Why would anyone want to travel to Detroit in February? This is the state that used to have Water-Winter Wonderland on their license plates and is known for dumping salt on their roads which instantly rusts any vehicle. Plus the temperature is typically a balmy 27°F.
We’ll tell you why - because this is the Motor City and February is time for the 68th Detroit Autorama! Customs, muscle cars, vintage drag cars, street rods and more fill up the massive Cobo Center right down on the river front of Detroit. The show brings a welcome reprieve for gearheads that are snowbound in their garages and brings in the best of the best builders to vie for the coveted Ridler Award.
The Don Ridler Memorial Award has been sought after by top builders since its debut in 1964. A unique twist on this award is that the vehicles in contention must follow a strict “never shown before” guideline which in our modern age of social media 24/7, can be tough. What’s great about the Ridler is that you see cars of all years and makes showing up for their debut and going for the gold.
The judging team, of whom we do not envy in the least, whittles the entries down to a group of finalists known as the Great 8 on Friday afternoon and then continue adjudicating, bickering and reviewing each rod until the Ridler winner is announced on Sunday. This year’s eight finalists could all easily score the title, but there can only be one winner. We’re anxious to hear the announcement this Sunday evening and really looking forward to seeing these cars out in the sun at an upcoming event this year.
