"It’s wasted time, but it’s good wasted time," Mrs Carmichael said.
Their 1959 Chevrolet Impala Sports Coupe won the judge’s choice award at the 19th Cromwell Classic Car & Hot Rod Show on Saturday. Mr Carmichael said when they first picked up the car in Auckland it was "rough as".
After it was finished in 2008, it won the New Zealand Street Machine Award at the New Zealand Street Rod Nationals, which was the first of many awards.
It was a "very expensive hobby", he said.
"It would have cost more than $100,000, but if I had it done professionally it probably would have cost more like $200,000."
More than 4000 hours were spent fitting out the car, not including panel-beating, painting and upholstery.
"We have two more at home, too. Every time you say you’re not going to do up another car, you do."
Mrs Carmichael said it was the texture of their car’s cherry colour which won over the judges.
The look, sound and power was what attracted them to the machines.
"But it’s also a great social hobby."
Co-organiser Peter Herrick said about 3000 people came to ogle the 640 cars entered for the event, organised by the Southland Ford Falcon Club.
"The owners like to share them and be around like-minded people."
