REVVIN’ UP AT THE ’07 AUTORAMA

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.