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The Victory Wheelers Rod & Custom Club was formed in 1977 in the Portsmouth area. The club was formed to bring together a common interest in Hot Rods and custom cars.
For the those who don’t know a hot rod is basically a pre-1949 car, which has been modified from standard, usually by the fitting of a more powerful engine, and any other modifications such as different wheels, paint, interior etc. A custom car is a post-1948 vehicle again modified in a similar manner. The cut-off year of 1948 is used, as this is when American car design switched over from separately defined fenders to the more moulded modern shape. Because of the rarity of all American cars on these shores they are welcomed in standard form, together with American influenced British classics such as Zodiacs and Crestas.
The club became very popular, particularly through their decision to organise a yearly show, which not only gave enthusiasts a chance to get together for the weekend, but gave the public a glimpse of these unusual machines. The show was named the Southcoast Internationals and quickly gained a reputation that meant cars came from all over this Country and the continent.
As the club is a non-profit making organisation it was soon decided to donate most of the profit each year to local charities. Once the show moved onto Hayling Island about ten years ago we began to support the RNLI. So much money was donated to them that they even named a lifeboat after us. Many other local charities have benefited as well to the tune of at least £60,000. The local traders on the Island were also grateful to receive much needed extra revenue over the show weekend. It also proved very popular with residents who lined the pavements to see these amazing cars cruise by. The show is now in it’s 24th year.
As the show became more popular a larger site was needed. Unfortunately as the Council did not approve plans for sites on the Island we have took up the Army’s offer in 2001 of moving to Thorney Island, near Emsworth, Hants .
The club currently has around thirty five members who meet regularly and travel to Custom Car shows all over the Country. We also support the Pompey www.pompeycruisers.com and Guildford Cruises. If you have a Custom, Hot Rod or classic American car we would like to hear from you.
VICTORY WHEELERS CHAIRMAN
