O’Reilly AutoRama to celebrate 50 years
50th anniversary to be celebrated Nov. 26-29 in Houston.
The Thanksgiving weekend event, presented by Super Start Batteries and sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts, is one of the largest and longest running indoor car shows in the United States. It will feature a salute to the past five decades, as well as a stellar lineup of custom cars, motorcycles, racecars, tuners, trucks and family entertainment at the George R. Brown Convention Center at 1001 Avenida De Las Americas. The O’Reilly AutoRama is sanctioned by the International Show Car Association (ISCA).
A 50th anniversary reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 27 to recognize the individuals and local car clubs who have helped produce the show for decades.
“I’m proud that AutoRama has become such an important part of the culture in Houston that we’re now celebrating our golden anniversary,” said Bob Larivee Jr., CEO of Championship Auto Shows Inc. “For over 50 years, enthusiasts of every age have celebrated their passion for the automobile at AutoRama. Many of them have grown up with the show and now bring their kids and grandkids.”
A new highlight at the 2009 show will be a GlowoRama parade in conjunction with Art Cars of Houston Inc. A collection of illuminated Houston art cars will parade down Avenida De Las Americas in front of the convention center at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28. A party will follow the parade inside Hall A of the convention center.
Additional attractions will include an automotive swap meet and toy show, AutoRama Women's World, an All American Motorcycle Show, the Tuner Galleria for imports and the Chevy Vette Fest section. One of the most anticipated displays will be the Ol’ Skool Rodz with over 100 traditional rods.
Feature cars will include the legendary ZINGER Corvette and Volkswagen, the Hudson Hornet from the hit movie “Cars”, “El Tiki” from the pages of Ol’ Skool Rodz and the “Ratical Rod” street coupe. The top show cars in North America will also be on display as part of the ISCA Championship Finals.
“Custom cars are king at the Houston AutoRama,” added Larviee. “We have a fine group of area cars and award-winning national vehicles lined up for the show this year.”
The Action Arena will be staged outdoors behind the convention center this year. Highlights will be a “Cacklefest” for 1960’s vintage nitro dragsters, an AutoRama Burnout Competition and XSBA Streetbike Freestyle Shows. Celebrities scheduled to appear include the Houston Texans Cheerleaders, Houston Rockets Power Dancers and Clutch the Bear mascot, the Texas Bikini Team, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.
The 50th annual O’Reilly AutoRama is part of the Summit Racing Show Car Series. Event hours are Thursday from 3-9 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday from 11a.m.-7 p.m. Discount tickets are available at Houston-area O’Reilly Auto Parts stores; regular admission tickets may be purchased at the George R. Brown Convention Center with children five years old and under admitted for free. Additional information about the show is available at www.autorama.com.
MORE RESOURCES FOR CAR COLLECTORS FROM OLDCARSWEEKLY.COM
