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The Detroit AutoramaThe Greatest Rods and Customs Hit the Motor City --
Includes Expanded Web Only Coverage From the February, 2009 issue of Rod & Custom By Tim Bernsau
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There is a statue of the great boxer Joe Louis in the lobby of Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit. The larger-than-life heavyweight champ stands by the main doors like he's trying to tell everybody, "Get ready to be knocked out." There's stuff going on all year long at Cobo Hall, but to hot rodders, the place is associated with the Detroit Autorama, which rolls in every February, filling acre after indoor acre with knockout iron. It's like a 1,000-ring automotive circus, with the world's best-looking race cars, concept cars, show cars, popular TV show cars, street rods, hot rods, customs, and more '32 Fords than you can believe, all competing for attention and awards. Add every heavyweight car builder in the country, a crowd of big-name pinstripers and painters, an annoying assortment of media guys, and an elbow-to-elbow sea of spectators, and you've got the Detroit Autorama. For the second year in a row, Championship Auto Shows and the Michigan Hot Rod Association opened up Cobo's downstairs exhibit hall for Autorama Extreme, reserved specifically for traditionally-styled hot rods and customs, with another area for tuner imports. Don't write off these (mostly) homebuilt hot rods as rat rods. We didn't spot a rat in the house, and many of these rods were so amazingly built that, with some bigger wheels, shinier paint and maybe a few floor mirrors, they could've held their own up on the main floor. We know one multiple Ridler winner (does the name Foose ring a bell?), who had cars on display upstairs and downstairs. Guess which one made a bigger splash? The Great 8The big prize at the Detroit Autorama is the Ridler Award. The first step toward winning the Ridler is having your never-before-displayed street rod or custom selected into the octet of contenders known as the Great 8. Here are the finalists from this year.  It's rare to see a '59 Chevy...  It's rare to see a '59 Chevy finished as elegantly as Bob & Barb Delia's Impala, built by Hot Rod Shop in Schiller Park, Illinois. Silver paint and plenty of chrome set off the car, which runs a 540cid capable of 1,000 horsepower, and a 5-speed.  The extensively rounded lines...  The extensively rounded lines of Seth Wagner's '41 Willys pickup, from Crystal Lake, Illinois, recalls some of the coachbuilt European exoticars from the 1930s. This gorgeous two-tone hauler came out of Legen Hot Rods.  Lew Winters had a couple of...  Lew Winters had a couple of nice street rods at Cobo Hall, including this two-tone '37 coupe. Built by Janow's Custom Rods, the fastback is packed with a 502 motor and 4L65E transmission, and rolls on a custom chassis built by Janow's.  The other '37 in Ridler contention...  The other '37 in Ridler contention belongs to Joe and Pat Gibbs, from Huntsville, North Carolina. The Blue Sapphire pearl convertible was an all-steel coupe before David Watkins at Watty's Fabrication turned it topless, following a design illustration by Darrell Mayabb.  This tangerine and cranberry...  This tangerine and cranberry '50 Chevy coupe was the only other post-war ride in the Great 8. It belongs to Larry Johnston, from Greensburg, Pennsylvania.The chopped, channeled, and sectioned hightech hardtop brings the body style into the 21st century.  T&T Customs built this fenderless...  T&T Customs built this fenderless '33 Speedstar coupe, owned by Tammy Ray of Dahlonega, Georgia. The engine is a Street & Performance big block, and the suspension includes an IFS system from Heidt's and a Winters quick change in the rear.  It wouldn't be the Great 8...  It wouldn't be the Great 8 without a Chip Foose entry, but Chuck Svatos''32 three-window wears a more traditional look than Chip's other recent Ridler contenders. The "Lil Foose Coupe" features a Corvette LT4 and 4L60E transmission, front and rear independent suspension, and billet rims built to look like '51 Ford wheels.  When all the deciding was...  When all the deciding was done, Kevin and Karen Alstott's '35 Ford roadster was the 2006 Ridler Award winner. The roadster was built by Roger Burman at Lakeside Rods & Rides. A Marcel body rides on an SAC frame, hanging on an Indy-style suspension. The 408ci Donovan hooked to a Tremec 6-speed.  Dennis Lesky, Matt Lesky,...  Dennis Lesky, Matt Lesky, Jeff Higel, and John Deitrick from Ionia Hot Rod Shop got lots of attention with this'32 roadster, owned by Geof Skene. More amazing that the French flathead with Barney Navarro-built heads is the entirely fabricated chassis. "It's all old junk that's just kind of been messed with," says Dennis.  The Larson Engineering Special...  The Larson Engineering Special flip-up roadster gained a reputation in Michigan since Bob Larson started it in 1950. Dick LaBene bought the handbuilt car in '74 and brought it out for the first time in 2005. The flathead was replaced with a '57 293.  Gold over cream paint gives...  Gold over cream paint gives a rich look to "Gold Top," Kevin Anderson's '63 Buick Riviera custom. Shaved body panels and a 2 1/2-inch top chop make the Riv look even longer and more rocket-like. A custom oval tube grille runs the width between a pair of '67 Chrysler Imperial headlights.  This in-progress rust-covered...  This in-progress rust-covered Model A is an amazing example of Dave Lohr's imagination and engineering talent. The unchopped A with the radiator in the back sits on a one-off custom frame. Dave hooked up all six Holley 94s on a Drag Star intake atop a '57 Hemi. "It scares dogs, small children, and oncoming traffic."  Local teenager Tony Tierney...  Local teenager Tony Tierney was friends with recently-deceased drag racer Pancho Rendon, and built Pancho's old '32 coupe drag car as a tribute. The steel-headed flathead is topped with an extremely rare Judson blower. A Terraplane dash, Fenton fuel block, and La France firetruck headlights are other unusual parts.  Here's a survivor from almost...  Here's a survivor from almost 50 years ago. Dee Westcott's '36, with a LaSalle grille, DeSoto bumper, and Merc flattie, disappeared after appearing in Hot Rod Magazine in 1959. It was discovered, not running but complete, about four years ago and restored by Steve Babinsky  The Sullivan brothers built...  The Sullivan brothers built this '31 back in 1948, and it was dragged raced throughout the '50s in Ohio. Don Moyer III told us that his dad got wind of the car and bought it in 2004. Today it retains the original seats, dash, rails, JC Whitney fenders, bicycle mirror and a bunch of other old time stuff. The engine is a '63 327 with a '39 transmission.  The Alexander Brothers grew...  The Alexander Brothers grew up in Detroit and built the "Venturian" '56 Chevy convertible to show in the Autorama in 1965, where it won the Ridler Award. Bob Massarron, the original and current owner, restored it in 2002.  If the beautifully-blended...  If the beautifully-blended paint on Larry Douglas' '50 Merc reminds you of some of Gene Winfield's best work, it should. Gene shot the House of Kolor metalflake on the Mercury coupe.  Builder Barry Lobeck was given...  Builder Barry Lobeck was given a special corral for several of his roadsters, including Jeff Scott's deep red metallic Deuce built from a Brookville body, Lobeck chassis, and brand-new Motor City flathead.  "Jewell" is the name of this...  "Jewell" is the name of this '49 Cadillac sedanette coupe, built by Taylorbuilt Street Rods. They took a 2-inch chop out of the top, tilted the B pillars, and stuffed the engine compartment with a Ram Jet 427.  A Buick 401 nailhead and Super...  A Buick 401 nailhead and Super Turbine 400 trans power Mike Busateri's '32 Chevy coupe, customized with a Model A frame, Deuce grille shell, '52 Buick taillights, Buick drums, and a 2 1/2-inch chop. The car was started in the winter of 2005 and finished in one year. Pinstripers' JamboreeIt started two years ago as a chance for 'stripers from around the country to get together, show off their talents, and raise some money for a good cause. It has grown into a movement. We're talking about the Pinstripers' Jamboree. In 2004, the event drew about 15 artists to the Autorama. Last year, 90 participated. This year, 150 'stripers, sign painters, tattoo artists, and sculptors showed up. Some came with panels and canvases already completed. Hundreds more sheetmetal panels were transformed into art right before the eyes of spectators, who had the chance to bid on their favorite pieces. All the money raised went to the Rainbow Connection, a Michigan charitable organization that grants wishes for children throughout the state of Michigan who have life-threatening and terminal illnesses. In addition to the artists who contributed time and talent, the following companies provided support to the Pinstripers' Jamboree: Mack Brush, 1 Shot Sign Paint, Stamp H Factory, Rhino Paint, EC Mich Illinois, Sign Craft magazine, Crain Communications, Painters Supply, General Motors R* Works, TJ Ronan Sign Paint, House of Kolor, Graphic Things by Hancox, Trumm Photo & Imaging, Signs of the Times, X-Caliber, Auto Graphics, Auto Art magazine, Championship Auto Shows, Street Rodder magazine, and Custom Rodder magazine.  The Jamboree drew artists...  The Jamboree drew artists from all over the United States. Shaky, from Port Huron, finished some elaborate panels, and is one of many Michigan 'stripers who spent the weekend painting...  ...It was a longer trip for...  ...It was a longer trip for Travis Tuki Hess, who came up all the way from Martinsburg, West Virginia, to be part of the Jamboree.  The panels, cans, signs, canvases,...  The panels, cans, signs, canvases, ornaments, hubcaps, lamps, toilet seats, and other handpainted objects of art went up for auction several times during the course of the Autorama weekend. Auctioneer Michael Murray volunteered his time again this year, helping to draw top dollar for each piece.  This is the second Jamboree...  This is the second Jamboree for pinstriper Ty and Andrew Damon. Andrew is 11 and loves to ski using a special ski he received from the Rainbow Connection. He also loves going to the drag strip with his dad, who races a Camaro. Ty helped coordinate the involvement between Rainbow Connection and the Pinstripers' Jamboree Ed Roth Lives Rod & Custom was proud to present the "Builder of the Year" display. This year's honoree was Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, represented by an impressive collection of 16 of his coolest rods and bikes, some crazy artwork, and a smattering of tribute cars. It was the largest single showing of Roth's customs, and the last time some of these cars will be displayed outside of a museum.  Tweedy Pie, unseen for years,...  Tweedy Pie, unseen for years, is now owned by Larry Tarantolo, had already been built before Roth came along and added his flair to the T-bucket, which is far more of a hot rod than his later fabricated customs.  The Beatnik Bandit may be...  The Beatnik Bandit may be the best known and best loved Roth creation, and his first bubbletop car. It was built in 1960, inspired by a Rod & Custom illustration by Joe Henning, and currently resides at the National Auto Museum in Reno, Nevada.  By 1966, show customs were...  By 1966, show customs were expected to look like things, such as phonebooths or bathtubs. Roth borrowed a fairy tale theme for the Dodge-powered Druid Princess, featured in our January '67 issue and now part of the Bengochea corral.  It's not easy to recognize...  It's not easy to recognize Gary "Chopit" Fioto's bubbletop custom as a '55 Ford, but that's what the sign said. The all-metal handformed body has been disguised with some '59 Cadillac components. Those six carburetors feed a Chevy small-block, and the wheels are from... Does it matter?  Hot Rods & Custom Stuff in...  Hot Rods & Custom Stuff in Escondido built the Ridler Award winning '49 Chevy in 2001 and was back this year with a red '55 Chrysler C-300, owner by Alan Kalter and Chris Lezotte from Ann Arbor. Randy Clark builds cars stout, and "The Beautiful Brute" runs an injected aluminum 528ci Hemi with a 727 Torqueflite with Gear Vendor overdrive.  This sweet green '61 Starliner...  This sweet green '61 Starliner was designed and built by Pro Rides. It's smoothed and shaved and rides on a modified Art Morrison tube chassis sprung by Air Ride Technologies ShockWave coilovers. The engine is a 600ci all-aluminum Ford big-block.  Chip Foose built this Brookville...  Chip Foose built this Brookville '32 roadster for the Autorama Extreme exhibit. Nicknamed "P-32," the car takes virtually all of it's styling cues from a P-40 fighter plane, including bomber seats, side exhaust outlets, and the aircraft propellor style nose....  ...Other details include a...  ...Other details include a '42 Zephyr V-12 flathead and '39 Zephyr sideshift gearbox, and a double drag link steering set-up.  John Saltern used all GM panels...  John Saltern used all GM panels to build this '55 Chevy truck for Glen Harris. Underneath it's a Fatman Fabrications tube chassis with IFS. A 385 Fastburn crate engine with Street & Performance injection powers the pickup.  Aaron Grote calls it a '28...  Aaron Grote calls it a '28 Olds, but this unique hot rod is many different cars, incorporating a '54 Olds dash, '59 Olds rear, and a '34 Olds grille modified with $87 worth of drawer knobs. It's also known as the "Lunar Lander." Jerry Didio shot the eye-drawing paint.  Al Bergler's "More Aggravation"...  Al Bergler's "More Aggravation" front engine dragster was the first winner of the Ridler Award in 1964, but the car wasn't all show, and also set six NHRA national records and was runner-up for the world championship in 1966. Al found the car and restored it with a new nose and redone body on the original rails.  The ghost flames are a cool...  The ghost flames are a cool finishing touch on Ignazio Giuffre's original steel '32 three-window, built by Phoenix Rod & Custom. A Kugel independent rear suspension and Fatman front suspension were added to the TCI frame.  Keeping the fighter plane...  Keeping the fighter plane theme going is Dan Dennis' '28 roadster pickup, "a rolling tribute to World War II bombers." The gauges and controls are authentic from B-25, B-17, B-32, P-51, and T-50 planes. The bambo bomber messerschmitt gunsites are an unusual hot rod component.  John Hall's '32 five-window...  John Hall's '32 five-window is loaded with a Motor City flathead (the new engine was officially announced at Cobo Hall) with a pair of chromed Strombergs. The car has been around for a decade and John has driven it all over the country.  Brad Arnold's British racing...  Brad Arnold's British racing green and British tan '32 runs a 425 nailhead. The nose was pinched at Lobeck's.  These two early coupes were...  These two early coupes were phenomenal. Kelly Howard's green '31 (it's a Honda Insight color finished with clear) on deuce rails has a C-notched frontend and bags to drop it, and a 383 stroker mill...  ...Standing beside it is Clark...  ...Standing beside it is Clark Bates' '32, which was an old hot rod way back. Notice the '32 Chevy hood sides, and spun wheel covers. A 322 nailhead pulled the coupe from Bonneville to Detroit  A Buick 401 nailhead and Super...  A Buick 401 nailhead and Super Turbine 400 trans power Mike Busateri's '32 Chevy coupe, customized with a Model A fram, Deuce grille shell, '52 Buick taillights, Buick drums, and a 2 1/2-inch chop. The car was started in the winter of 2005 and finished in one year  The Outlaw, built in 1959,...  The Outlaw, built in 1959, is one of Roth's earliest creations, the first to feature a handcrafted fiberglass body, and the car that brought the pinstriper and T-shirt artist national fame as a fabricator. This reproduction of the original car is owned by Mark Moriarty.  The assymetrical Mysterion,...  The assymetrical Mysterion, run a pair of Ford 406 engines, was another great "Big Daddy" bubbletop, which appeared on the cover of R&C in September 1963. Dave Bengochea owns this car now and displays it at America's Car Collection in Winnemucca, Nevada.  Another Roth ride now in Dave...  Another Roth ride now in Dave Bengochea's collection in Winnemucca is the Road Agent from 1965. This rear-engine car featured a Corvair powertrain with the transmission mounted upside down. It appeared on our April '64 cover.  The Beatnik Bandit II, now...  The Beatnik Bandit II, now on display at the National Auto Museum, is a 1995 spin-off of the original from 35 years earlier, built with his son Dennis.  Jeremy Lockhard, a young painter...  Jeremy Lockhard, a young painter out of Youngstown, Ohio, painted these large portraits of two of our heroes from this hobby. Ed "Big Daddy" Roth is portrayed wearing a typical extravagant get-up, and Gray "Yer Old Dad" Baskerville, who wrote for R&C and Hot Rod, is portrayed wearing a typical smile.  Mark Moriarty, who has a genuine...  Mark Moriarty, who has a genuine feel for the character of Roth's originals, built the Futurian as a tribute car in 2005. It is also owned by Dave Bengochea now.  Ten-year-old Riva Phillips,...  Ten-year-old Riva Phillips, from Deckerville, Michigan, is already a talented artist...  ...Her father Chris, inherited...  ...Her father Chris, inherited her skill and contributed several pieces to the auction, including some unusual fish.  Yosemite Sam Radoff seems...  Yosemite Sam Radoff seems like a low-key mellow guy, but is passionate about getting huge numbers of 'stripers together and raising money to help kids. He's the one responsible for putting this event together and has plans to see it grow even bigger in 2007.  Andrew Lindoff, aka Lucky...  Andrew Lindoff, aka Lucky Lindy, from Saginaw, heads back to the paint table to load up his brush.  R&C contributor Jeff Norwell...  R&C contributor Jeff Norwell sketched some hot rod monsters, as Raygo" Smith observed.  Tom Shugar, from Detroit,...  Tom Shugar, from Detroit, learned to paint as a kid by stealing his dad's brushes and practicing. He stopped painting for a while, and got back into it the day before the Autorama, where he started getting his chops back practicing pulling some lines.  Not all the paint ended up...  Not all the paint ended up on panels. Dave Shuten, who built the replica of Ed Roth's bubbletopped Mysterion, adds some Rat Fink lettering to this can.  Bill Watkins contributed a...  Bill Watkins contributed a number of these machined panels. Here, Scott Menke, adds some cool 'striping to a gold background.  Gibb, from Plymouth, Michigan,...  Gibb, from Plymouth, Michigan, does some freehand lettering.  Everybody needs a toilet seat...  Everybody needs a toilet seat and a clock. Who says they can't be cool?  In addition to pinstriping,...  In addition to pinstriping, Weird Wally, from Clinton Township, Michigan, does airbrush artwork and painting on cars, bikes, helmets, you name it.  For the Autorama spectators,...  For the Autorama spectators, the pinstripers were as popular as the cars. Lyle Hayman of Madison Hills, Michigan, finished this purple panel, possibly inspiring a future 'striper in the process.
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