Custom car cruising after Christmas

 

When does a custom become a tradition?

After more than a dozen years, Mangawhai’s Black Swamp Rod Run is simply the thing to do and the place to be for rod and custom car petrolheads.

There’s even a ‘back to school’ theme this year so look out for some novelty dress-ups among the car owners.

From 13 cars in 2002 to, on one occasion, over 150, there’s a bit of organising to do by chief scribe Sandra Brunt who sends out a host of emails and invitations but, as she says “there’s no RSVP so we don’t really know how many are coming until they arrive.”

Some come for the weekend, some for just a few hours en route to other holiday destinations but all are happy to be a part of the cavalcade and display their pride and joy to the public.

A number of enthusiasts have had their heads under car bonnets since their teenage days.

With Christmas and New Year falling on weekends this year, the Rod Run will move slightly to Saturday January 7 giving everyone time to catch their breath after their annual celebrations.

As usual the Paparoa Lions will be attending to food and assisting in organisation.

“Due to popularity of the event we now have to limit access to the Black Swamp picnic to exhibitors with hot rods and classic cars only,” says Sandra Brunt.

But the public will get a good look over the offering as they parade at the Mangawhai Beach School before cruising quietly along the coast road to Waipu and return.

If you’re in Mangawhai January 7 you won’t miss it!

HOT WHEELS: The Black Swamp Rod Run display is always popular with kids and adults. PHOTO/Overviewsnz