The 74th annual Sacramento Autorama, presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts, is set to ignite the Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, from May 2nd to 4th. This highly anticipated three-day event will bring together an extraordinary collection of over 500 meticulously crafted hot rods, unique customs, vibrant lowriders, powerful muscle cars, rugged trucks, and sleek motorcycles from across the nation. Attendees can immerse themselves in a world of automotive passion, witnessing breathtaking builds, admiring some of the country’s finest custom vehicles, engaging with celebrity guests, exploring vendor displays, and enjoying classic fair food.
Custom d’Elegance and Prestigious Awards: A highlight of the Sacramento Autorama is the prestigious Custom d’Elegance Award, presented by ARP Fasteners. This coveted accolade will be bestowed upon the most exceptional chopped, channeled, or sectioned vehicle from the 1936-1964 era that truly embodies the spirit of a classic custom. The contenders will vie for a $5,000 prize and a distinguished custom trophy, representing the pinnacle of custom car building.
Honoring Automotive Legends: The Autorama will also celebrate the legacies of Northern California hot rod icons through the “Big B Awards.” These include the Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award, the Candy Apple Joe Bailon Memorial Award, the Sam Barris Memorial Award, the World’s Most Beautiful Custom, H.A. Bagdasarian Memorial Award, and the King of Kustoms Award. These esteemed awards recognize outstanding achievements and pay tribute to the individuals who have significantly shaped the hot rod and custom car culture.
World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider: Recognizing the artistry and intricate detail of lowriders, the Autorama will present the World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider Award. This year’s winner will receive a $5,000 prize, courtesy of ARP Fasteners, acknowledging the dedication and craftsmanship involved in creating these rolling works of art.
Autorama Drive-In Experience: Local car enthusiasts are invited to participate in the 18th Annual Autorama Drive-In, an outdoor showcase welcoming all makes and models of cars and trucks (motorcycles are not permitted). Participants can drive their vehicles into the show and enter for one, two, or all three days. Each entry includes event admission for two people, a special goodie bag, and prime parking within the event. Over 400 vehicles are expected to be part of this exciting outdoor display.
West Coast Challenge Showdown: For the third consecutive year, the Sacramento Autorama will serve as the grand finale for the West Coast Challenge Car Show Series, presented by ARP Fasteners. Eleven exceptional vehicles, having competed in at least four of five select car shows across California, Oregon, and Washington, will be judged for the prestigious “Best of the West” title. The top three winners will receive significant cash prizes of $12,500, $6,500, and $3,500, along with other valuable gifts and awards.
Builder of the Year Honors: Brandon Flaner of East Bay Speed & Custom will be celebrated as the 2025 Builder of the Year. Renowned for his expertise in building early Ford hot rods and customs, Flaner has dedicated over a decade to restoring and crafting exceptional vehicles at East Bay Speed & Custom. Following his team’s victory in last year’s King of Kustoms Award for Mike McAuliffe’s stunning 1953 Ford Victoria, Flaner and his team will present a curated display of their impressive builds in Building C.
Gately Audio Extravaganza: The Gately Audio Show will be an integral part of the Autorama, featuring thrilling SQ (Sound Quality) and SPL (Sound Pressure Level) competitions. Attendees can witness live demonstrations of some of the most innovative and powerful audio builds in the country, take advantage of exclusive deals from West Coast vendors, participate in drawings, and admire an outstanding collection of audio-focused vehicles. This segment is a must-see for passionate auto enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.
Specialized Displays Throughout Cal Expo: The various buildings at Cal Expo will host a diverse array of special collections and displays. Building C will feature the West Coast Kustoms car club showcasing their coolest custom creations. Building A will present a special tribute honoring the legendary late customizer and fabricator Gene Winfield, celebrating his immense contributions to the automotive world. The Traditional Rod & Custom Showcase will highlight hot rods built in the classic styles of the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, offering a glimpse into the history and evolution of these iconic vehicles. Additionally, the West Coast Pro Street Outlaws display in another building will feature a dozen high-horsepower, blown, injected, nitrous-powered, tubbed, and fat-tired muscle cars, promising an adrenaline-fueled spectacle.
Pinstriper Charity Fundraiser: Over 20 talented pinstriping artists from across the country will gather for the Pinstriper Charity Auction. These skilled artists will create unique, hand-painted artwork, which will be auctioned off to benefit the UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Attendees are also encouraged to bring personal items such as cell phones or laptops to be custom pinstriped, with all proceeds contributing to this worthy cause. The live auction will take place on Sunday, May 4th, at 2 p.m. in the D Tent.
Ticket Information: Daily adult admission to the Sacramento Autorama is $25, and children ages 6 to 12 can enter for $10. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free. Discounted tickets are available at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores. On-site parking at Cal Expo is $10 per car.
Further Details: For more information about the 74th Sacramento Autorama or to purchase tickets in advance, please visit rodshows.com or call 877-763-7469.
Summary:
- The 74th Sacramento Autorama will take place at Cal Expo from May 2nd to 4th.
- The event will feature over 500 hot rods, customs, lowriders, muscle cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
- The prestigious Custom d’Elegance and World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider awards will be presented.
- The Autorama will honor Northern California hot rod legends with the “Big B Awards.”
- The 18th Annual Autorama Drive-In invites local enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles.
- Sacramento will host the Grand Championship of the West Coast Challenge Car Show Series.
- Brandon Flaner of East Bay Speed & Custom will be recognized as the 2025 Builder of the Year.
- The Gately Audio Show will feature sound quality and sound pressure level competitions.
- Special displays will honor Gene Winfield and showcase traditional hot rods and pro street cars.
- A Pinstriper Charity Auction will raise funds for UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. Potential attendees are advised to visit the official event website or contact the organizers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Source: Rod Shows
AI Assistance: Gemini
