Rodded and modded, a couple of words to pique the curiosity of many a car connoisseur.
Cause for more excitement is being able to see several of the best modified hot rods in Australia, in one spot, over the next few months at MOVE.
A gleaming 1934 Ford, nicknamed Lancelot Cherrie, will stop you in your tracks en route around the motor museum.
The jaw-dropping coupe was built in Shepparton by Southern Rod and Custom, whose owner, Shane Rowe, shared that the name came about because the vehicle’s owner is named ‘Lance’, the build cost ‘a lot’, and its flawless paint finish is a head-turning ‘Cherry Red’.
It was a prominent feature at this year’s May MotorEx event, at Melbourne Showgrounds, in the undercarriage and driveline category that car surface care specialist Meguiar’s sponsored.
It featured in a video showcasing ‘Superstars Elite Show Cars at MotorEx 2025’.
With a Todt 400cc block, turbo, Turbo 700 transmission, and its unique colour, Lancelot Cherrie was a talking point among MotorEx’s 30,000 spectators, and now every day with visitors to MOVE.
Next to it is the one and only Vern Luce Coupe, customised by renowned American designer Boyd Coddington, owner of the Boyd Coddington Hot Rod Shop, and star of reality TV series American Hot Rod.
This coupe holds notable significance in automotive history and custom car culture.
Coddington is often regarded as one of the most influential figures in hot rodding and automotive design, and the significance of this vehicle lies in its representation of his mastery of craftsmanship, blending traditional hot rod aesthetics with modern techniques during the late 20th century.
The coupe showcased Coddington’s signature style, emphasising sleek lines, flawless bodywork and meticulous attention to detail.
It became a showcase piece for his shop, influencing a generation of custom car builders and enthusiasts.
The Vern Luce Coupe’s cultural importance was showcased through its appearances in car shows, magazines and automotive media, solidifying its status as a classic example of American custom car artistry and exemplifying the creative potential of custom fabrication, bodywork and design innovation.
It’s a symbol of the golden era of custom car building and can be seen right here in the Goulburn Valley.
Next to the Coddington masterpiece is something you don’t see every day.
In fact, this 1932 Roadster with a Ferrari engine is a one-of-one piece of art, and currently in the public eye for the first time.
MOVE’s Andrew Church asks: “Can you imagine the number of hours in metal polishing that have gone into this build alone?”
Its Ferrari 365 GTC/4 V12 engine, displacing 4390 cc (4.4L), derived from the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, was detuned to produce 340 PS (250 kW; 335 bhp) at 6200 rpm.
It also has a highly modified Turbo 700 gearbox inside.
And to list another unique feature, it is fitted with exceptionally rare Kinmont brakes, of which there were only around 325 sets produced after World War II.
The same brakes used on Tuckers, their unique design and historical significance in early hot rod history make original sets highly sought after, with a high price tag to match demand, often in a five-figure range when they become available on rare occasions.
While we’re talking V12s, another stunning specimen is on show at the Kialla museum.
It’s a black 1928 Tudor housing a V12 Lincoln.
“It is a remarkable example of automotive craftsmanship and innovation,” Mr Church said.
“This unique build combines the vintage charm of a 1928 Tudor sedan with the power and sophistication of a Lincoln V12 engine, creating a striking blend of classic style and modern performance.”
All these ‘rodded and modded’ cars are on show at MOVE for a limited time before demand will take them elsewhere.
You can get a look between 10am and 4pm daily.