Portland Roadster Show ’26

Apr 12

April 2026 • By Tony Thacker • Photos by Larry Erickson & Tony Thacker
Presented by FirstUpApparel.com & MicksPaint.com

It’s been over a decade since we last attended the Portland Roadster Show (PRS)—presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts—celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1956, the PRS is an all-volunteer effort that has been owned and produced by the Multnomah Hot Rod Council (MHRC) that, in turn, was founded in 1954 by fiberglass pioneer Dee Wescott of Wescott’s Auto Restyling. More than anything, the PRS is an active charity generating funds to provide automotive based scholarships and support to many local charities. And, they put on a good show.

Outwardly, Portland appears to be a ‘green,’ ‘sanctuary’ city littered with the homeless but under the skin it’s a car town with its own city-owned Portland International Raceway that hosts a weekly summer car show that attracts on average 1,500 cars—every week.

Customs

Without doubt one of the best parts of the show is the High School Challenge presented by Les Schwab and the Multnomah Hot Rod Council. Participating High Schools conduct an annual contest to choose the hottest cars and trucks, the winners are then invited by MHRC to display their rides during the High School Challenge. Two $500 awards are presented to local High School Automotive Programs based on their students' participation and are judged on Excellence in Presentation and School Spirit.

Dream Trucks