Drop ‘N’ Stop
January 26, 2026
THE AUTO BUILDER
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Spotlighter
Hot Rods, Customs, and Muscle Cars of Detroit Autorama 2026
Hundreds of incredible builds filled the show floor at Detroit Autorama—here are a few of the machines that caught our eye.
Every winter, the custom car world storms into the Motor City for one of the most legendary indoor shows in hot rodding history—Detroit Autorama. Inside the sprawling halls of Huntington Place, the temperature might still read winter outside, but on the show floor the atmosphere is pure horsepower, chrome, and adrenaline. Thousands of enthusiasts flood the aisles to see the machines that define the cutting edge of hot rods and muscle cars craftsmanship.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
Sure, the spotlight shines brightest on the elite builders chasing the prestigious Don Ridler Memorial Award, where only eight cars earn a place in the coveted Great 8 (see our coverage HERE) before one ultimate champion is crowned. These Ridler contenders represent the absolute peak of custom car building—machines that push fabrication, design, and engineering to a level that borders on art.
Beyond the Ridler: Rows of Hot Rods, Customs, and Muscle Cars
But Autorama isn’t just about the Ridler. Wander the floor and you’ll find the real heartbeat of the show: rows of traditional hot rods, flawless muscle car restorations, wild Pro Touring machines, and street-built bruisers that look ready to light the tires the second the doors open. Every corner delivers another jaw-dropper—from mirror-finish engine bays to paint jobs so deep they look a mile thick.
Standout Detroit Autorama 2026 Builds
We spent the weekend prowling the aisles searching for the hot rods and muscle cars that grabbed our attention—the builds with killer stance, big horsepower, and craftsmanship that demanded a second look. From vintage Detroit iron to modernized street brawlers, the following gallery highlights some of the standout machines that prove once again why Detroit Autorama remains one of the greatest car shows on the planet.
1954 Kaiser Manhattan “VooDoo Sahara”
Owner/Builder: “VooDoo Larry” Grobe of VooDoo Larry Kustoms
This 1954 Kaiser Manhattan, known as the “VooDoo Sahara,” doesn’t follow the traditional custom playbook—it rewrites it. Built by VooDoo Kings member Larry Grobe, this car is a full-scale tribute to the Barris-built Golden Sahara, but with its own unmistakable identity layered in. Larry pulled inspiration from both versions of the original icon, then pushed it further with his signature VooDoo style, turning this radical custom Kaiser into something that feels equal parts vintage show car and rolling concept.
The transformation is extensive and unapologetic. The body was stripped and reworked from the ground up, starting with a Camaro front clip and evolving into completely reshaped quarters, a pancaked hood, and a hand-fabricated front end featuring Corvair bezels and a custom grille built from ’59 Oldsmobile trim. Out back, the car takes a hard left into full custom territory with massive twin fins stretching eight feet long, housing ’58 Mercury taillights and extending beyond the bumper line. The side profile is just as wild, with over six-foot-long handmade skirts formed from reshaped roof sections, giving this custom Kaiser Manhattan a stretched, flowing look that doesn’t quit.
Inside and up top, the creativity doesn’t slow down. A chopped windshield and hand-built roof structure with removable T-tops reshape the entire silhouette, while Mercury bucket seats on Monte Carlo swivels bring a show-ready interior feel. The chassis was modified with a C-notch to drop the stance, tying everything together into one cohesive, low-slung package. Debuting at the KKOA Leadsled Spectacular and later appearing at the Grand National Roadster Show, this VooDoo Sahara build stands as one of Larry’s most ambitious creations—built with vision, executed with intensity, and impossible to ignore once you see it.
VooDoo Larry Kustoms
Traditional kustom car and hot rod builder, metal fabrication and pinstriper of 45 years. Specializing in chopping tops and building traditional styled kustom show and street cars from 1920s to 1960s in the traditional styling of yesteryear. Voodoo 👍🏼😎
1961 Pontiac Bonneville
Owner: Mickey Gwillim
Builder: Platinum Custom Cars
This 1961 Pontiac Bonneville “bubble top” leans into clean execution with just enough attitude to back it up, blending classic full-size presence with a thoroughly modern foundation. The factory lines do the heavy lifting, but the stance seals the deal—low, level, and dialed thanks to a Roadster Shop Revo chassis and a triangulated 4-link with a narrowed 9-inch out back. Coilovers at all four corners and Wilwood disc brakes keep everything in check, while the custom billet wheels take a confident swing at Pontiac’s iconic 8-lug design with a staggered 20×10 and 18×8 fitment that sits exactly where it should.
Power comes from a bored and stroked 389 Pontiac engine, keeping it brand-loyal while stepping into modern performance with Edelbrock aluminum heads and FAST EFI dual throttle bodies. A built 4L80 transmission handles the workload, making this custom Pontiac Bonneville as capable as it looks. The engine bay is tight and intentional, with custom panels and detailing by Bob Thrash that don’t beg for attention—they earn it. The body follows suit with subtle but effective changes—extended rockers, shaved hardware, reworked bumpers, and a custom rear treatment, all wrapped in Aston Martin Arizona Bronze paint that hits with depth instead of flash. Inside, the custom leather interior, Classic Instruments gauges, and reimagined dash and console keep things cohesive and functional. Originally started for Paul Marcotte and later finished by its current owner, this 1961 Pontiac Bonneville build carries the vision forward with just the right amount of edge.
Platinum Custom Cars
Complete custom car builds, concept to reality. Full restoration service. Small jobs including efi conversions and aftermarket component installation. Over 42 years experience and counting.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window
This 1963 Corvette Split Window resto-mod keeps the iconic C2 silhouette intact while stepping firmly into modern performance territory. Built on a Coffman Corvette C2 chassis with C6 suspension, RideTech coilovers, and a Dana 44 rear end, the foundation is engineered to drive as sharp as it looks. Wilwood brakes bring it all to a stop, while the factory-inspired EVOD wheels keep the visual tied closely to its original DNA without feeling dated.
Under the hood, a 6.2L LS3 crate engine delivers 495 horsepower, paired with a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission for a more connected driving experience. The vintage-inspired fuelie-style intake with Holley EFI bridges old-school aesthetics with modern reliability, giving this restomod Corvette both presence and performance. Supporting upgrades like electric Hydroboost brakes, Detroit Speed intermittent wipers, and electric headlight motors bring usability up to today’s standards. Inside, a factory-inspired interior with leather seating, Dakota Digital dash, Vintage Air, and an Ididit tilt column keeps things clean, functional, and in line with the car’s overall intent—classic at a glance, but built to be driven.
1964 Chevrolet Impala
Owner: David Palermo
This 1964 Chevrolet Impala is a full lowrider custom that doesn’t just show well—it pulls you in the longer you stand next to it. Finished in a vibrant green metallic, the paint carries intricate graphics across the roof and hood, with layered detail that keeps revealing itself from every angle. The stance is pure lowrider, sitting down over wire wheels with a hydraulic suspension setup that gives this custom ’64 Impala the ability to drop low and move with attitude when it needs to.
Up close is where the car really starts to separate itself. The detailing runs deep, from the fully finished interior to the subtle touches like etched side mirrors featuring Kokopelli artwork—small elements that reward a second and third look. The roof work stands out as a centerpiece on its own, tying the entire theme together without overpowering the rest of the car. Backed by a clean audio setup and thoughtful execution throughout, this lowrider Impala build proves that the more time you spend with it, the more it gives back. Juggalos (ICP fans) will recognize the Hatchet Man theme layered into the details, giving the build a personal stamp that runs deeper than paint and polish.
1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible
Owner: Rich Hodges
Builder: Supercar Specialties
This 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible stays true to its muscle car roots with a no-nonsense combination that delivers both presence and performance. Finished in Tiger Gold, the car carries the kind of period-correct attitude that defined the mid-’60s, right down to the stance on Hurst wheels wrapped in redline tires. It’s a clean, honest presentation that doesn’t need to overreach—this classic Pontiac GTO leans into what made these cars legends in the first place.
Under the hood, the 389 Tri-Power Pontiac engine backed by a Ram Air setup puts down 370 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission and Hurst shifter to keep the driving experience raw and connected. Ram Air exhaust manifolds, aluminum front brake drums, and a 3.90 posi rear end round out a combination that’s built to be driven the way a 1966 GTO should be. It’s the right mix of factory performance and thoughtful detail, brought together in a package that still hits with the same energy it did when these cars first made their mark.
Supercar Specialties
Supercar Specialties is a top line auto restoration and modification facility.
1967 Plymouth GTX Convertible
Owner/Builder: Vito Pampalona/Jack Frost Museum
This 1967 Plymouth GTX Convertible keeps its foundation rooted in classic Mopar muscle while stepping into a more aggressive, modern lane. The restoration stays true to the car’s original identity, with clean lines and a factory-respecting finish, but underneath it’s been reworked to deliver a completely different driving experience. Sitting on QA1 suspension with Wilwood brakes and Budnik alloys, the stance is tight and purposeful, giving this custom GTX convertible a sharper edge without losing its vintage presence.
The biggest shift comes under the hood, where a modern Hellcat HEMI swap brings a serious jump in performance, transforming this once traditional cruiser into something far more capable. It’s a combination that blends old-school Mopar attitude with current-day power, backed by chassis and braking upgrades to match. Owned by the Jack Frost Museum and Vito Pampalona, this 1967 Plymouth GTX build reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving automotive history while not being afraid to push it forward—keeping the spirit intact, just with a lot more punch.
Jack Frost Auto Museum
The destination for the collector car enthusiast.
Restorations - Sales - Service - Venue
1968 Chevrolet Camaro
Owner/Driver: Scotty Goss
Builder: Unicorn Performance Engines
This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro is built with one goal in mind—straight-line performance with zero compromises. Campaigned in LDR, Outlaw 10.5, and N/T 275 classes, this isn’t a showpiece pretending to be fast—it’s the real thing. The setup is aggressive and purpose-built, with a stance and presence that immediately reads as all business. Every component is selected to support consistency and power delivery when it matters most.
At the core is a billet BBC from Unicorn Performance Engines, force-fed by a ProCharger F4X-140 and controlled through a FuelTech FT600 system with FT Spark. Fuel is handled by Moran MAX injectors, while a TH400 from Sean’s Transmission puts the power down. Supporting systems—from fabrication by Steve Pennywitt to wiring by Michael Bunton and drivetrain components from Strange Engineering—round out a package that’s been dialed by tuner Casey Lewis. This race-built Camaro reflects a full team effort, where every detail is focused on one thing—going faster, harder, and more consistently every pass.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Owners: Steve & Heather Kim
This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro is built with one goal in mind—straight-line performance with zero compromises. Campaigned in LDR, Outlaw 10.5, and N/T 275 classes, this isn’t a showpiece pretending to be fast—it’s the real thing. The setup is aggressive and purpose-built, with a stance and presence that immediately reads as all business. Every component is selected to support consistency and power delivery when it matters most.
At the core is a billet BBC from Unicorn Performance Engines, force-fed by a ProCharger F4X-140 and controlled through a FuelTech FT600 system with FT Spark. Fuel is handled by Moran MAX injectors, while a TH400 from Sean’s Transmission puts the power down. Supporting systems—from fabrication by Steve Pennywitt to wiring by Michael Bunton and drivetrain components from Strange Engineering—round out a package that’s been dialed by tuner Casey Lewis. This race-built Camaro reflects a full team effort, where every detail is focused on one thing—going faster, harder, and more consistently every pass.
1969 Pontiac GTO “The Duke”
Owner: Luca & Rose Policella
Builder: JH Restorations
This Pro-Touring 1969 Pontiac GTO arries a deeper story than most—Luca has owned this car since he was just 19, and that long-term connection shows in every inch of the build. What started as a classic muscle car has evolved into something far more refined, sitting on a Roadster Shop Spec Series chassis with a stance that’s low, planted, and undeniably aggressive. The Candy Brandywine paint is a standout in any light, with a richness and depth that really comes alive as you move around the car, giving this custom ’69 GTO a presence that hits just as hard indoors as it does in the sun.
Under the hood, a 6.2L LS3 crate engine with Holley fuel injection brings modern power, backed by a Tremec T-56 Magnum that keeps the driving experience fully engaged. The supporting setup is just as serious—14-inch Wilwood brakes, TruTrac rear gearing, rack and pinion steering, and a carbon fiber driveshaft all working together to make this car perform as sharp as it looks. Inside, the fully custom interior by Nesic Upholstery features a waterfall console, Dakota Digital instrumentation, and Vintage Air, blending comfort with a clean, cohesive design. With over 4,000 hours invested by JH Restorations, this 1969 Pontiac GTO build reflects long-term ownership, vision, and execution coming together at a high level.
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 “Night Mission”
Owner/Builder: Sven Pruett – Night Mission Customs
This 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 “Night Mission” doesn’t play it safe—it pushes the classic Trans-Am icon into a more aggressive, almost concept-level execution. Designed and rendered by Pfaff Designs, the look is sharp and deliberate, with a PPG Envirobase custom mix white finish and bold vinyl graphics that give it a modern edge without losing its muscle car backbone. The smoothed “floating” front bumper and handmade composite rear bumper clean up the lines in a way that feels intentional, not overdone, while Schott Challenger wheels lock in a stance that hits just right.
Under the skin, this custom Boss 302 Mustang is built to deliver. A 363ci Dart-block V8 with Trick Flow heads brings serious punch, paired to a 5-speed manual that keeps it raw and connected. Coilovers at all four corners keep the car tight and responsive, giving it the kind of road presence that matches its look. Built by Sven Pruett himself, this 1970 Mustang build reflects a hands-on vision—classic Mustang DNA, reworked with sharper edges, modern performance, and just enough attitude to make it clear this one wasn’t built to blend in.
Night Mission Customs
A uniquely modernized interpretation of a timeless American muscle car.
