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Under The LightsThe 52nd Annual Detroit AutoRama From the February, 2009 issue of Rod & Custom By Charlie Hughes Photography by Charlie Hughes
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There is a definite level of excitement that carries through Cobo Hall when the doors first open for the annual Detroit AutoRama. As showgoers stream in, some of the first vehicles they see are the Great Eight contenders for the coveted Ridler Award. The contenders are always top-notch and can easily overshadow the hundreds of other rods, customs, musclecars, and drag cars on display. While we think it is important to show you the Ridler contenders, it is also important to present some of the other fine entries, for without them the AutoRama never would have garnered its nationally known reputation. These other entries are what make this a huge show, unequalled in size and every bit as popular this year as in preceding years, judging by the huge crowd. Unseasonably nice weather no doubt played a big role in attendance. Competition is keen for the Ridler, probably the most coveted award in the rod and custom hobby, and judging is no easy task for members of the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA). When the votes were counted, it was Al Brokly's bright-red Willys that took home the '04 Ridler. As the show wound down and Al packed up his trophy, we thought we heard the buzzing of welders and turning of wrenches off in the distance. No doubt it was a new crop of Ridler contenders, already hard at work and dreaming about next year's AutoRama.  This Steve Moal-built '32...  This Steve Moal-built '32 Ford roadster, owned by the Hansen Family of Pleasanton, CA, was appropriately named "Seduced" and was a Great Eight contender.  Ridler competition included...  Ridler competition included this beautiful '34 Chevrolet built by Rutterz Rods for Rich and Paige Udell of Swan Lake, MT.  Dubbed "Wizzard," this '41...  Dubbed "Wizzard," this '41 Willys, owned by Anthony Osborn of Cedartown, GA, was a favorite in the Ridler competition. The green flames complement the bright-orange finish.  Bill and Sue Keck of Dubuque,...  Bill and Sue Keck of Dubuque, IA, enlisted the help of Avalon Body Shop to build their nicely detailed '41 Willys pickup which captured a nomination for the Great Eight in the run for the Ridler Award.  "Wild Rose" was listed as...  "Wild Rose" was listed as a '32 Chevrolet, entered by Theo Kuypers of Edmonton, AB, Canada, and was completed less than two weeks before the show. It was another fine choice for the Great Eight.  Jim Kerrigan's '33 Ford roadster,...  Jim Kerrigan's '33 Ford roadster, built by Dominator Street Rods with a body designed by Thom Taylor, boasted a 4.6 DOHC Cobra engine and quickly caught the attention of MHRA Ridler contender judges.  Flawless workmanship on Roy...  Flawless workmanship on Roy Pigford's '66 Chevy from Pasadena, TX, was evident with countless modifications, including relocated wheelwells. A 383 Lingenfelter 500hp engine provides power. The sedan was chosen for the Great Eight.  Albert Brokly of Lansing,...  Albert Brokly of Lansing, MI, has owned this '37 Willys (with a '41 nose) for 49 years, used to drag race it, and has spent the past 17 years building it for Ridler competition. The beautiful coupe and the Moal-built roadster were the two finalists for the Ridler Award. In the end, the Willys took the big trophy home.  This '48 Buick Sedanette boasts...  This '48 Buick Sedanette boasts 106 body modifications and owner Bob Wolf calls it "Salsa Verde." Smooth and stylish, it's a great custom and attention-getter.  Front and rear views--Justin...  Front and rear views--Justin Padfield's '57 Chevy pickup started as a shop truck that was transformed...  ...in quick time into this...  ...in quick time into this heavily customized beauty, appropriately named "Heavy Metal."  Bob Fryz of Dearborn, MI,...  Bob Fryz of Dearborn, MI, went the radical route with his '51 Merc, and when all of the body mods were completed, House of Kolor's Kandy Apple Gold was chosen to highlight the work.  The Khougaz Roadster, built...  The Khougaz Roadster, built in 1946 by Jim Khougaz and restored by East Coast Customs in Leominster, MA, for new owner Dr. Mark VanBuskirk, has quite a history as a street rod and dry lakes machine. Its display included a scene from the dry lakes days and the car sat on a simulated cracked lakes surface.  We like the nostalgic theme...  We like the nostalgic theme of John McClintock's '32 Ford five-window, featuring wide whites, small-block power, rolled and pleated interior, and a Coke cooler in the trunk.  Paul Romine's '33 Ford altered...  Paul Romine's '33 Ford altered street coupe has a Dodge Viper engine providing plenty of power for the smooth and extended rod.  "Hey pardner, that's a mighty...  "Hey pardner, that's a mighty fine lookin' hot rod there," this character in The Breakfast Club's display seems to be saying. Tommy Messna owns the nicely done Deuce roadster.  Whether you call it a "Bread...  Whether you call it a "Bread Box" or "Bread Sled," Carole Kerr's '64 Chevy step van rolls in style after being relieved of several inches of its too-tall height and given some heat to attract your eye.  This '29 Ford Tudor sport...  This '29 Ford Tudor sport phaeton, owned by Larry Rathburn of Catawba, VA, looks period perfect circa 1949.  The tub is an outstanding...  The tub is an outstanding example of hot rod nostalgia.  Vaughn Koshkorian, a member...  Vaughn Koshkorian, a member of Michigan's Cowtown Cruisers, drives this bright-orange '32 roadster with a highly detailed flattie under the hood.  Here's a bright-red '40 Willys...  Here's a bright-red '40 Willys coupe powered by a 502 big-block to get your attention. Owner is John Hammond of Leamington, ONT, Canada.
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