Western Bay of Plenty car enthusiasts are gearing up to host hot rods and classic cars rolling in from around the country for the annual Winter Blast event on Sunday.

'We'll have more than 40 cars from as far away as Wellington and Whangarei,” says Bay Rodders president Keith Sawyer.

The local club has organised various activities leading up to the main event – which is a car display at the Elizabeth St carpark building, beside Farmers, in Tauranga City, this Sunday, June 18.

'We have a great variety of cars ranging from hot rods dating from the 1930s and 1940s right through to 1960s classics.

'Then we have muscle cars, drag cars and rally cars. It's a real range and the owners all love chatting to people about their vehicles and the work they've done on them.

'There's even a 1940 Coca Cola truck painted red and yellow with its original engine that comes all the way from Whangarei. It's really cool.”

Keith say Sunday's event is also a chance for car-owners to find parts for their beloved beauties.

'The display is one of the bigger indoor events, and the swap meet would easily be Tauranga's biggest."

Sunday's car show and swap meet is open from 7am to 10am for those parking the car show entries and swappers.

The public is welcome from 9am to 1pm, when entrants spot prizes and a prize draw will be announced.

For more information, go to: www.bayrodders.co.nz