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April 21, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
POWER PICKUP!
To say Tom Long has an interest in cars is to say the Pope has an interest in religion. Long has always been a “car guy,” just like the rest of us. Having owned several specialty vehicles over the years, he still has a ’32 Ford sedan street rod that has seen many miles from coast to coast. But Long had a real urge to own something with the extra shot of adrenaline that comes from potent power under the hood. As his son Matt’s interest in cars grew, Long decided a project that involved both father and son would be just the ticket.
Bright Idea
Keith Bright was driving through tiny Basin, Wyoming (population just over 1,000), when he saw a ’58 Buick station wagon drive by in the opposite direction. “That’s strange,” he remembers thinking to himself. He could remember seeing only two other examples in his entire life. He had to have that car, but there was no time to follow the driver or flag him down. Bright returned to his home in Salina, Kansas, where he heads Bright Built Street Rods & Restoration, and occupied his time working on other people’s super rods. But he couldn’t get that ’58 wagon out of his mind.
Installing a Custom Accessories Three-Point Harness System
This is the problem in a nutshell: When we are traveling in an automobile, it may seem that we personally are not moving, only the car is. But that is not the case. If the vehicle that we are traveling in happens to stop suddenly, we won’t, unless … there is something there to stop us. That something could be a seatbelt—or it could be something less desirable.
The cold hard fact is that injuries can be suffered during an auto accident. Injuries such as those sustained by the face and head as a result of being thrown into the windshield or dash. Or it could mean those nasty abdominal injuries due to contact with the steering wheel. Either way, it doesn’t sound like much fun. They can also be prevented.
Spotlighter
REVVIN’ UP AT THE ’07 AUTORAMA
The 55th Annual Detroit Autorama
Authors
Josh Mishler & Tommy Lee Byrd
Photography: Josh Mishler
A Must-Attend Automotive Tradition
Regardless of our residential location, there seems to be a specific show that we just can’t stand to miss. It’s a show we anticipate all year long, and we can’t imagine a season without attending it. It certainly isn’t the city it is held in that’s alluring; it’s the quality of the cars that show up, and there are always a few surprises, as builders spend millions of dollars competing for the prestige of winning the coveted Ridler Award.
It is also one reason why the Detroit Autorama has become one of our favorites, as there is just no other show that attracts such different folks. Although it’s different today, even the Detroit automakers show up. The Autorama is a place where industry people go even if they are not participating, just to see what innovations and coach-building expertise they will find, as it’s a spectacular showcase for talent. This is, of course, why it has become the most popular show in the Midwest. We’d say the country, but there still are a variety of key shows that also continue to draw huge crowds in other locales, and each has its own flavor and contribution, which makes the Detroit Autorama unique and worthwhile.
The History of the Autorama
For the past 54 years, the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA) has been hosting the Autorama, making it one of America’s oldest and largest car shows. It began as a way to raise money to fund a dragstrip for the MHRA, but since those meager beginnings, it has evolved into an important automotive cultural show. It is important for many reasons, including the Ridler Award, which is largely responsible for the increased popularity it has enjoyed over the years, and for what has become hot rodding’s most coveted prize.
The Legacy of Don Ridler
If you’re unfamiliar with the history behind the Ridler Award, it’s named after Don Ridler, the Autorama’s show promoter from the ’50s and early ’60s. It was his creativity and professionalism that helped take the Autorama to the next level and become one of the largest indoor shows in the country. Some say there may not be an Autorama if not for the efforts of Don Ridler.
The Birth of the Ridler Award
In 1963, Don Ridler passed away, and the Ridler Award was immediately established in his memory. Since Ridler’s strong point had always been his ingenuity, it was decided the award would honor individuals who were equally creative in building cars. Guidelines were established, and only cars shown for the first time would be eligible, so it immediately became a one-time chance, and there would be no cars winning the award twice. Just as Don Ridler had done all those years, the Ridler Award helped elevate the Autorama to new heights.
Inside the Show Floor
This year’s event was a huge success at its home in the overwhelming 700,000-sq.-ft. hall known as Cobo Center. The show saw almost 1,000 vehicles on the floor, along with the extreme area in the basement, where bomber-style hot rods, rat rods and tuner cars were displayed. Of the 1,000 vehicles on display, a good portion of them were late-models. Everything from Pro-touring-styled Novas to restored Hemi Barracudas and even a few nice factory Ford racecars were on display. No matter what kind of super rods you are most interested in, it’s likely you will find something to your liking on the floors of the Detroit Autorama.
The Great 8
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ’32 FORD—THE DEUCE THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE
A power-packed GM crate engine powers this low-down ’56 Oldsmobile that hails from Livonia, Michigan. When the big tri-5 Olds needs to stop, it’s left up to the 13-inch Baer discs to quickly halt the two-tone hardtop.
No matter how big of an influence big billet wheels have on the hot rodding industry, it’s still nice to see a drag-racing-inspired car. This ’64 Chevy II is has the drag look nailed with its big-block engine and huge rear meats.
The Ford Torino was never a sporty car, but it had enough power to make up for its bulky size. This ’69 model features a bare-bones look, but the small cobra emblem on the fender means there’s a 428 Cobra Jet under the hood.
Known as “Golden Sunrise,” this ’58 Chrysler New Yorker has all of the features that go along with a ’60s-style custom. Gene Winfield built the car and Art Himsl applied the Kandy Gold paint on the chopped, smoothed and slammed Chrysler.
Covered in Torch Red paint, this ’64 GTO convertible is a highly modified muscle car with many unique features. One detail is the LS1 engine, which came from an ’04 GTO, making this goat a thoroughbred.
Mopar muscle cars are all the rage, but this mid-’60s Plymouth stands out from the crowd with a simple black paint job and red-anodized aluminum racing wheels. Much-needed traction comes from an extra-wide pair of tires stuffed in the rear wheel wells.
Randy Petit owns this radical ’66 Plymouth Satellite, powered by a huge Hemi and topped with a blower and two four-barrel Holley carburetors. Although this Plymouth has a wild look, it still wears the factory emblems, trim and even a vinyl top.
Deep-red paint covers the exterior of this ’68 Shelby GT500, while a healthy 428, fed by dual quads, powers the historic pony car. Darren Korby nailed the wheel-and-tire combination on his Mustang, giving it an updated look.
This late-’60s Plymouth Barracuda has a no-frills attitude with its simple paint scheme, combined with matching black wheels. A cross-ram-equipped Hemi engine provides a tremendous amount of power for the Plymouth, and a rollcage keeps the driver safe.
BONUS GALLERY
Never Before Published Images from The Auto Builder Archives
This slick ’66 Nova features a basically stock body, but a 355ci small block gives the Aztec Orange Super Sport plenty of power. The Nova rolls on a set of 17-inch Torq-Thrust wheels that fit the fender openings perfectly.
Early concept cars always grab a lot of attention at car shows, and this wild example is no different. Known as the Centurion, it displays unique and futuristic styling that was common with the concept cars of the era.
Covering the front end of this slick ’41 Willys is a set of multihued flames that change color as the light accents the many shades of pearl. The Willys sits on a set of billet wheels, and power comes from a monstrous supercharged engine.
At first glance this ’40 Ford sedan may not look like a super rod, but after closer inspection you’ll find that an Air Ride Technologies suspension gives it a wicked stance, and power comes from a supercharged DOHC 4.6-liter engine plucked from a late-model Cobra.
A trick set of ghost flames over a metallic-orange basecoat and a unique billet grille give this ’70 Chevelle an eye-catching appeal. Billet wheels provide some serious shine, and a healthy big block rides under the hood.
Al and Pam Cabadas displayed their super-slick ’66 Mustang convertible sporting a mile-deep black paint job with a black top and interior. Rolling stock consists of a set of classic-style split five-spoke wheels.
Taking on the look of an all-out drag car, this Ford Fairlane has a narrowed rearend with extra-wide tires for traction, a full rollcage for driver safety and the obligatory decals that are found on most drag cars.
It’s hard to believe a four-cylinder engine powered George Poteet’s Barracuda to a speed of 255 mph, but with enough technology anything is possible. The killer fish produces over 1,000 hp and features numerous aerodynamic tricks so the Plymouth cuts through the air with ease.
Fitting big tires under the rear of a Chevy II is not an easy task, but this ’62 has the perfect wheel-and-tire combination thanks to some structural work to provide more room. Slick black paint covers the exterior of the smooth Nova, and wine-red material covers the interior.
Bruce and Judy Ricks own this stunning ’57 Oldsmobile Fiesta wagon that displays a great stance created by Air Ride Technologies. The original 371ci engine gets the 18- and 20-inch Boyd Coddington wheels spinning.
This is why Mopars are so popular! Major power erupts from this huge Hemi-powered Plymouth, equipped with aluminum heads and a fabricated cross-ram intake manifold topped with two race-prepared four-barrel carburetors.
Under the custom hood of this ’57 Thunderbird is a power-packed 514ci Ford big block fitted with a custom air cleaner. A custom-mixed color from PPG looks great on the smooth lines of the first-generation T-bird, and billet wheels fit the style perfectly.
Blue flames cover the front of this silver ’69 Chevelle that belongs to Paul and Lenore Thornhill. It’s hard to deny this car’s drag racing roots, with a tall cowl induction hood, a 540ci big block for power and huge rear meats wrapped around Weld wheels.
This low-down ’57 Ford Courier wagon looks great with its black-and-silver paint scheme and killer stance. A set of accurately sized billet wheels fits nicely in the fenderwells and adds to the aggressive stance of the delivery.
The bright red interior is a nice contrast to the mile-deep black paint that covers this ’65 Plymouth Belvedere. As simple as this car appears, a Hemi engine powers it and provides the Belvedere with a vast amount of horsepower.
Large-diameter five-spoke wheels look great stuffed in the fenderwells of this elegant ’60 Ford post car. Smooth body panels and a slick two-tone paint scheme give the Ford a classy look, and the stock beltline trim serves as a great breaking point for the paint.
Looking as if it blasted straight from the late ’40s, this Holden EFIJY Concept is a stylish car that utilizes the newest technology. Under the sleek body is a C6 Corvette frame and suspension, and power comes from a supercharged LS2 engine. 22-8025.jpg-
A nice stance and a set of billet wheels give this ’57 Chevy 210 modern styling, while the lack of body modifications preserves the classic Chevy’s heritage. Deep-black paint covers the ’57, and stainless trim extends from front to rear.
Displaying patriotic colors, the ’69 SC/Rambler has a unique appearance and great performance from a 390ci engine inside the small Rambler platform. This particular AMC has seen plenty of track time and has run a best of 11.80 in the quarter mile.
This flawless ’67 Firebird displays a look that muscle cars trademarked with minimal options, except for a powerful engine. A small amount of trim and color-matched wheels provide a sleeper look, but a high-powered engine lurks under the hood.
Now available through Experi-Metal Inc. is a ’57 Chevy “Body in White” that gives the builder the opportunity to use his own ideas to create the car’s personality. This example features an Art Morrison chassis, and a power-packed LS7 rides between the rails.
The ’67 Mustang is quickly becoming one of the most popular cars to build, and this one features several modern twists to update its heritage. Under the carbon-fiber hood is a Roush 427 engine, which produces 550 hp and is backed by a Tremec five-speed transmission.
Many hours were spent making this ’69 Firebird a slick show winner, and it was definitely worth the effort. Several custom features give the car a contemporary style, and the Pontiac displays a great stance combined with a set of Billet Specialties wheels.
Don Petco was on hand with his super-rare ’64 Dodge 330 that was factory-equipped with aluminum doors, fenders, hood and scoop to rid the Dodge of unnecessary weight. A monstrous 526ci Hemi powers the white two-door post, and extra-wide meats provide traction.
It’s hard not to be attracted to the unique looks of a Henry J, and this example has a great stance combined with 18- and 20-inch Budnik rolling stock. A powerful LS6 gives the extra-smooth Henry J plenty of grunt, and an Art Morrison chassis replaces the stock frame.
Mile-deep black paint covers this ’65 Mercury Comet Cyclone that features matching black wheels, which gives the mid-size muscle car a sinister look. It may look like a base model, but a high-winding 289ci small block provides power for the slick hardtop.
A woody is always cool, and Don Freedman’s ’37 Ford phantom two-door is covered with a unique green hue along with some impressive airbrush work. The woody rolls on a set of large-diameter wheels tucked neatly under the bulbous fenders.
Under the cowl induction hood of this ’72 Chevy Nova is a fire-breathing 502ci big block topped with a set of Dart heads. Although the car has a contemporary look, it’s hard to deny the car’s inspiration from straight-line racing.
A killer stance assisted by a big-’n’-little tire combination provides this ’41 Willys coupe with a traditional feel, while the Hemi engine gives the driver another kind of feeling altogether.
