s celebration is a tribute to the builders, fans and community that made it what it is today,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows. “From historic customs to cutting-edge builds, this show continues to showcase the very best of the automotive world.”