An impressive selection of New Zealand’s finest hot rods and street machines will soon descend on east Auckland for a not-to-be-missed public show.
The 2025 Dempsey Wood Hot Rods in Howick event is being staged by the local Southside Streeters club at Howick Leisure Centre from September 20-21 as a fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis Auckland.
Among the club members who’ll be displaying their cars is local resident Steve Keys.
He’s a life member of Southside Streeters and has been with the club for 48 years.
At the upcoming show Keys will have several vehicles from his collection on display, including a 1936 Ford Coupe, a 1936 Ford Roadster, and a one-of-a-kind Dodge Sweptside pick-up truck.
But his most special vehicle that will be on display is his immaculately restored and extremely rare 1938 Diamond T Texaco Tanker.
“Not many people in Auckland have seen the truck because it’s normally on display at the Classics Museum in Hamilton,” Keys says.
“This will be a great opportunity for the local community to be able to view the tanker and learn its history.”
The tanker is the only known example left in the world in its particular configuration and the restoration took Keys more than four years to complete.
It was near the end of the build when he discovered he had Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
“The car show and fundraising is very personal to me due to my own journey with MS,” he says.
Keys and his wife Sue are hoping to collect gold coin donations over the weekend to raise as much money as possible for MS Auckland.
He says the show will feature more than 30 top-class hot rods and street machines inside the Howick Leisure Centre as well as a display of vehicles outside the building.
One of the highlight displays will be a muscle car built and owned by New Zealand motorsport star and V8 Supercars legend Greg Murphy.
Keys says the upcoming hot rod show is family-friendly and will appeal to all sectors of the community. Food vendors and coffee will be available on-site.
“The show is going to be a one-off, using overhead modern LED lighting to showcase the world-class quality and diverse selection of these cars.
“This will be a spectacular visual display and something that is truly not to be missed.”
- Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong chronic neurological condition that impacts about 1200 Aucklanders and their families. The condition can be diagnosed at any age, but it most commonly strikes people aged in their 30s.
- Hot Rods in Howick is at the Howick Leisure Centre from September 20-21. Entry to the indoor display costs $10. The show is sponsored by local businesses including Times Media.
