The ‘50s and ‘60s Are Back
By Brian Brennan – Photography By Eric Geisert
It’s time for the 70th Annual Detroit Autorama sponsored by Meguiar’s and presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts. And if it’s Detroit then it’s time for the Don Ridler Memorial Award presented by Meguiar’s. The competition begins with the awarding of the Great 8 presented by BASF. It’s from these eight great looking cars and trucks that the eventual Ridler award winner will be selected.
Competing for this year’s Ridler award are these Great 8 competitors: Jim McDaniel from Cuming, Georgia with his ’58 Chevy pickup (black and gold), David and Kenny Snodgrass out of Melbourne, Florida with their ’55 Chevy convertible (blue), Brian Mosbek from Blaine, Minnesota with his ’69 Super Bee (red), Shawn Nichoalds out of Foristell, Missouri, and his ’67 Chevy Nova (silver), George Conrad from Akron, Ohio with his ’78 Ford Mustang King Cobra (black), Luigi DeRiggi from Toms River, New Jersey and his ’50 Mercury custom (root beer), Rejean Desjardins from Moncton, N.B., Canada, and his ’65 Ford Mustang fastback (black and white), and Tim Hampel of Arlington, Texas with his ’53 Chevy pickup (silver).
If you have been to “Detroit” as it is often called, then you know its multiple cars shows all wrapped into one. And if attending one of the greatest cars shows around isn’t enough remember that there are three days of continuous entertainment and other attention grabbing exhibits. On Sunday only there will be a sneak peak of a new hot rod documentary titled: “Detroit: The City of Hot Rods & Muscle Cars”. This happening will be hosted by Danny Koker from History Channel’s Counting Cars.
It you want a cool autograph or two longtime favorite will be Henry Winkler (come on who can forget the “Fonz”). There will be lots of bands and the Miss Autorama Pinup Girl contest on Saturday. And, of course, don’t forget the Detroit Autorama Extreme located yearly in the basement that features traditional hot rods and customs, bikes, and plenty of Rockabilly bands. There will also be the specially prepared 10 car exhibit known as the Cavalcade of Customs, the Pinstripers Charity Auction, and the Preservation Award this year featuring the Connie Kalitta’s Bounty Hunter AA/F dragster presented by Steel Rubber Products. There will also be Car Care Tips presented all weekend by Meguiar’s.
There is more and should you find yourself near Detroit’s Cobo Hall stop by and taken in the Detroit Autorama you will not be disappointed. MR
