A completely rebuilt 1956 Cadillac dubbed ''Necessary Evil'' is among the mouth-watering variety of custom creations at New Zealand's biggest automotive show this weekend.

The striking blue Cadillac is making its show debut for owners Kym and Todd Wylie, from Pakuranga in Auckland, in the 2012 New Zealand Hot Rod Association's 50th anniversary national show which is part of a massive line-up of new cars, bikes and race vehicles at the CRC Speedshow this Saturday and Sunday.

The car has only just been completed after an intensive bare metal rebuild and has been built to a high standard, says Greg Stokes on behalf of the NZHRA.

"With impressive DuPont paintwork complete with a metal flake roof, the car – which is close to six metres long – is a sight to behold.

"The debut of the Wylie's Cadillac is unique because the couple are among the relatively small number of 'younger' hot rod and custom car enthusiasts – being just over 30 years of age – with cars on display.

''The Wylies represent the group of young enthusiasts flying the flag or carrying the torch for the hot rod hobby to follow through to the future. The young couple have excelled themselves with their interpretation of a true USA 1950s style customised version of a Cadillac."

The car runs a 400-cubic inch (6.5-litre) Chevrolet small block, along with a late model transmission. Behind the steel wheels and whitewall tyres sit Wilwood disc brakes and plenty of steering and suspension alterations to make the vehicle drive just as well as it looks.

The interior has been overhauled with a full custom white trim residing where Mexican blankets were not so long ago. The boot features an impressive custom Sony audio install too, which helps to make the vehicle the perfect cruising machine.

"Despite the vehicle's rebuild taking just six months, and being done on a relatively low budget, there's not one part that has not be retouched, rebuilt or modified in some way, shape or form.

"With the owners having a history of building import show cars, we can assure you that 'Necessary Evil' will be well worth a closer look."

With a 71-car line-up, the national hot rod show fills one hall of Auckland's ASB Showgrounds with a completely sold-out  Speedshow creating a massive weekend of automotive and motorsport delights. Fans can enjoy watching stunt drivers and riders, test drive a Fraser roadster and catch the spectacular Ezybuy Cars jet pack flights in the Ezybuy Car Auctions live action arena with shows three times each day.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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