Old North State Invitational Photos Shane Garletts Words Chris May & Matt Hurley

We’re looking forward to this years show September 26-28 2025, here are some pictures from the last couple of years so you can see why. HU

The Old North State Invitational began in 2016 as a small, invite-only

gathering of traditional hot rods and customs in Winston-Salem, North

Carolina. Focused on pre- and post-WWII American-built cars, the event

was created by and for people who care deeply about the roots of hot

rodding—hand-built machines, period-correct details, and the culture

that shaped them. Nearly a decade later, it’s grown to feature around

100 cars, all selected for their authenticity and respect for

tradition. While the show is curated, spectators are encouraged to

come walk the streets, talk to builders, and take in the iron, steel,

and stories that make up this living snapshot of American automotive

history.

The weekend kicks off with a scenic cruise through rural North 

Carolina, followed by the main show in downtown Winston-Salem. After

the show, invitees gather for the Hurley After-party, a relaxed

evening of music, food, and camaraderie. The next day, things shift

gears with the Mayday Event—a casual track day where hot rods get a

little loose and drivers have some fun. ONSI isn’t about trophies or

flash. It’s about preserving a moment in time, celebrating the

builders who keep these cars alive, and enjoying the friendships that

form along the way.