With the dry conditions throughout the country, firefighters have been kept busy with fire breakouts all over the place; none more so than the huge bush fire around Blenheim. Over Waitangi weekend, February 6–8, Nelson saw its own share of flames, but fortunately these flames were painted on some of the beautiful hot rods that had gathered for the 2015 Classic Cover Insurance Pre ’49 Street Rod Nationals, which was hosted by Nelson City Rod & Custom Club.
With the event being based at Founders Heritage Park in Nelson, the organizers found a great location for the show and shine. Upon entering the park and just a short walk down the street, which was lined with character buildings and old business displays, half a dozen cars had been parked in the town square to wet the appetites of those wanting their automotive fix.
A walk further down the road took us to a park where all the rods were on display, but the first thing that stuck out was the amazing backdrop to the park — an old Bristol Freighter aircraft that was surrounded by cool rides. Nelson had once again turned on a beautiful sunny day, which brought out large crowds.
With entry to the park and the show set at only $5, a crowd of 4000 not only got to view and read the displays, which went into the details about the heritage of Nelson and its pioneers, but they also got to view some of the country’s most amazing pre ’49 hot rods that attended for the weekend.
Check out the list of award winners below the gallery.
Top 10
Ian Lind (New Plymouth Rodders) — 1932 Ford Roadster
Ron Amstad (Franklin Street Rodders) — 1935 Chevrolet Coupe
Grant Hilton (Riverside Rodders) — 1932 Ford Cabriolet
Terry Richards (Rodbenders) — 1932 Ford Woody
Peter Kidd (Gold Coast Rodders) — 1936 Ford Three-Window Coupe
John Allen (Riverside Rodders) — 1932 Ford Coupe
Bruce Carter (East Bay Rods) — 1933 Ford Tudor
Greg Hurndell (Wanganui Road Rodders) — 1932 Ford Roadster
Paul Wilkin (Road Runners) — 1932 Ford Five-Window Coupe
Ash Jones (North Canterbury Rodders) —1932 Ford Three-Window Coupe
People’s Choice
Grant Hilton (Riverside Rodders) — 1932 Ford Cabriolet
Rodders’ Choice
Ian Lind (New Plymouth Rodders) — 1932 Ford Roadster
Best Represented Club
Rodbenders, Christchurch
