The History of the Portland Roadster Show
Beginning in 1956 this show heralded the arrival of the hot rodding season both locally and regionally, with the best show of its kind in the West. Over the years it has gained national stature as a premiere hot rodding event in the United States. This year we celebrate our 56th anniversary. 2012 marks not only the 56th year of the Show, but also the return to our new home at the Portland Expo Center.
The "Portland Roadster Show" represents an artistic effort wherein skilled craftsmen use the same principles of vision and achievement to produce the absolute finest renditions of automotive art to be displayed for your entertainment anywhere. All of the outstanding cars, trucks, motorcycles, vintage automobilia and model car expositions reflect an effort to integrate beauty and design with function. This principle is woven into the very fabric of the sport.
Our Show is the Hot Rodders’ forum of esteemed peers and public access.
The Bob Paeth Portland Classic Model Car Contest
In January, 1972, the late Bill Peterson, promoter of the "Portland Roadster Show" gave Bob Paeth and Lonnie Flanders the go-ahead to plan and hold a model car contest. This first contest featured 60 models displayed on 4 sheets of plywood. The Multnomah Hot Rod Council provided the trophies and ribbons for the contestants. The second year demonstrated a growth in participation and Ron Martinolich was brought on-board to assist in judging the entered models. 1974 marked the absence of Lonnie because of his leaving the area and Ron assumed Lonnie’s responsibilities.
Fast forward to 1985 and the newly formed Scale Auto Builders Association, SABA, became active in the promotion of the contest. Ron Martinolich and Bob Paeth were still at “the helm.” In 2003, SABA, assumed full sponsorship of the contest and the name Rose City Model Car Classic was adopted as the official name of the contest.
This is the 41st anniversary of the contest which makes it the oldest, continuously running contest, in the United States. Plan on spending some time in the contest area and observe these miniatures of what you have already seen on the main floor. Ask questions that you may have so that you may more fully understand this smaller version of the hobby concerning the automotive world.
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