Customs Captivate At Beaulieu Friday 17th- Sunday 19th June 2011

BEAULIEU, UNITED KINGDOM – June 22, 2011: The Hot-Rod and Custom Car event jointly organised by Beaulieu and Victory Wheelers is now in its fourth year. Held in the grounds of the National Motor Museum from the 17th – 19th June, it started as a one day event in 2008 with 200 custom cars on display in the Beaulieu Arena. It moved to a three day event in 2009 with a large contingent of custom car enthusiasts spending the whole weekend at Beaulieu, their numbers swelling further for Sunday’s Hot Rod and Custom Car Drive-In-Day,

Beaulieu’s Events Manager, Judith Maddox said: “Despite inclement weather on Friday and Saturday the sun came out on Sunday and we were delighted to see over 600 cars at the event over the weekend. Sunday’s Drive-In saw a great line up of Hot Rods and Customs, Classic Americans, Chops and Bobbers sunning themselves in the Beaulieu grounds.”

Victory Wheelers guests arrived on Friday for the 34th Southcoast International show and camped in the Beaulieu parkland, enjoying evening entertainment from DJ Mick Mears and The Borderlines.

On Saturday 116 vehicles took part in a Cruise-Out through the picturesque New Forest to Lepe Beach for a lunch stop, returning to Beaulieu through more of the beautiful New Forest. Entertainment for Saturday evening included ‘My Way’, a tribute to Elvis, plus DJ Mick Mears and Late Evening Burlesque.

The tranquillity of the Forest was shattered for a time on Saturday and Sunday with Cacklefest displays courtesy of the Wild Bunch nostalgia dragsters.

There were a bumper number of trade stands this year, selling a wide variety of custom related merchandise and accessories, a free Speedway funfair ride and Bumper Cars and live music throughout the day from The Ace Trio. Among the many eateries around the site the DW’s American Diner proved very popular. The event saw an increase in visitor numbers for the third year running with a total attending of just over 6,000.

Assisted by Burlesque performer, ‘Sensu’Elle’, Lord Montagu and the Hon Ralph Montagu presented trophies, together with a subscription to Custom Car Magazine, to the best car in each decade from the 1920s to the 70s. The Victory Wheelers Trophy, for service to the club, went to Terry Clifford with his Ratcatcher Dragster and Best in Show, sponsored by Custom Car Magazine, went to Dave Wright from Poole in a 1959 Chevrolet El Camino Kustom.

Lifestyle magazine, Milkcow sponsored a trophy for the Best Traditional Rod, awarded to David Brock in a 1931 Ford Roadster, and American Car Magazine awarded the American Choice to Martin Sinclair in a 1967 Ford Mustang. Best Bike went to Steve Cooper on a Harley Bobber.

The ‘Big Al’ Award, presented in memory of former Victory Wheelers Chairman, Alan Partridge and given to the member of the club who best exemplifies his spirit was presented to Mik and Lorraine Partridge (no relation) in their 1965 Chevrolet Pickup.

Keith Ellis, Victory Wheelers Chairman, said: “The South Coast Internationals have now become a must go to event for all the enthusiasts in the world of Hot Rod, Custom and American Classic Cars. Victory Wheelers are proud to organise such a show with our partners at Beaulieu. This annual show fits the bill for both enthusiasts and interested visitors to Beaulieu”

The Victory Wheelers Southcoast Internationals & Beaulieu Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In-Day was supported by Custom Car Magazine.