Welcome to the Ballarat Road Rodders Inc, where the engines are loud, the personalities louder and the chrome shines brighter than a summers day at Lake Wendouree.
Based in Ballarat, Victoria, we take our cars seriously but not ourselves. Whether you're into traditional Hot Rods, Rat Rods, slick '50s Kustoms or Bog Stock Classics, we’ve got ‘em all!
Established in 1970, when sideburns were thick, seatbelts optional and fuel cost around 9 cents per litre, the Ballarat Road Rodders have been keeping the hot rod dream alive for over five decades. That’s 50+ years of fabrication, cruising, Rod Runs, Swap Meets and good times.
Our members range from original founders who still remember when their milk was delivered by a horse and cart, to younger revheads who think a cassette player is some kind of secret compartment.
We love old cars, but we also love our community. Over the years we've hosted events, supported charities and made sure the local servo stays in business. We’ve built lifelong friendships and plenty of cars along the way. We’re proud to fly the Ballarat Road Rodders flag and keep the spirit of hot rodding alive. With every meet, every BBQ and every conversation over a toolbox, we add another chapter to our story.
Ballarat Road Rodders - built in 1970 and still firing on all cylinders.
In 1970 a butcher named Robert Forbes had a light bulb moment and decided to establish a car club.
What started as a vision quickly turned into a 20 strong club within the first month and became known as the Ballarat Road Rodders.
The first official meeting was held at Plasterworks in Beverin Street Sebastopol, where members were able to not only hold meetings, but also had space to work on their hot rods.
In 1972 they moved to the Euerka Hall, where they stayed until 1993 (monthly rental for the hall was a whopping $6).
1993-1998 meetings were held at The German Shepherd Club in Rubicon Street Redan. The decision was then made to relocate to Hut #34 at Ballarat Airport where they began renovations and personalising the rooms, making it a place to finally call their own.
In 2001 the Mayor at the time David Vendy and then club president Andrew Hodges, officially opened the clubrooms where we still hold our monthly meetings and club functions to this day.
1972 was the first time the club entered cars into the Melbourne Hot Rod Show. Lloyd Roberts with his well-known blue with flames chopped 1938 Ford Coupe, Eddy Dykstra’s red 1940 Ford Sedan and Wally James customised Ford Falcon.
In 1974 the club was preparing for its second mid-year dinner dance. Members believed this event, held on the Saturday night, needed a support act to make it a full weekend for all that travelled from out of town.
The decision was then made to hold a SWAP MEET, but where? Considering many options and the Ballarat weather, member Barry Rowe suggested the new multi-story carpark owned by the Ballarat City Council. Barry Rowe and Charles Green attended a meeting with the Local Council where approval was received for the club to use this venue.
Today recognised as ‘THE FRIDGE’ and taking the title as, the coldest swap meet in Australia, The Ballarat Road Rodders still hold this event annually.
In 1975 the club again entered the Melbourne Hot Rod Show. This time 10 vehicles were on display by owners, Rod Taylor, Gary Pring, Barry Rowe, Eddy Dykstra, John Williams, Neville Bones, Lindsay McKenzie, Robert Forbes, Rod Pedretti and Ray Bell.
In 1980 the Ballarat Road Rodders celebrated their 10th Anniversary with an evening held at Ballarat’s own ‘Kryal Castle’. Past and present members in attendance along with an invitation to all affiliated street rodders. The turnout was very good with rodders representing Melbourne and other country car clubs.
21st birthday celebrations in 1991 established the first official Ballarat Rod Run.
The Run is still held in November of each year. Activities over the years have ranged from Saturday night dances, rocket cover races, starter motor toss, go to whoa, drag racing, spear a spud, and tenpin bowling. The Sunday Show’n’Shine is now combined with one of Ballarat’s largest event - Spring Fest Ballarat.
The mid 90’s saw memberships increase dramatically hitting well over 100 members and the introduction of modified club t-shirts and jackets, with the colours also changing from the well-known yellow and green to the now burgundy logo, which was inspired by the 1979 movie ‘The Wanderers’ (thanks to Andrew Hodges and Maurie Sharp).
1996 again saw the club enter the Melbourne Hot Rod Show, this time with 12 cars - the most entered to date. Malcom Leviston 1934 Ford Cabriolet, Tony Reid 1933 Dodge Coupe, Dave Currie 1935 Ford 3 window Coupe and FC Panelvan, Damien Forbes 1956 Chev, Andrew Hodges 1960 Chev Sedan, Maurie Sharp 1939 Chev Sedan, Kelly Boyle 1935 Dodge Coupe, Robert Forbes 1934 Ford Tudor, Gerald Clancey A Model Roadster, Greg Sizeland A Model Tourer and Geoff Pring T bucket.
In Easter of 2000 the Ballarat Road Rodders teamed up with the ASRF to host the Vic State Rod Run. Blessed with beautiful weather, entrants parked their rods on the oval rather than normal street layout. Rods were spread out on all angles and locations around the oval. The weekend was a huge success.
In the 55 years the club has seen 15 Presidents, 21 Secretaries and 11 Treasurers.
The Ballarat Road Rodders currently have over 100 active members. We are proud to be one of Australia’s longest running car clubs.
Want to join the ride? Our meetings are held the first Friday of each month.
We’re always keen to welcome new members, so if you have a pre-1975 vehicle, a passion for old cars and a thick enough skin to survive some good natured s*** stirring, our meetings are held the first Friday of each month - we’ll save you a seat!
17 Boomerang Road Mitchell Park VIC 3355
President: Bayden Roberts | 0407 802269 Vice-President: Hayden Prendergast | 0417 112431 Secretary: Gareth Kemp | 0451 957725 Treasurer: Ray Martland | 0412 788672 Publicity: Kriddy Blair | 0408 373948 Club Permit Scheme: Peter Ryan | 0409 864773
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