2022 Sacramento Autorama

Photography by Michael Corazzelli Article & Layout by Jimmy B

FINALLY!! After a one year unplanned hiatus (COVID) the 71st Sacramento Autorama finally took place! Some of the West’s top automotive builders and owners showed off their colorful customized cars at the 71st Sacramento Autorama held at the Cal Expo center in Sacramento CA. Once again the show was sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts. Billed as one of the longest-running indoor car shows in the world, this year’s event spotlighted more than 400 custom cars, hot rods, classics, motorcycles and specialty

76 vehicles from across the nation. The vehicles competed for dozens of awards in various classifications

held at the Cal Expo center in Sacramento CA. Once again the show was sponsored running indoor car shows in the world, this s event spotlighted more than 400 custom cars, hot rods, classics, motorcycles and specialty vehicles from across the nation. The vehicles competed for dozens of awards in various classifications.

As in past years, the show touted the area’s significant role in California’s postWorld War II car-craze era, when Sacramento became known as the “Kustom Capital of the World.”

Live music, celebrity appearances, vendor booths and special exhibits were also set up throughout Cal Expo. In addition to the hundreds of vehicles competing for awards, hundreds more cars were on display in the Butch Gardner Clubhouse at the Cal Expo Pavilion building and the outdoor Autorama Drive-In near Building A on Saturday and Sunday.

Numerous awards – including the 8foot-tall H.A. Bagdasarian World’s Most Beautiful Custom award – was handed out on Sunday. The Autorama was started by the late Sacramento businessman Harold Bagdasarian in 1950. While serving as president of the local Capitol City Auto Club Thunderbolts, he talked club members into hosting a show to settle friendly arguments over the merits of their customized cars. The initial show, held at a downtown Sacramento auto dealership, had 22 entries. Bagdasarian promoted subsequent shows, which steadily grew in participation and attendance.

Show ownership has changed hands over the years. Current show owner Rancho Cucamonga businessman John Buck, took over in 2005 and runs it and other automotive gatherings under the business name Rod Shows (www.rodshows.com).

Besides the massive Bagdasarian trophy, the show’s “Big B” awards pay homage to the Sacramento area’s rich custom-car history:

The Sam Barris Memorial Award is a tribute to the late customizing wizard. Along with brother George Barris – the late maker of numerous handcrafted autos appearing in movies and TV series –the Illinois natives moved to Roseville and helped set off the post-World War II California custom-car craze.

The Joe Bailon Award recognizes Joe “Candy Apple Red” Bailon, the Northern California customizer who created the color that became synonymous with his name.

The Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award – presented to the car with the best craftsmanship in assembly, fit, finish and detail – is a tribute to the longtime owner of Bertolucci’s Body and Fender Shop in Sacramento. Decades ago, Bertolucci established a national reputation as a top-tier car restorer, and his personal car collection is considered world-class.

Many other awards were handed out to the different class winners too.

Add in many vendors and activities for the kids, and a great gearhead weekend was had by everyone in attendance.

Make your plans now to attend the 72nd SACRAMENTO AUTORAMA in 2023..it only gets better with age.