Holden's stunning EFIJY, which was judged 2007 North American Concept Car of the Year and has just taken the Dubai Motor Show by storm, headlines a huge entry in this year's Victorian Hot Rod Show at the Melbourne Exhibition Building over the Australia Day weekend from January 25-28.
Described as 'probably the most beautiful concept car ever' when it was named Hot Rod of the Year by the influential Hot Rod magazine in the United States, EFIJY has drawn massive crowds wherever it appears.
"This car exists purely for automotive entertainment," said Richard Ferlazzo, GM Holden's Chief Designer who penned and helped build the contemporary reincarnation of a 1953 FJ sedan. "It's great that it gets to be showcased like this."
Promoted by the Victorian Hot Rod Association and co-sponsored by Shannons, the show has been staged every year at the Exhibition Building since 1965, where it the historic building's longest-running tenant.
Over its 43-year history it has become a Mecca for all special and modified car and bike enthusiasts, with a record 160 entrants this year squeezing into the Nicholson Street building for the 2008 show.
Show manager Peter Unsworth expects around 25,000 people to visit the exhibition over its expanded four-day format, with doors opening at noon on Friday, January 25 and closing at 6.00pm on Monday January 28.
"Inside they will find a capacity display of mind-blowing hot rods, wild street machines, way-out customs and some unbelievable motorbikes," he said. "There are also more trade stands than in any previous year, with many Show Specials on offer."
One of the highlights of the Victorian Hot Rod Show will again be the judging of the coveted 'Australia's Coolest Ride' trophy for the most desirable road-going vehicle on display, which in 2007 went for the second successive year to the stunning 1932 Ford Boydster of Melbourne's Mark Course.
For the kids or junior rodders, there will be a display of mini rods, low rider cycles, slot cars and a large model car display - all in the running for trophies and prizes.
Other innovations at this year's show include an award for the Best Dressed Trade Stand, a Kids Colouring Competition, with trophies for entrants in four categories, while patrons will be entertained on the Saturday night, by a Rockabilly band on an upstairs dance floor.
Opening times for this year's Victorian Hot Rod Show are:
Friday 25th at noon till 10pm
Saturday 26th 10am till 10pm
Sunday 27th 10am till 10pm
Monday 28th 10am till 6pm
Admission costs $20 for adults and $10 children under 12, with a family pass $40 for two adults and children.
There is special VIP parking for hot rods out the front of the Exhibition Building, with all patrons in the running for a special give away door prize.
For further Show information contact Peter Unsworth, Victorian Hot Rod Show manager on (03) 9568 2246 / 0418 388 884
Media information and publication-quality photos: Michael Browning
(03) 9879 9111 / 0418 324 328
