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SANDY -- This weekend, the South Towne Expo Center is playing host to some of the most unusual cars and trucks you've ever seen rolled into town.
It's the 37th annual Autorama, and you won't find SUVs, hybrids, or fancy foreign cars at the show. But if you like hot rods, lots of chrome and pinstriping, this is the place for you.
"We're featuring over 417 classic, modified, restored-classic, vintage and super automobiles," said event chairman J.C. Hackett.
Hundreds of people have lined up the past two days to get an up-close look of some of the cars. Hackett, who's organized vintage auto events for years in Utah, says this shows has it all.
"We have the hot rod vintage Bucket-T's, Model A's, classic '55 Chevys, muscle cars; if you're into cars, this is the place to do it," Hackett said.
Autorama shows like this take place all across the country every year, attracting millions of people.
What makes these cars, trucks and cycles unique is that none are from a standard off-the-assembly-line production. Most are designed and built by the owners and their families -- each reflecting their individual tastes.
"This is almost, in fact it is an artwork," Hackett said, "to where people have their vehicle and make it their way, and every car is very unique."
So what makes a great, unique car? Pete Orme of Thunderstruck Hot Rod & Custom Cycle has a pretty good idea.
"Paint stops 'em dead in their tracks," he said. "If it's a good paint job, that's usually what'll get 'em."
A good paint job will attract the judges attention too. The Autorama has several contest categories that owners can enter and win cash prizes.
Also at the show is an area called "Pinstripe Alley," where professional auto pinstripers are volunteering their time to paint a variety of items that will be auctioned off for charity.
The Salt Lake Autorama wraps up Sunday, March 6. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the South Towne Exposition Center.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com
