The O’Reilly Auto Parts Sacramento Autorama, a cornerstone of the custom car world and one of the longest-running indoor car shows globally, recently wrapped up its 74th annual event at Cal Expo. The show brought together over 500 world-class custom vehicles, culminating in an awards ceremony that recognized some of the most exceptional builds in the country, distributing more than 400 individual accolades. The event underscored Sacramento’s enduring legacy in hot rodding and automotive culture, drawing enthusiasts and builders alike to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship.
The show’s most coveted prize, the Custom d’Elegance award, was bestowed upon Jimmy Hervatin for his remarkable 1952 Ford F1 pickup, aptly named “Lit Up.” This extraordinary creation is a meticulous realization of a painting by the acclaimed artist Keith Weesner. Hervatin himself handcrafted the truck, undertaking significant modifications including a six-inch chop, sectioning, and lowering the body onto a completely new frame. The reshaped bodywork features custom running boards, seamlessly shaved door handles, and a newly fabricated bed. Powering this stunning pickup is a 1954 Oldsmobile 324 engine. The truck’s finish is equally impressive, boasting a light blue pearl basecoat, a tri-coat pearl white, and striking dark red flames richly infused with gold flake. Hervatin’s exceptional work was recognized with a $5,000 prize courtesy of ARP Fasteners.
The West Coast Challenge Car Show Series, also presented by ARP Fasteners, reached its climax at the Sacramento Autorama with the crowning of its Grand Champion. David Maxwell earned the prestigious Best of the West award for his futuristic 1953 Corvette “TwelveAir” Concept, built by Kindig-It Design. Maxwell’s innovative Corvette triumphed over 10 other contenders who had previously competed in at least three of the five select car shows across California, Oregon, and Washington. His victory was rewarded with a substantial $12,500 prize. The second-place finisher was Cliff Mattis with his 1957 Chevrolet Convertible, receiving $6,500, while Carlos Martinez’s 1964 Chevrolet Impala convertible secured third place and a $3,500 prize.
For the second consecutive year, the Sacramento Autorama also celebrated the artistry of lowriders by awarding the title of World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider. This year’s honor went to Eric Wisterman’s “Breaking Bad”-inspired 1962 Chevrolet Impala. This dazzling light-yellow lowrider was a collaborative effort between Wisterman and Jim Basgall, featuring intricate murals by Albert Herrera depicting scenes and characters from the popular television show, detailed pinstriping by Alan Signs, a custom interior crafted by Daniel Moreno, and a sophisticated hydraulic system installed by Mike Ishiki. Wisterman’s exceptional creation earned him a $5,000 prize presented by ARP Fasteners.
In addition to these top honors, the Sacramento Autorama also presented the four historic “Big B Awards,” each recognizing specific aspects of automotive excellence. Jerry Logan’s immaculate 1952 Chevrolet Fleetline hardtop was awarded the H.A. Bagdasarian World’s Most Beautiful Custom Award. The Sam Barris Memorial Award, chosen by members of the Barris family in honor of the legendary custom car builder, recognized David Maxwell’s “TwelveAir” Corvette for its outstanding metalwork, precise alignment of body panels, and flawless paint. The Joe “Candy Apple Red” Bailon Memorial Award, designed and created by the renowned custom car designer and builder Joe Bailon, was presented to Nick Dias’ beautiful blue 1947 Cadillac. The final “Big B Award,” the Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award, is given to a pre-1973 vehicle that the family of the late hot rod and custom builder Dick Bertolucci felt exemplified the highest level of craftsmanship in assembly, fit, finish, and detail. This year, the Bertolucci family selected Mattis’ “Inspire 57” 1957 Chevrolet Convertible for this prestigious trophy.
Beyond the stunning vehicles on display, the Sacramento Autorama also contributed to a worthy cause. The popular Pinstriper Charity Auction held on Sunday successfully raised nearly $10,000 for UC Davis Children’s Hospital, an institution dedicated to improving the lives of children and transforming healthcare.
John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the Sacramento Autorama, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This weekend was a celebration of Sacramento’s deep history of hot rodding and automotive culture. Everyone who came out enjoyed hundreds of incredible customs, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles and more. It was a spectacular show and we can wait to celebrate the 75th Sacramento Autorama next year.”
Powertrain and Performance Details:
- Jimmy Hervatin’s 1952 Ford F1 Pickup “Lit Up”: Powered by a 1954 Oldsmobile 324 engine.
- David Maxwell’s 1953 Corvette “TwelveAir” Concept: Specific powertrain details were not provided in the text.
- Eric Wisterman’s 1962 Chevrolet Impala: Features a custom hydraulic system by Mike Ishiki. Specific engine details were not provided.
- Jerry Logan’s 1952 Chevrolet Fleetline: Specific powertrain details were not provided.
- Nick Dias’ 1947 Cadillac: Specific powertrain details were not provided.
- Cliff Mattis’ 1957 Chevrolet Convertible “Inspire 57”: Specific powertrain details were not provided.
Summary:
- The 74th annual Sacramento Autorama recognized top custom vehicles.
- Jimmy Hervatin’s 1952 Ford F1 pickup “Lit Up” won Custom d’Elegance.
- David Maxwell’s 1953 Corvette “TwelveAir” Concept won Best of the West.
- Eric Wisterman’s 1962 Chevrolet Impala won World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider.
- Jerry Logan’s 1952 Chevrolet Fleetline won the H.A. Bagdasarian Award.
- David Maxwell’s Corvette also won the Sam Barris Memorial Award.
- Nick Dias’ 1947 Cadillac won the Joe “Candy Apple Red” Bailon Memorial Award.
- Cliff Mattis’ 1957 Chevrolet Convertible won the Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award.
- The Pinstriper Charity Auction raised nearly $10,000 for UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
Disclaimer: Information provided is based on the Sacramento Autorama press release. Specific technical details and modifications of the awarded vehicles beyond what is mentioned may exist. Verification of specific vehicle features should be conducted independently.
Source: Rod Shows
AI Assistance: Gemini
