55 Tips, Tidbits & Info
September 17, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
- All Post
- 20 High Priority - SR Super Rod
- Builds
- 25 High Priority - FB Ford Builder
- Cars
- 30 High Priority - AR American Rodder
- 01 Post Status
- 35 High Priority - RD Rodders Digest
- 40 High Priority - OTR On the Road
- 45 High Priority - SRB Street Rod Builder
- 50 High Priority - TB Truck Builder
- 55 High Priority - BSCENE Buckaroo Scene
- 60 High Priority - FPB Family Power Boat
- Trucks
- Swaps
- Performance Boats
- _000 Home Sliders
- Modern/Future Tech
- Builders
- 00 Sidebars
- Manufacturers
- 05 High Priority - HCI Hot Compact Imports
- 05 Publications
- 10 High Priority - CR Chevy Rumble
- Back
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Power Adders
- Back
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Power Adders
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Back
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Power Adders
- Steering
- Back
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Back
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Power Adders
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Back
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Power Adders
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Back
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Power Adders
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Back
- Steering
- Interior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Exterior and Hull
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Outdrives
- Back
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Back
- Chrysler
- Mercury
- Subaru
- Volvo
- Volkswagen
- Chevrolet
- Cadillac
- Pontiac
- GMC
- AMC
- BMW
- Oldsmobile
- Buick
- Jeep
- Acura
- Lincoln
- Mitsubishi
- Ford
- Dodge
- Honda
- Nissan
- Toyota
- Plymouth
- Back
- 05 Pub HCI Hot Compact Imports
- 15 Pub 4x4 4x4 Builder
- 20 Pub SR Super Rod
- 25 Pub FB Ford Builder
- 30 Pub AR American Rodder
- 35 Pub RD Rodders Digest
- 40 Pub OTR On the Road
- 55 Pub BSCENE Buckaroo Scene
- 10 Pub CR Chevy Rumble
- 50 Pub TB Truck Builder
- 60 Pub FPB Family Power Boat
- 45 Pub SRB Street Rod Builder
- Back
- Steve Sellers
- Bobby Alloway
- Chip Foose
- Boyd Coddington
- Rad Rides by Troy
- Cal Auto Creations
- Ring Brothers
- George Barris
- Jesse James
- West Coast Customs
- Jack Fuller
- Carl Casper
- Bob Cullipher
- J.F. Launier
- Jerry Nichols
- Back
- Street Rods
- Hot Rods
- Late Model
- Drag Race
- Handling
- Compact Cars
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Power Adders
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Power Adders
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Power Adders
- Steering
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Power Adders
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Back
- 05 Post Imported
- 20 Post Missing Images (All)
- 25 Post Missing Images (Partial)
- 15 Post In Progress
- 30 Post Internal Review
- 40 Post On Hold
- 27 Post Missing Content
- 50 Post Approved
- 10 Post Images Imported
- 17 Post Missing TXT Files
- 18 Post Missing PDF Files
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine Swaps
- Interior Swaps
- Driveline
- Back
- Street Trucks
- OffRoad Trucks
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Power Adders
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Power Adders
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Back
- 01 Sidebar Left
- 01 Sidebar Right
Spotlighter
The 2026 Ridler Roundup
A Review of the 2026 Ridler Winner & The Great 8 from Detroit Autorama
For more than 70 years, Detroit Autorama has been the proving ground where the world’s most ambitious custom cars, hot rods, and coachbuilt masterpieces step into the spotlight. What started back in 1953 as a humble fundraiser to build a drag strip has grown into a full-blown celebration of automotive craftsmanship, creativity, and hot rod culture. Today, the show packs the cavernous halls of Huntington Place with hundreds of cars, thousands of enthusiasts, and a level of competition that pushes builders to bring their absolute A-game.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
Often called “America’s Greatest Hot Rod Show,” Autorama isn’t just another indoor car show—it’s where reputations are made. Builders spend years refining their creations, knowing that the first public unveiling on this stage could put their work in front of the toughest judges and the most passionate fans in the custom car world. The goal? Earn a spot among the elite finalists for the Don Ridler Memorial Award, widely considered one of the highest honors in hot rodding and custom car building.
The Road to the Ridler
Before one car takes home the Ridler trophy, the field is narrowed to the legendary BASF Great 8—eight vehicles that represent the absolute peak of design innovation, fabrication skill, paintwork, and engineering excellence. Making the Great 8 alone is a career milestone for builders and owners alike. These are the cars that stop crowds in their tracks, the ones people circle three or four times trying to figure out how the builders pulled it off.
From there, the judges make the call. One of those eight cars rises above the rest to claim the Ridler Award—along with bragging rights that echo through the custom car world for years to come.
Eight Contenders, One Winner
The 2026 Detroit Autorama delivered exactly what hot rod fans expect: next-level craftsmanship, bold design moves, and an outrageous amount of detail hiding in every inch of sheetmetal. The Great 8 lineup this year featured everything from heavily reimagined American classics to radical interpretations of vintage platforms—each one the result of thousands of hours of fabrication, problem-solving, and late nights in the shop.
What follows is a closer look at the Ridler Winner and the rest of the Great 8 from the 2026 Detroit Autorama—the builds that rose above hundreds of entries to stand at the very top of the show. These cars aren’t just beautiful. They’re bold statements in steel, paint, and horsepower. And in the world of high-end custom cars, that’s exactly what it takes to get noticed.
THE RIDLER WINNER 2026
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air “Elegant Lady”
Owner: Rex Satterfield
Builder: Riffey’s Hot Rods & Restorations
The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, known as “Elegant Lady,” stole the spotlight and claimed the 2026 Ridler Award, leaving the Detroit Autorama crowd jaw-dropped and stopping in their tracks. Originally started by the late Jeff Wolfenbarger, Kevin Riffey stepped in to bring the car to flawless completion, honoring Wolfenbarger’s vision while elevating it to the absolute pinnacle of custom car artistry. The custom body with a one-piece floor pan and 3-inch drop, Light Coffee PPG paint, 1956 Pontiac dash, Classic Instrument gauges, and Steve Holcomb leather interiors combine to create a timeless blend of elegance, aggression, and show-floor presence that demands attention from every angle.
Beneath the stunning sheet metal, the LS7 engine pumps out 1,000 HP through a Whipple supercharger by Don Hardy Engines, paired with a polished L80E transmission, all-stainless exhaust by Barillaro Speed Shop, and a custom fuel tank. The Art Morrison frame, polished Kugel rear end, and meticulously routed wiring and brake lines make this beauty as smart as it is powerful. Custom wheels, taillights, and steering wheel by Evod Industries, paired with chrome accents by Advanced Plating and body touches from Aluminum Craft, ensure that every detail hits perfection.
From its commanding presence on the show floor to its Ridler Award triumph, Elegant Lady is more than a car—it’s a living tribute to craftsmanship, passion, and perseverance. This Bel Air is the embodiment of classic lines meeting modern performance, leaving onlookers stunned and cementing its place as one of the most breathtaking, show-stopping customs in the world.
1953 Studebaker Champion Coupe
Owner: Jim Niededecken
Builders: Jim & Paul at Wise’s Hot Rods / Wise Guys Seats & Accessories
Jim Niededecken’s 1953 Studebaker Champion Coupe doesn’t just turn heads—it stops traffic. Chopped 2 inches but keeping its stock windshield and rear glass, the lines are aggressive, flush, and razor-sharp, with functional side quarters that scream purpose. Chrome and stainless are gone, replaced by a full sheet-metal makeover: front bumper from dual ’68 Camaros, rear molded to the body, re-radius rear wheel wells, fabricated fender wings, and a front scoop that feeds air like a boss. LED tail lights, a custom firewall, and fabricated inner fenders give it smarts to match the savage style.
Under the hood, this Studebaker isn’t playing around. A twin-turbo LS1 Chevrolet roars through dual 60mm turbos into a Tremec 6-speed manual, polished 3-inch aluminum driveshaft, and a Moser 31-spline differential. Fuel and ignition are dialed to perfection with billet rails, Holley engine management, dual pumps, and Comp Cam components—every piece built to dominate on the street or the strip.
Inside, the coupe is all show and function. Bohde Custom leather, a dash inspired by a ’68 Camaro, Auto Meter gauges, vintage air, and power windows make the cockpit feel like muscle with style. The Art Morrison chassis, Wilwood brakes, 8-point cage, and polished Bonneville-style rims lock it all together, balancing classic Studebaker charm with modern firepower and ruthless attitude. This isn’t a restoration—it’s a full-on reinvention, honoring the late John Tuto and Roger Demland while showing the world what a ’53 Champion is really capable of.
1956 Chevrolet 210 Two-Door Handyman Wagon “Burnsy’s ’56”
Owner: Bruce & Toni Burns of Vancouver, BC, Canada
Builders: Ken Chapman (BA Custom Specialties), Dennis Fast (Fast Custom Ltd.), Derek Friesen (Custom Creations Upholstery)
Inspired by a classic Hot Wheels Nomad, Bruce Burns went all in, turning a childhood favorite into full-scale reality. “Burnsy’s ’56” is a bold, playful, and seriously capable 210 Two-Door Handyman Wagon that commands attention from every angle. Its stance is aggressive and flawless, courtesy of an Art Morrison chassis and Air Ride suspension, anchored on big, bright wheels that scream show-ready.
Power is no joke. At its heart sits a 540 cubic-inch Chevy, built on a Dart M block with Brodix heads, hydraulic roller cam, and an 8-71 Weiand blower feeding dual Holley 950 CFM carburetors, all routed through a 4L80E transmission. It’s a powerhouse that lives up to the wagon’s bold looks.
Custom touches push this build into next-level territory: floating, backlit badges, an automated hood at the push of a key fob, and a cockpit by Derek Friesen that blends comfort and showmanship. Dennis Fast’s paint and fabrication work finishes it all off with serious flair.
Burnsy’s ’56 proves Bruce can turn Hot Wheels inspiration into a full-blown, high-performance reality, delivering a wagon that’s fearless, flashy, and absolutely unforgettable.
1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville “Widomaker”
Owner: Ryan Bruinsma
Builder: Carriage House Automotive Restorations
Few machines define the Tailfin Era like the 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. The towering fins, jet-age trim, and unmistakable Harley Earl styling already made it one of the boldest production cars ever built. But owner Ryan Bruinsma wanted more than preservation—he wanted perfection. After surviving a life-altering heart attack, Bruinsma decided life was too short not to build his dream car. What looked like a clean starting point quickly turned into a shock once the body hit the media blaster—large sections were hiding behind chicken wire and window screen. Instead of walking away, the craftsmen at Carriage House Automotive Restorations rebuilt the car from the ground up, replacing nearly every panel before carefully reshaping and refining the body to deliver a sleeker, sharper, modernized take on the legendary ’59 Cadillac while keeping the iconic fins and unmistakable profile intact.
Underneath that dramatic sheet metal sits a seriously modern performance chassis. A modified Art Morrison chassis with C5 Corvette front suspension, adjustable coilovers, Wilwood brakes, and a Ford 9-inch rear differential gives the Cadillac handling and stance its original designers could only dream about. Power comes from a supercharged GM LT4 engine paired with a 4L75E automatic transmission, pushing modern horsepower through polished Ultimate Headers and a stainless dual exhaust system. Hidden wiring, concealed plumbing, and custom fabricated panels keep everything clean and surgical, while 3D-designed induction components and a Wegner blower hat give the engine bay show-stopping presence with modern muscle attitude.
Inside, the car shifts from vintage cruiser to jet-age luxury with a modern edge. The cabin is wrapped in Moore & Giles leather, built around a heavily modified dash with Classic Instruments gauges styled to echo the factory look. Front and rear bucket seats are tied together with a full-length console featuring backlit CNC-machined glass panels that glow through the dash insert and center console—one of the most striking interior details on the car. Subtle lighting, 3D-printed trim, and a fully finished trunk carry the theme throughout. The result is a reimagined 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville that respects the most outrageous design of the ’50s while injecting it with modern power, precision craftsmanship, and undeniable presence.
1960 Ford Sunliner Convertible “Cruzliner”
Owner: George Conrad
Builders: Classic Restorations of Southern Indiana & Rowe’s Rod and Custom
George Conrad’s 1960 Ford Sunliner Convertible, dubbed the “Cruzliner,” takes Ford’s funky Starliner convertible and cranks it up to street-crushing, jaw-dropping levels. Sitting on a Roadster Shop Fast Track Stage III chassis, the Cruzliner blends classic ’60s style with modern precision, sporting tucked and smoothed bumpers, full belly pans, gun sight emblems throughout, and a custom convertible top paired with a bespoke leather interior that screams refined hot rod luxury. The sapphire-blue paint catches the light like liquid metal, ensuring this Sunliner stands out on any street or show floor.
Under the hood, George didn’t just talk big—he delivered serious firepower. A Jon Kaase Boss 9 547ci twin-turbo setup, paired with Holley EFI, custom intake manifold, and a Turbo 400 with Gear Vendors overdrive, cranks out a streetable 1,000 horsepower. Power hits the pavement through a Strange Ford 9-inch rear end, while Wilwood brakes keep the beast in check. Every detail, from the turbo plumbing to the polished headers, reflects a careful balance of raw performance and street-ready reliability.
The Cruzliner’s story is one of pure hot rod evolution. Classic Restorations of Southern Indiana laid the groundwork, and Rowe’s Rod and Custom took the build to the next level in November 2023, turning a ’60 Ford convertible into a modern muscle machine with timeless style. From the gleaming sapphire-blue exterior to the twin-turbo powertrain and precision suspension, George Conrad’s Cruzliner proves that a classic Ford can be both boldly nostalgic and terrifyingly fast—a 1000-hp cruiser that looks as good as it goes.
1962 Chevrolet Corvette “Cool Whip”
Owner/Builder: Jim Curtis
Builder: Magic Custom Inc.
Some builds shout for attention—Jim Curtis’ 1962 Chevrolet Corvette “Cool Whip” doesn’t need to. This C1 Corvette is pure visual impact, finished in a rich coat of Wimbledon White that flows across the body, frame, and undercarriage like the car was literally dipped in paint. Curtis is a lifelong fan of the first-generation Corvette, and when it came time to build his own, the mission was clear: respect the legendary lines of the final-year C1 while perfecting every detail. The exterior modifications were kept intentionally subtle, letting the timeless curves do the talking while obsessive attention went into razor-straight panel gaps, perfectly aligned trim, and jewelry-level chrome that elevates the factory design to a whole new level of precision.
Underneath that silky white fiberglass sits a one-off custom chassis from Precision Hot Rods & Fabrication, bringing modern muscle to the vintage icon. Power comes from a 520-horsepower LS3, backed by a Tremec T56 six-speed, sending power through a Ford 9-inch rear with 3.50 gears. Massive Wilwood brakes with 14-inch rotors and four-piston calipers make sure the performance matches the horsepower, while **Budnik custom wheels—18 inches up front and 20 inches out back—**give the Corvette a planted, modern stance that still respects the car’s classic proportions. It’s the kind of setup that lets this vintage ‘Vette cruise, carve corners, and light up the pavement whenever the mood strikes.
The same no-compromise approach carries into the details. The interior was crafted by The East Coast Hot Rod Garage, while Abel Metal, Custom Chrome, and Grafton Metal Polishing handled the nickel, chrome, and polished finishes that sparkle throughout the build. Achieving that flawless white look took three gallons of paint and roughly ten coats of clear, each layer carefully wet-sanded until the surface looked like polished glass. The result is a 1962 Corvette that’s impossibly smooth, brutally clean, and unapologetically sharp—a classic American sports car turned into a precision-built showstopper with serious attitude.
1968 Cadillac Coupe De Ville “Nephilim: Ancient Giant”
Owner/Builder: Richard Jacobs
Big, bold, and impossible to ignore, Richard Jacobs’ 1968 Cadillac Coupe De Ville “Nephilim: Ancient Giant” brings modern performance to one of the most imposing luxury coupes ever built. Jacobs has been a Cadillac devotee since his teenage years, and the ’68 De Ville left a lasting impression on him early on. When the opportunity finally came to create his own version, he went all in—building a machine that preserves the unmistakable presence of the classic Cadillac while packing the kind of performance and chassis engineering you’d expect from a modern sports car. The finished car made a powerful impression as one of the BASF Great 8 contenders at the Detroit Autorama, standing elevated above the show floor with its deep red finish glowing under the lights.
Beneath the massive hood sits modern GM performance muscle in the form of a supercharged LT4 V8 paired with an 8L90E automatic transmission. The engine exhales through long-tube headers and a three-inch dual exhaust system with Borla bullet mufflers, giving the big Cadillac a surprisingly aggressive soundtrack. Underneath, the original underpinnings were replaced with a performance-focused Art Morrison chassis featuring independent rear suspension, dramatically improving the car’s road manners. The goal wasn’t just to build a showpiece—it was to create a full-size luxury coupe capable of real performance, blending Cadillac presence with Corvette-inspired handling and power.
The name “Nephilim: Ancient Giant” reflects the car’s larger-than-life character. With its sweeping proportions, towering stance, and commanding visual presence, this 1968 Cadillac Coupe De Ville custom embodies the scale and drama that made Cadillacs legendary in the first place. Jacobs’ build doesn’t try to hide the car’s size—it celebrates it, transforming a classic American luxury icon into a modernized giant with attitude, horsepower, and undeniable presence.
1968 Chevrolet Pickup “Z/10”
Owners: Wendy & Kevin Flondor
Builder: Bump & Grind Auto Body
Muscle car attitude meets pickup toughness in Wendy and Kevin Flondor’s 1968 Chevrolet C10 “Z/10.” Built in just a year and a half by Kevin’s own shop, Bump & Grind Auto Body, this standout truck was the only pickup to break into the Detroit Autorama Great 8, and it did it with serious style. The concept flips the script on the classic C10 by blending 1968 Chevy truck lines with aggressive 1970 Camaro Z/28-inspired styling cues. Up front, the split-bumper look, Camaro-style turn signals, and custom grille treatment instantly set the tone, while the Z/10 emblem cleverly doubles as the hood release. Finished in a rich custom-mixed Spies Hecker “Sand Storm” paint, the truck carries a sleek, performance-focused presence that feels equal parts street machine and modern custom.
Under the hood, this C10 backs up the attitude with supercharged LS firepower. A 6.2L LS topped with an LSA supercharger feeds a built 4L80E transmission, delivering the kind of torque that turns a vintage pickup into a full-blown street bruiser. Beneath it all sits a Roadster Shop Spec chassis with Air Lift Performance air ride, allowing the truck to drop down low while still delivering modern ride and handling. A Fab 9-inch rear with 3.73 gears, Wilwood braking power, and massive **Pro Billet wheels—20×8 up front and 22×12 out back—**plant the truck firmly in modern performance territory. The result is a pro-touring style C10 that looks ready to cruise the boulevard—or vaporize the rear tires at a moment’s notice.
The craftsmanship continues in the details. Inside, Du Now Upholstery stitched a refined custom interior packed with modern tech including Holley Terminator X-Max management and digital instrumentation. Out back, the truck’s bed features a reclaimed wood floor sourced from vintage cargo flooring, adding character and history to the build. Custom lighting from 396Maro Creations, clever fabrication touches, and a hand-built tailgate spoiler round out the look. Bold, creative, and unapologetically aggressive, the 1968 Chevrolet C10 “Z/10” proves that even among the world’s most elite customs, a pickup can still show up and steal the spotlight.
