Sacramento Autorama Prepares for 73rd Annual Event

More than 500 hot rods, customs, muscle cars, lowriders, trucks and motorcycles will take center stage when the 73rd annual Sacramento Autorama returns to Cal Expo on May 3-5.

“The history of car culture in Sacramento and Northern California is incredibly rich and diverse, and we look forward to celebrating it at the Sacramento Autorama,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows. “Each year, the cars and creations push the limits of the imagination while honoring the history of these incredible machines, and this year moves that bar even higher.”

This year’s event, presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts, will feature the inaugural World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider award, recognizing the show’s most outstanding lowrider. Boasting incredible custom paint, adjustable suspension, custom wheels and intricate engravings, this will surely be a full field. The inaugural winner will receive a $5,000 prize.

Entrants will compete for the Custom D’Elegance award, presented by ARP Fasteners, which is given to the best chopped, channeled or sectioned vehicle from 1935-48. In addition to the $5,000 prize, the winner’s name will be added to a list of iconic customizers like Sacramento’s Joe Bailon, the first to win the award in 1953.

For the second year, the West Coast Challenge Car Show Series presented by ARP Fasteners will crown its Grand Champion during the Sacramento Autorama. Twelve vehicles that have competed in at least three of four select car shows in California, Oregon and Washington will be judged for the Best of the West award. Winners will receive $12,500 (grand champion), $6,500 (first runner-up) and $3,500 (second runner-up), plus other gifts and prizes.

This year’s show will also feature a collection from West Coast Pro-Street Outlaws, plus the Traditional Rod & Custom Showcase, highlighting cars and history from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, and more than 25 car clubs in the Butch Gardner Club House.

Attendees can meet legendary car designer and TV personality Chip Foose, who will be at the Autorama on Saturday and Sunday. Foose, a previous America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winner and Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame inductee, will sign autographs and meet with fans throughout the weekend.

Locals are encouraged to show off their classic rides at the Autorama Drive-In. Participants will receive event admission for two people, a goodie bag and the best parking on the premises. More than 400 cars are expected to participate in the Autorama Drive-In.

Talented artists will donate their time to the popular Pinstriper Charity Auction, which features some of the best pinstripers in the country creating art to be auctioned off for charity each day. For a minimal donation, attendees can bring a cell phone, laptop or any other item to get pinstriped for a great cause. All proceeds benefit the UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Known as the “Kustom Capital of the World,” the Sacramento Autorama was started in 1950 when Harold “Baggy” Bagdasarian brought members of a local car club to settle friendly arguments over the outstanding merits of their customized cars. In addition to Custom d’Elegance, the Big B Awards include the Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award, “Candy Apple” Joe Bailon Memorial Award, Sam Barris Memorial Award and World’s Most Beautiful Custom, H.A. Bagdasarian Memorial Award.

The Sacramento Autorama opens to the public May 3, from noon-8 p.m., Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Adult admission is $20 each day, $10 for children ages 6 to 12 and children under 5 are admitted free. Discounted tickets are available for $18 for adults and $8 for children at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores.

For more information about the Sacramento Autorama and to purchase tickets online, click here.