Santa Catarina Custom Culture Show

Words Marcy Molkenthen Pictures John Gunsaulis and Marcy Molkenthen

I had no idea what to expect when invited to a show in Brazil, but what I was met with was passion, pride, and professionalism, and a young vibrant emerging custom culture scene!

In just its 13th year, the Santa Catarina Custom Culture Show brought in 30,000 people to experience three days of classic cars and trucks, music and art. The largest show of its kind in South America.

The traditional hot rod scene is small, but growing. Several visitors showed us model A projects in the works, Model A bodies can be found but most parts must be sourced from the United States. That along with the legal complications of owning an older vehicle, make it difficult but as in other countries like Japan, if somebody really wants to, and can scrape up the means, it can be done.

There was no shortage of high-end builders such as Nando from Brazil, who also displays at SEMA in the United States. Great details and craftsmanship fueled by passion.

Most foreign countries have strong motorcycle presence and Brazil is no exception, from crazy “Moto-boys” tearing up the streets to the classic styling at the show, most notably Wolf Choppers.

Walking outside to the drive-in show revealed Volkswagens in every body style as you might expect, but also a huge representation of vintage Ford and Chevrolet trucks, all with their subtle and not so subtle South American styling differences. Probably the next most represented was the midsize muscle cars, the Chevrolet Opala along with Ford Mavericks which were manufactured until 1979 down there. You’ll also recognize Brazilian Dodge Chargers, based on the Dart body and other variations of US cars and trucks. I can’t remember a time when I said “what is that!?” more.

The event is hosted by Rodrigo and Mirella Huelsmann who have become a central force in growing the scene.

Huelsmann Metal Works is Rodrigo’s shop.

The town the event is held in, Balneario-Camboriu also has a drag-strip, a drift course, and a driveable beach, so plans are in the works for other car, culture related events. Their passion has even lead to creating Roddertown, a Disney like attraction scheduled to open next year!

Chow