Detroit Autorama
By Dan Podobinski
The Detroit Autorama marked its 65th anniversary with the 2017 show, and as usual, the Motor City did not disappoint. In what other city would you expect to find a General Lee, with the sheriff in pursuit, jumping a huge ramp on a downtown street to kick off the opening of a hot rod show? Only in Detroit!
Upstairs was filled with hot rods, customs, race cars and virtually every other type of car and truck imaginable. The “Great 8” finalists for the prestigious Ridler Award were a hot topic as always and the Cavalcade of Customs featured some great, classic custom cars.
For fans of traditional cars, however, “the basement” is really what it’s all about. This show within a show has an entirely different vibe when compared to the more glitz and glamor focused upstairs. Down here it’s real hot rods, built in home garages and shops that are more dedicated to preserving the roots of this hobby. Art is also a big part of the basement, and numerous vendors from across the country line the “Artists’ Alley,” selling all sorts of goods dedicated to the lifestyle.
Whether you are into highly finished, high end hot rods and custom cars or your tastes favor the more down-to-earth traditional stuff, there is something for you at the Detroit Autorama. Plus, the city itself is bursting at the seams with historic industrial and automotive sights to take in when you’ve had your fill of the crowds at the show. Make room on your calendar to attend the ’18 Detroit Autorama. You won’t regret it.
