By Luke Voogt
Geelong’s hottest rods and classic cars will rock Queenscliff in the region’s annual showcase of mechanical beauties next weekend.
It’s the sixth Queenscliff Rod Run for Leopold’s Ian Scott, who can’t wait to cruise down Hesse Street in his 1932 two-door Ford sedan.
“It’s a bit like the Bonnie and Clyde cars,” the 64-year-old said.
Up to 700 entrants will take to the town’s main street in their shiny hot rods from 7.30pm to 10pm in show’s parade on 3 February.
“They run up and down the road all night and the streets are full of people,” Ian said.
The Queensliff Rod Run is one of the biggest events of its type in Victoria and “pours” money into town, Ian said.
“It’s going to be the biggest ever this year.”
The show would raise about $40,000, which would go to the Lions Club, Scouts, local sporting clubs and cancer support groups, he said.
“It brings a hell of a lot of money into the town.
“The people in Queenscliff are really excited that it’s happening. All the caravan parks and rentals are booked out.”
Ian bought his first hot rod 37 years ago but traded it in two years later for a hatchback after the birth of his first son.
“The guy offered a deal I couldn’t refuse so I took it,” he said.
“My wife got a surprise that I sold it.”
He restarted the hobby after his wife passed away eight years ago.
“She would have loved it,” he said. “Now that the family’s gone I’ve gotten back into it – I had the money and I was able to do it.”
The former sales rep and factory manager spent about a year building his latest V8 pride and joy.
“You buy all the bits and pieces and you put it all together like a jigsaw puzzle,” he said.
Fellow Geelong Street Rodders member Adrian Cooper also developed a passion for hot rods early on.
“I went to the street rod nationals in 1979 with a friend,” the 58-year-old said.
“When the event came to Geelong I got involved.
“I went and bought one that was registered and on the road in 98, and I’ve been with the club ever since.”
The Former Alcoa worker from Newcomb was looking forward to driving his 1944 Ford coupe with his daughter.
“She’s just got her full licence, so she’ll be keen to drive a hot rod no doubt,” he said.
Adrian loves travelling across the country with the Geelong Street Rodders.
“I’ve got friends all across Australia going to different rod runs.”
The Queenscliff Rod Run cruises into the town on 2 February and runs for two days, with an exhibition at Princess Park on the Sunday.
