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June 17, 2026 4 min read
For most enthusiasts, Hot Rod Power Tour is one of the highlights of the year.
Thousands of classic cars, muscle cars, trucks, and hot rods traveling together, making memories, and sharing a passion for the hobby.
But this year, one story caught the attention of car owners for all the wrong reasons.
During Hot Rod Power Tour, thieves reportedly targeted vehicles parked at a hotel, stealing four cars and damaging four others.
For those of us who have spent years building, restoring, and maintaining classic vehicles, it is a reminder that theft can happen anywhere.
Modern vehicles benefit from factory immobilizers, encrypted keys, GPS connectivity, and sophisticated anti-theft systems.
Most classic cars do not.
Many older vehicles can be started with basic tools, loaded onto a trailer quickly, or moved before anyone notices they are gone.
When you combine that with large events where hundreds or thousands of vehicles are parked together, thieves often see opportunity.
The reality is that many classic cars represent years of work and significant financial investment.
Unfortunately, thieves know that too.
One of the biggest mistakes I see owners make is relying on a single security device.
A hidden kill switch is great. A GPS tracker is great. A camera system is great.
But none of them are perfect on their own.
The best protection comes from using multiple layers of security.
The more obstacles a thief encounters, the more likely they are to move on to an easier target.
If your vehicle disappears, recovery becomes the priority.
That is where GPS tracking devices can make a huge difference.
Modern vehicle trackers can send movement alerts, monitor vehicle location, track unauthorized trips, and help law enforcement locate the vehicle.
The key is hiding the tracker where it is not easily discovered.
Many owners also choose to run a secondary backup tracker in a separate location.
CARLOCK Real-Time Vehicle Tracker
Apple AirTags have become popular among classic car owners because they are inexpensive and easy to hide.
However, they should not be treated as a primary security system.
AirTags can help locate a vehicle after theft, but dedicated GPS tracking systems provide more reliable monitoring and alerts.
For many owners, the better setup is using both.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack
A simple backup tracking option that can be hidden in a vehicle, trailer, toolbox, or enclosed car hauler.
Botslab 4-Channel Dash Camera System
One of the biggest advantages of a multi-camera dash camera system is having eyes on your vehicle whether you're driving, parked at a hotel, attending a car show, or traveling cross-country.
The recent Hot Rod Power Tour thefts are a reminder that many classic cars spend nights in hotel parking lots, event venues, and unfamiliar locations. Having video coverage around your vehicle can provide valuable evidence if damage, vandalism, or theft occurs.
Features I like include:
Front, rear, and interior camera coverage
Parking surveillance capabilities
Incident recording
Video evidence if damage or theft occurs
Added peace of mind when traveling with valuable vehicles
While a camera system may not stop a determined thief, it can provide critical documentation and evidence if something happens.
Check Out here Botslab 3K 4 Channel Dash Cam
A good camera system may not stop a theft by itself.
But it can provide video evidence, vehicle movement records, time stamps, suspect identification, and insurance documentation.
I use security cameras around my property because they are one of the best tools available for documenting activity around valuable vehicles.
Reolink Solar Security Cameras
Old-school theft deterrents are not perfect, but they still have value.
A steering wheel lock, pedal lock, or visible anti-theft device may not stop a professional thief, but it can slow them down and make your vehicle less attractive compared to an easier target.
Steering Wheel Lock
A simple visible deterrent that adds another layer of protection, especially when parking at hotels, events, or overnight stops.
Before attending any large automotive event, make sure you have current photos, VIN information, insurance information, engine numbers, and unique identifying features documented.
If your vehicle is ever stolen, having this information immediately available can help speed up recovery efforts.
For valuable classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, and restoration projects, I recommend:
No security system is perfect.
But every layer you add increases the odds that your vehicle stays where it belongs, or gets recovered if the worst happens.
The recent thefts during Hot Rod Power Tour serve as a reminder that every collector vehicle is a potential target.
We spend years building these cars.
Protecting them deserves just as much attention as the engine, paint, suspension, or interior.
A few preventative measures today can save years of regret tomorrow.
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This site documents real builds, tools, and shop work from my own projects. Some pages are showcases. Some are how-tos and tool reviews. If you’re working on a project and want experienced guidance, I offer one-on-one coaching.