One of Victoria’s largest custom car gatherings shifted to a new venue in 2026, with Showcars Melbourne PPG Showdown 15 staged at Caulfield Racecourse last Sunday.
The move followed more than a decade at Moonee Valley Racecourse, which is closing for extensive renovations. Event organiser Elvis Barbieri described the relocation as both necessary and an opportunity for growth as the event marked its 15th year.
Now firmly established as a significant fixture on Australia’s custom automotive calendar, the indoor and outdoor show attracted more than 1,000 street builds and high-end vehicles, spanning elite show cars, modified street machines and custom motorcycles.
A total of 85 awards were presented, including the new Showcars Great 8 Award. The event also doubled as a qualifying round for the MotorEx Superstars Awards, with five vehicles selected to progress to the national final.
For custom builders and paint specialists, that pathway to MotorEx recognition added competitive weight to the event, particularly in categories judged on fabrication, bodywork, paint finish and overall presentation.
The quality of workmanship on display reinforced the strength of Australia’s high-end custom scene and the continued evolution of professional standards across the sector.
Long-time partner PPG Industries anchored the trade fair component, showcasing colours from its Vibrance Collection, alongside abrasives and polishing technologies from MIRKA hand tools and spray equipment from SATA. Technical experts were on hand throughout the day to discuss panel and paint systems, highlighting the show’s strong links to the professional refinishing and collision repair industries.
Beyond the show hall, the event featured live music, drag car exhibitions, food vendors and family entertainment, positioning the Showdown as both an enthusiast showcase and a broader community day out.
The event also maintained its charitable focus, continuing its long-running support of the Good Friday Appeal through proceeds raised from raffles and food sales.
With a larger venue and a milestone anniversary successfully delivered, Showdown 15 reinforced Melbourne’s reputation as a national hub for high-end custom automotive craftsmanship and set the tone for the event’s next chapter at its new home.
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