Raylene Ralston’s turquoise 1963 Ford Galaxie saloon was put in storage when the original owner died in 1970.
In 2005 the grandson of the owner liberated it from the shed where it had stayed all those years to discover the original upholstery and paint had survived intact.
The Mustang 302 5.0l V8 engine was upgraded with GT40p cylinder heads and a high-performance camshaft, and it sat on lowered 20 x 8 inch alloy wheels.
Ms Ralston said they bought the car in 2019 and they were only the third owners.
"It was bought from an airline pilot in Nebraska."
Some alterations were made to ensure it was roadworthy for New Zealand, and electric power steering was added for ease of use.
The saloon car had travelled all over the South Island, Ms Ralston said.
"It has been everywhere. It has been photographed up at the top of the Crown Range, and right through to Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown."
Ms Ralston had been part of the club since 2010 and said it had a great family atmosphere.
"We have great fun, we go all over the place, we look after each other and we always have each other’s backs."
Club member Gerard Perkins said the incorporated society was formed in 1973 and was affiliated to the New Zealand Hot Rod Association.
The first meetings were held at the Gluepot Hotel in South Dunedin but now the club is based in Green Island. About 60 people of all ages and backgrounds are members.
The 50th anniversary celebrations will begin on Friday, October 20, with a welcome for about 175 entrants including past and present members.
About 85 hot rods and street machines, mostly American-made but some Australian cars as well, will take part in a cruise into the Otago countryside on the next day before returning to Dunedin for an evening meal.
On Sunday morning, October 22, there will be a free public display of all the vehicles at the Dunedin Central Railway Station carpark from 11am to 3pm.
