First published in the November 2004 issue of Street Machine

There aren’t many shows where the shiny cars park out of the way while the rusty, primered and quite often smoky engined heaps get the prime spots. Unless you’re heading to the Rat Rod Day.

Now in its fifth year, and bigger and better than ever, the numbers of cars and people just keep growing. The one-day event was the brainchild of Ray Flaherty of Junkyard Classics, and Nick Rees of Rees’ Racing. Their factory units are next door to each other and on Father’s Day of every year they open the gates and put on a bit of a party.

Although the rat rod craze is booming now, five years ago rats were few and far between. Nick and Ray thought that it would be cool to put on a show for the guys who don’t really give a rat’s about winning trophies. The biggest trophy would go to the car that Nick and Ray thought best summed up the spirit of the day.

This year, after many years of trying, Al Burgess took home the live sculpture that is the King Rat Rod trophy. Each year the winner must add something to the trophy. The problem is, it’s getting to the point where you just about can’t pick the bloody thing up. Maybe put some billet on it this year, Al!

Showing up in a Model T coupe channelled about a foot and running a 348 Chev engine straight out the zoomie pipes, Al made quite an entrance. Other stand-out features on the car were the steering arm exiting out the door, hand-operated brake, hot-wire ignition system and no roof — how else was he going to get out?

An important thing to realise is that this car and others by members of the Imperials are done just for the day. They’re not registered and are really just a bit fun to see how far you can take the whole rat rod craziness.

The large number of cars out the front and the streams of people heading to the event attracted some of the boys in blue. It was quite obvious that everyone was having too much fun but as hard as they tried, they couldn’t find a law against that. There was a menacing child riding around without a bike helmet who copped a fine and unfortunately the band had to shut down due to some paperwork not being filled out. D’Oh!

Rumours that the show would not go on or would have to move to different premises were unfounded and you can bet next year it will be on again for young and old. In future all the paperwork will be filled out — extra care will be take to cross the Is and dot the Ts.

Apart from those small hiccups, the event was a huge success with everyone having a great time. The reputation of the event is such that it even attracts a few Mexicans, including a whole busload from the Marsh Rodders Hot Rod Club as well as Rod Hadfield and Norm Hardinge who drove all the way from Castlemaine in the Hot Rod Lincoln pick-up.

Towards the end of the day the weather started to close in and the few who’d made the trip from Canberra and further afield copped it. But it was worth it and they’ll all be back for more next year. If you go, don’t have too much fun.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Matt Joyce recently finished this Model A pick-up, channelled eight inches and chopped three. A dual-carbed flathead backed up by a C4 provides motivation.

2. Like all good customs, this single spinner Ford is still being changed. Chopped many years ago, latest additions are the chrome trim and frenched lights front and rear.

3. One of the first Aussie hot rods to rekindle the traditional style, Paul Reid’s ’34 Ford three-window has attitude to burn. Suede paint, magnesium wheels and a narrowed truck grille make this coupe stand out, even at the Rat Rod Day.

5. King Rat Rod of the day went to Al Burgers and his crazy Model T coupe. Channelled over a foot, with a six-carb 348 Chev and zoomie headers, the steering exited through the door, which meant Al had to climb out through the roof. There’s nothing but a blanket for padding inside. Other features included the hand-operated brake and a starter system made up of a couple of wires.

6. Long-time hot rodder Bill Jansen showed up with an in-yer-face lime green and flamed ’37 Willys pick-up. With a small-block Chev and a short wheelbase, this’d be interesting down the quarter.

8. Imperials member Charlie Falzon had another 348 Chev-powered hot rod but this time a Model T roadster. Showing plenty of patina and fresh air, Charlie insists this one will get finished. The car took the prize for Top Open car of the day.

9. This incredible Model T is the handiwork of Steve and Ethel Hoath. Steve made the wheels, steering wheel and pedal assembly himself — he’s a pattern maker. And in case you’re wondering, yes, he broke the mould.

10. Romans HRC member Matt Bell rocked up in his ’28 Tudor, with ’33 grille. Blown small-block, four-speed and Billet Specialties Legacy wheels give this sedan a tough look but it’s not all show. Matt drives the car to work, rain or shine.