Tauranga's Auto Extravaganza today on the Tauranga waterfront features many cars, with many origin stories. Here is one of them.

It was 2017 when self-proclaimed petrol head and 'obnoxious car enthusiast” Keith Sawyer came to his wife with an ultimatum.

'We can renovate the kitchen and bathroom, or I can build you a hotrod,” Keith told his wife, Lisa Sawyer.

She responded and surprised everyone – except her husband.

'Of course she chose the hot rod,” says Keith.

Work began shortly after, when Keith purchased a 1930 Model A Coupe, and set out to create a stunning Marilyn Monroe ‘Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend' themed vehicle for Lisa.

It was three years later Keith finally got the vehicle road ready. He distinctly recalls taking the car to show his wife for the first time, who was just finishing a hard day's work.

'She had nine mile wide smile, I dropped it off for her and she took it home. She was wrapped.”

The excitement this vehicle brought the couple didn't end there either. Keith says he and Lisa took the car to Beach Hop 2020 where they were able to show it off for the first time.

'It's really a treat to see the genuine reactions from people. The waves, the photos, it's really special.”

According to Keith, the car has since won itself 16 trophies at different car shows for its amazing display, including one people's choice award, which was a 'rewarding” achievement for all of Keith's work.

The couple now try to take the car out to their favourite Tauranga spots most weekends which include Ōmokoroa, Mount Maunganui and the fishing club near the harbour.

Now Keith and Lisa couldn't wait to show off the wheels again at Tauranga's Auto Extravaganza, an exciting display of Tauranga's finest cars, trucks and bikes on today Sunday, March 12, on The Strand.

It's been called off for two years, but Keith and organiser Neville McKay both say it's 'back, bigger and better”.

Neville says all proceeds are donated to St John, and will be handed over by the Welcome Bay Lions Club.

Attendees will not only get to see the Sawyer's award-winning car, but will meet motor racing legend Kenny Smith, and have the chance to win one of the many spot prizes from event sponsors.

Tauranga's Auto Extravaganza is on The Strand in the CBD today, Sunday March 12 from 9am-2pm. Entry is a gold coin for the public, and $5 for exhibitors.