70 Years of Portland Hot Rod History
WHERE THE TRADITION CONTINUES
For 70 years, the Portland Roadster Show has brought together the cars, builders, clubs and people who make hot rodding special. Owned and produced by the Multnomah Hot Rod Council since 1956, the all-volunteer Portland Roadster Show has grown from deep roots in Portland’s automotive community into a nationally recognized celebration of automotive craftsmanship, creativity and culture.
Through seven decades, one thing has remained constant: the cars may be the stars, but it’s the people and community behind them that keep the tradition alive.
Since 1956
THE PORTLAND ROADSTER SHOW
SEVEN DECADES OF AUTOMOTIVE PASSION
Since 1956, the all-volunteer Portland Roadster Show has helped herald the arrival of hot-rodding season in the Pacific Northwest. Over the decades, the show has gained national stature while remaining firmly rooted in the Portland automotive community. PRS celebrates the automotive art created by craftsmen and hobbyists who turn their vision and passion for automobiles into something people can experience up close. Professional builders, custom collections and industry personalities share the show with suppliers, automotive memorabilia, young builders and the High School Challenge.
A Portland Tradition
SEVENTY YEARS OF HOT ROD HISTORY
1954
MHRC IS FOUNDED
The Multnomah Hot Rod Council was founded by Dee Wescott, community members and elected officials.
1956
THE ROADSTER SHOW TRADITION BEGINS
The Multnomah Hot Rod Council began owning and producing the Portland Roadster Show.
70 YEARS
THE TRADITION CONTINUES
Seven decades later, the Portland Roadster Show continues bringing hot rod culture, craftsmanship and community together in Portland.
The Multnomah Hot Rod Council
BUILT BY CAR PEOPLE. FOR CAR PEOPLE.
The Multnomah Hot Rod Council (MHRC) was founded in 1954 by Dee Wescott, community members and elected officials.
Today, MHRC is a Portland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of car clubs throughout Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. The organization helps coordinate the automotive show scene throughout the Portland metropolitan area and has owned and produced the Portland Roadster Show since 1956.
And importantly, this is an all-volunteer effort. The people behind the Portland Roadster Show are members of the same automotive community the show celebrates — people who donate their time and effort to keep the show, its traditions and its community involvement moving forward.
Cars • Clubs • Community
MORE THAN A CAR SHOW
The work of the Multnomah Hot Rod Council extends far beyond the Portland Roadster Show. MHRC member clubs provide volunteers, fundraising and support for organizations and programs serving children, families, students and the next generation of automotive enthusiasts throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
YOUTH & EDUCATION
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
COMMUNITY
Angels on Wheels
HOT RODS WITH HEART
Each December, the automotive community comes together for the Angels on Wheels Toy Drive, gathering at the Portland Expo Center before caravanning to Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel for the annual toy drop-off. It’s another example of what has always been at the heart of MHRC: cars bringing people together to support the community around them.
Through The Years
THE CARS CHANGE. THE PASSION DOESN’T.
Seven Decades Later…
THE TRADITION CONTINUES
From the craftsmen and builders who bring their visions to life, to the clubs and volunteers who make the show possible, to the young enthusiasts discovering hot rodding for the first time — the Portland Roadster Show continues a tradition that has been part of Portland’s automotive community since 1956.