“If it wasn't for the cars most of us wouldn't know each other. The cars bring you together,” he said.
Club member Jonno Higgins was a little more philosophical.
“We solve quite a few of the world's problems down here.”
Asked what exactly is hot rodding, the members spoken to settled on the loose definition of any car made pre-1948, of American origin, that has undergone a major engine transplant or body modifications.
Mr Cornwell says back in the day early hot rodders made cars go faster simply by taking off parts from cars, lightening the load to make them go faster since they had no parts to make them go quicker.
“Henry Ford made the first hotrod when he put a V8 in a 1932 Ford. Then guys came back from the war, took everything off to make them lighter and faster. Then they started racing on the dry salt lakes in California,” said Mr Cornwell.
The club age ranges from 70 to 16 (albeit heavily skewed to the older side of that range).
They said the age of the members reflects the costs involved in owning and maintaining a classic car.
Charley Holmberg is the youngest member.
Her father Wayne Holmberg (Bear) was a life member and past President and committee member who passed away nearly two years ago.
“Charley has picked up the spark and hopes to continue what her father has started,” said Dean Easton.
Although she hasn't quite got around to much driving yet; she only just passed her learners licence.
The Saturday “Show and Shine” is the public display for their larger club event this weekend when hot rodders from out of town are shown a good time.
A normal event would bring in just over 100 people, but being a significant anniversary that number has shot up to nearly 300, which has caused a few headaches.
“Usually we do the cooking and hosting ourselves, but with the increase, have had to hire outside help,” said Mr Cornwell.
The group says the entire event would not be possible without their sponsors' support.
At the Saturday display, the public can check out the cars and speak with the hot rodders who have spent thousands of hours and dollars making their classic cars look new again.
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