Latest news with #DetroitAutorama
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
1955 Chevy Nomad ‘Gray Madder' Wins Ridler Honors at Autorama
The 2025 Detroit Autorama has wrapped with the 1955 Chevrolet Nomad 'Gray Madder' taking top honors. This year's Autorama goes into the books as the 72nd in the show's history. The Detroit Autorama sits as one of the premier custom car shows in the world, with the Ridler award cementing cars, owners, and builders in hot rod lore. Another Detroit Autorama is in the books, and a 1955 Chevrolet Nomad was crowned the latest Ridler Award winner. Dubbed 'Gray Madder,' this custom '55 Chevy bested seven other would-be winners and gave owners Tom and Christy Bresnahan and their son Josh some serious trophy case hardware. Built by North Carolina-based Southern Comfort Customs and Interior, this radical '55 Chevy rides on an Art Morrison-supplied chassis with a hydraulic suspension. Powering this Nomad is a modern LS3 mill that is mated to a 6L90E six-speed automatic transmission. Power travels to the rear wheels through a custom rear end derived from Ford's legendary 9-inch unit. Gray madder sits on a set of custom wheels from Evod Industries that are wrapped in Diamond Back Classic rubber. Joining a set of custom wheels is a laundry list of one-off parts and pieces that include a custom steering column, grille, and fuel tank. Those familiar with the pomp and circumstance of the Detroit Autorama will know that the 'Gray Madder' was selected from a small pool under the Great Eight banner. This year's Great Eight, excluding this year's winner were: 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owned by John and Kelly Ayers 1963 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Dan Patrone 1957 Chevrolet owned by David Bradwell 1949 Pontiac Silverstreak owned by Danny Asher 1963 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Dave and Rhonda Ralph 1937 Chevrolet owned by John Farrow 1933 Ford Roadster Pickup owned by Detroit Metal Shaping Outside of the Great Eight finalists and the Ridler Winner, there was more variety than ever at this year's Autorama. The top level was filled with traditional custom cars in the Cavalcade of Customs, which included the famed Larry Ernst 1951 Chevy, and a clone of the Alexander Brothers-built 1960 Ford Starliner, dubbed Adonis. Also out in force was an array of current and vintage drag racing machines, lowriders, and more. Below the top deck, the Autorama Extreme played host to its fair share of sharp hot rods, custom cars, and vintage motorcycles. For those unfamiliar, the Autorama Extreme tends to lean more toward the traditional side of the custom car spectrum and offers a more approachable every-man look at the collector car hobby. Sorry if you missed the 72nd edition of the Detroit Autorama. The only fix is to head to the Cobo Hall TCF Center Huntington Place convention center in downtown next year. Have you ever experienced the Detroit Autorama? Tell us about it below.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Autorama but smaller: Tiny car contest at full-size hot rod show is all about details
It's as if someone took a shrink ray to the Detroit Autorama. No, the event itself wasn't small. Huntington Place was packed as usual for the Autorama's 72nd year in Detroit on Saturday, with hundreds of custom cars and hot rods under the lights at Huntington Place. But at one booth, dozens of meticulously crafted model cars — shrunken to 1/25 scale — sat for keen eyes and critical judges. Since 1991, model car collectors have submitted their finest work to the Autorama Model Car Contest to compete in various categories: tiny lowriders, hot rods and slot cars (to name a few) line the foldout tables at the booth. Ask any of the crafters sitting around the table: These are not toys. The model cars are crafts of careful attention and time. They're the centerpiece of a tight-knit community — founded on passions that began in childhood. Steve Perry, a retired automotive engineer, sat at the back of the booth between two professional photography lights, snapping photos of the tiny cars on a pristine white backdrop. It's all about the details for Perry, who makes his own model cars and sinks hundreds of hours into each build. Perry conducts intense research and writes accompanying information manuals for each car he makes. In his model of a 1987 El Camino, Perry equipped the engine bay with an air conditioning compressor on brackets with refrigerant lines routed exactly where they need to go. Thin red fibers and small custom-made pieces mimic the electrical wiring of real engines. Perry used to design air conditioners at Valio. "It doesn't blow cold air, but it sure looks like it would," he said. Perry is a seven-time best-in-show winner at the Autorama contest, and he said the model car community is built on this attention to detail. Like any other art form, crafting a replica of your favorite car is a hard-earned labor of love. He captured decades of Detroit history: 55 photos by Free Press photographer Ira Rosenberg Ford Philanthropy: After massive Detroit water main break, Ford jumped into action for devastated families "The subjects I build are meaningful to me," Perry said. "We all just appreciate that we're car guys. Everyone's kind of doing their own thing with the models. Some might be really into good paint jobs. Some guys are into detail." And Perry, who once spent almost two years on a single build, is into the details. So is Rick Radecke, a 65-year-old car part delivery driver from Eastpointe, who has helped run the contest since 1991. Picking the winners in each category is almost a science, he said. "We look at the quality of the build. It's got to be put together correctly without any visible flaws," Radecke said. "No glue showing, the tires gotta be on straight, nothing falling off of it. The detail here is amazing." As the years go on, so does the median age of hobbyists in the community. "The group is a fairly tight fraternity. I mean, we welcome anyone, but most of us started when we were young, and that's a long time ago for most of us," Perry, 65, said with a laugh. "It's an aging hobby. It's a lot of older people who do it, and we just relate to each other." Radecke said when he was a kid, he could put together a model car for less than $10. Nowadays, a simple build can cost $40 or $50 — never mind the custom features like air conditioning brackets. With prohibitive costs and interest stolen by things like video games, Radecke said the hobby is sputtering out. At the Autorama contest, though, youngsters compete in a "junior" category to encourage participation. (And what 13-year-old can keep up with a former engineer like Perry, who's using rare earth neodymium magnets to make sure the doors "sound right" when they close?) To Perry, the hobby may be dying out — but his passion for it is flourishing. "In a way, it's a dying hobby," Perry said. "But the state of the art has never been higher." Contact Liam Rappleye: LRappleye@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Autorama Model Car Contest is all about community, attention to detail
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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 This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Autorama 2025: Custom cars, celebrities and attractions await
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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 This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Autorama 2025: Custom cars, celebrities and attractions await
