Hot Rods & Kool Kustoms

Saturday 28 January – Sunday 14 May 2017

Fire up your engines, step back in time and feel the thrill and excitement of these retro racers.

Inspired by the stars of those electrifying race scenes from your favourite vintage movies, hot rods from across the UK are parking up and bringing the sights and sounds of the 1950s with them. Built for speed, hot rods were quickly branded a menace to society but the thrill and glamour of Californian white sand races made these machines the ultimate American dream. Their danger, excitement and creativity was quickly adopted across the pond here in the UK by a hip new chrome-plated generation.

From the early days of souped-up mechanics to the Koolest Kustom designs of the 50s and beyond, discover cars made with personality, speed and style. Featuring icons from both the American and British custom car scene, you’ll find the classic ‘32 Ford Roadster and the ‘57 Ford Pop as well as examples of low-slung customs and cool chopped designs from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Family Area
As part of the Hot Rods and Kool Kustoms exhibitions we have an exciting interactive family area where you can customise a real car bonnet using pin striping techniques, race your cars down a ramp with loop the loops, and celebrate on our winner’s podium.