Show Features

“If you’re 1 to 100, you will see something you’ve never seen before like an Army tank to a show car that’s worth well over triple figures!”
Chris Overfelt (Salem, VA)


The 2023 show takes place March 31, 2023 through April 2, 2023 at the I-X Center in Cleveland, OH. Here’s what to expect.

CAR CLUBS
Car Clubs in attendance at the Piston Power Auto-Rama are unlike any other Auto-Rama shows throughout the circuit.  Each year, these clubs are encouraged to display their cars around the different themes of the show each year.

HOT ROD ASYLUM
The Hot Rod Asylum, hosted by the Slick Devils Car Club, features vehicles including cars, trucks, hot rods, vans and Kustoms, Nostalgic Race Cars and/or vehicles that have a nostalgic appearance.

JOHN SHAPIRO CRUISIN’ TIMES
The show honors the founder and publisher of Cruisin’ Time Magazine, John Shapiro, each year with more than 50 hand-picked cars displayed proudly on John Shapiro Cruisin’ Time All-Stars on Thunder Row.

MODEL CAR CONTEST
This contest is a hit at the Piston Powered Auto-Rama. Contestants for the model car contest bring their hand-crafted models to the show as they compete in 10 categories for cash and trophies. Every participant received a ribbon for their entry.

PERFORMANCE SHOPS
There’s excitement each year with Performance Shops at the show. The opportunity is exclusive to nine sponsors who showcase their products and services in front of the 50,000+ piston-powered enthusiasts attending the show.

HOT RODDERS OF TOMORROW ENGINE CHALLENGE
Being rebuilt for 2023.

KRAZY PAINT
Our friends at Krazy Paint bring one of the nation’s top panel jam’s to the Piston Powered Auto-Rama. With more than 70 celebrity artists from the across the country, they paint everything from fine art panels to toilet seats, which are on display for auction or purchase.  In 2019, Krazy Paint raised $47,612.00 going to the Career and Technical School Foundation.

VENDORS & SWAP MEET
The main floor welcomes more than 80 swap meet tables and 70 toy modeler/collectible tables. Attendees looking to buy  hard-to-find classic automotive parts and/or memorabilia the vendor and swap meet area is the perfect place for any collector.

PIN-UP CONTEST
Being rebuilt for 2023.