Up to 500 hot rods, street machines and restored classics will rumble through the streets of Port Fairy this weekend for the 32nd annual South West Street Rodders Coastal Show ‘n’ Shine on Sunday. 

Petrol heads and rockabillies will share common ground at Southcombe Park, where the gates open from 9am until 2pm.

Organiser Shane Winnen said some competitors spent huge amounts of money maintaining their vintage love affairs. 

“You can go anywhere between $2000 and $200,000,” Mr Winnen said.  

“Some of them go out of control. Some people don’t drive them. 

“They just polish them and take care of them.”

That’s not for Mr Winnen. The Port Fairy panelbeater prefers to take his 1936 Ford Roadster on the highway. 

For owners and fans, the show represents a chance to appreciate vehicles before plastics took over, with cars ranging from the 1970s into the classical pre-1948-era hot rods. 

“It’s like a piece of art. It’s a passion for the vehicle,” Mr Winnen said. 

The weekend is a key date on the rodders’ social calendar. “If you’re an entrant there’s dinner on Saturday night and a rock and roll dance.”