THE CHEVELLE’S FINEST HOUR
June 1, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Naked Ambition: Bare Metal Builds at GNRS 2025
At GNRS 2025, bare metal builds were everywhere. Let’s be real— some of these builds aren’t finished. They’re just out here flexing. Builders are putting their raw, unpainted cars and trucks on display like they’re staring in the mirror, admiring their own reflection. We saw last year’s AMBR winner in bare metal, and it was absolutely stunning. This year? There were a few builds that could easily walk away with the trophy—if and when they ever get finished.
WHERE’S THE POWER?
Bob Gruitch just thought his car was not performing up to his expectations. A ’55 Chevy equipped with a 502 big block, square port heads and a Crane H296-2 camshaft should be more than enough power. But it lacked power and didn’t idle all that well, especially in gear. This shouldn’t be happening with an engine built by John Gianoli at Reggie Jackson’s High Performance Engine Shop, so Gruitch figured he had something wrong and brought the car to John Bishop’s Hot Rod Tuning Service to have it checked. He’s lucky that he did.
One Good Turn
The automotive world became a different place when Chevrolet introduced the new ’55. Prior to that time there were many Chevy buyers, but after the ’55s were released there were newborn Chevy enthusiasts. The new Chevys were not only great-looking, but they were also powered with what would become one the finest V-8 engines available anywhere. There was an instant attraction to the ’55, and the interest continued to grow once the ’56 and ’57 were introduced. Fortunately, all three model years became extremely popular, so Chevy enthusiasts took care of them, and many nice examples remain today.
Spotlighter
Detroit Foxbody Crew Brings the Heat to the 2025 Autorama
From restorations to high-horsepower beasts, this Foxbody squad proves the legacy is alive and kicking.
The Detroit Autorama—America’s Greatest Hot Rod Show—once again delivered the goods, and this year, the Detroit Foxbody Car Club rolled in strong. If you were there, you know. If you weren’t, well, you missed one hell of a display from a crew that knows how to build, drive, and talk Fox Bodies like nobody else.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Julie & John Aschenberg
The Foxbody Takeover
For those not in the know, the Fox Body Mustang (1979-1993) is one of the most beloved platforms in the muscle car world. It’s light, it’s fast, and it takes mods like a champ. The Detroit Foxbody Car Club came to Autorama ready to prove exactly that, filling their display with everything from factory-correct restorations to wild, high-horsepower builds. Every car had a story, and every owner had grease under their nails to back it up.
More Than Just a Club
Car clubs come and go, but the Detroit Foxbody Car Club is the real deal. They aren’t just weekend warriors showing up for a few parking lot meets; they’re wrenching on cars together, helping each other track down impossible-to-find parts, and hitting the streets every chance they get. That’s what makes this group special—it’s not just about owning a Fox Body, it’s about living the lifestyle.
What’s Next?
Autorama might be in the rearview mirror, but the Detroit Foxbody Car Club isn’t slowing down. More meets, more cruises, more shows—you name it, they’re in. If you’ve got a Fox and want to roll with a crew that gets it, find them on Facebook. They’re always welcoming new members who share the same love for these cars.
The 2025 Detroit Autorama was a killer show, and the Detroit Foxbody Car Club left a serious mark. If you didn’t catch them this time, don’t worry—you’ll hear them coming at the next big event. The Fox Body legacy is alive and well, and this crew is making sure it stays that way.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Detroit Foxbodys
Detroit Foxbody's ia a private Facebook Group for locals to share advice, buy/trade parts, help one another with builds. Their aim is to put together the largest and baddest foxbody group in Detroit and the metro area.
