Detroit Autorama 2025 starts Friday: Attractions, celebrity appearances, tickets and more
Detroit's Autorama, billed as "America's Greatest Hot Rod Show," returns to Huntington Place this weekend for its 72nd year ‒ promising over 800 custom cars, trucks, motorcycles, celebrity guests, and unique attractions.
Sponsored by Meguiar's and presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts, the event is a perennial favorite in the Motor City.
From Barbie's pink Cadillac Convertible to a Mega Morph Giant Transforming Robot Car, the Autorama blends classic designs with over-the-top creativity. What started in 1953 to help fund the Motor City Dragway has grown into one of the nation's top showcases for custom vehicles, drawing car lovers and curious visitors alike for three days of high-octane fun.
'Detroit Autorama is where the world's top builders unveil their most ambitious creations,' said the producer of Autorama, Peter Toundas, in a news release. 'We're excited to showcase these incredible cars to the most passionate fans in the Motor City.'
The beloved Detroit Autorama will be held at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit, from Feb. 28 to March 2.
Friday, Feb. 28: Noon - 10 p.m.
Saturday, March 1: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, March 2: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
A 1941 Buick Special, a family heirloom tied to the attack on Pearl Harbor, will be on display at the Detroit Autorama. Passed down to Amy and John Michalek of Dexter, the car survived the attack with a bullet hole in the windshield. It was originally owned by Amy's great-uncle, who was killed during the attack.
The Michaleks have preserved both the car and its powerful story, according to the release.
Another standout vehicle at the event will be a 1951 Mercury, uniquely modified to resemble a NASCAR vehicle. The car will be making its way to Detroit from Austria, along with its owner — Knud Tiroch.
One of the standout attractions this year is The Funny Farm, created by Farmtruck and AZN from the "Street Outlaws" TV show. Featuring two 1970 C10 truck cabs welded together and powered by twin Cadillac engines, this machine can perform all-wheel-drive burnouts, spin 360 degrees, and crabwalk in any direction. The Detroit Autorama will mark the first public unveiling of The Funny Farm.
More: Detroit Auto Show 2026 dates announced: When it will take place
Additionally, the Cavalcade of Customs celebrates its 30th anniversary at this year's show. A special collection of 30 of the finest custom cars, handpicked by legendary builder Chuck Miller, will be on display, showcasing some of the best work in the industry.
Another highlight is the presentation of the Preservation Award to 'The Road Chief,' a fully restored 1949 Pontiac Convertible owned by Mike Stowe of Michigan. Recognized as one of the nation's top classic cars, it is among the standout vehicles at the show.
For those seeking more variety, Autorama Extreme, or "The Show Within a Show," will feature over 200 traditional rods, customs, and bobber bikes inspired by the 1950s. The attraction will include performances by Rockabilly bands and the Miss Autorama Retro Pin-Up Girl Contest, set for 5 p.m. Saturday, March 1.
As part of Autorama Extreme, the Traditional Rod Pick Awards will be presented by some of the biggest names in hot rod building. The Celebrity Pick Awards ceremony is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.
One of the most coveted awards, the Ridler Award, will be presented to the best new custom car, shown for the first time at the event.
First, about 30 cars are selected to compete. These cars are then narrowed down to 8 finalists, called the BASF Great 8. Each of these eight finalists gets $1,000. At the end of the competition, one car is chosen as the Ridler Award winner from the Great 8. The winner gets $10,000 in cash, a custom trophy, and a jacket from Meguiar's.
In addition to the Ridler Award, many other awards will be given at the Detroit Autorama, including the Master Builder Award, which honors top custom car builders for their exceptional craftsmanship, and the CASI Cup, presented by Championship Auto Shows Inc., recognizing the best car in a specific category. The Summit Racing Equipment Show Car Series also features awards for the top vehicles in various categories, highlighting excellence in custom car building.
Celebrity appearances include:
Danny Koker and Kevin Mack of "Counting Cars": Friday, Feb. 28, from 4-7 p.m.
Farmtruck and AZN from "Street Outlaws": Saturday, March 1, from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.; Sunday, March 2, from noon-4 p.m.
WWE Hall of Fame duo Team 3D (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley): Saturday, March 1, from 1-4 p.m.
Detroit Lions Linebacker Alex Anzalone: Sunday, March 2, from 1-4 p.m.
'There will be so much going on for the whole family at this year's Detroit Autorama, that we can hardly wait to unveil it to the public," Toundas said. "Barbie fans will be delighted to get their photo taken with the famous pink convertible. Transformer movie fans will be in awe of the gigantic Mega Morph Transforming Robot Car. Lions Fans will be thrilled to meet Alex Anzalone and hot rodders will be pumped to meet Danny Koker of TV's 'Counting Cars' and the always-entertaining stars of 'Street Outlaws,' Farm Truck and AZN."
Tickets to the Detroit Autorama can be purchased at the gate:
Adults: $28
Children 6 to 12: $10
Children 5 and under: Free
Discount tickets are available at O'Reilly Auto Parts locations and must be purchased in person:
General Admission: $26
Children 6 to 12: $9
For further ticket and event details, visit autorama.com/attend/detroit.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Autorama 2025: Custom cars, celebrities and attractions await
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