Photo Courtesy of Detroit Autorama
Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts, America’s Greatest Hot Rod show is taking place this weekend at Huntington Place, where the BASF Great 8 finalists vying for the Ridler Award presented by Meguiar’s are now on display.
Since 1953, Detroit Autorama has been a full-throttle experience that feels like stepping into a world of imagination, featuring cars that are transformed from machines into a rolling piece of art, that are shaped by vision, patience, and passion. This is the premier event showcasing the craftsmanship performed on vehicles with classic bodies that are reimagined, engines that become sculptures, and interiors that are all custom designed to bring together nostalgia and innovations with more dramatic and deliberate details than anything you will ever see on the street. This event truly has something for everyone from the most devout gear heads to those looking to see displays of cars and celebrate the emotion and creativity that these custom car builders have crafted into creating something that you could never imagine seeing come to life.
The Detroit Autorama is the only event in the world,
that is home to the two most coveted honors in custom car building, the BASF Great 8 and The Ridler Award presented by Meguiar’s. The mystique of the competition for this award is world renowned because the vehicles built to compete for the Ridler Award must be shown for the first time ever at the Detroit Autorama. Any photos or physical viewing of the vehicle will disqualify the vehicle for this competition. This rule creates unmatched intensity and excitement. These eight vehicles, collectively known as the BASF Great 8, are widely regarded as the best-built custom cars in the world for that year. Earning a Great 8 designation alone is considered a career-defining achievement for builders and owners alike, and now these BASF Great 8 finalists are vying for the Ridler Award presented by Meguiar’s.
The BASF Great 8 represent the absolute pinnacle of custom automotive craftsmanship worldwide. After intense multi-day judging that evaluates innovation, engineering, fabrication quality, finish, and overall design. The Ridler Award officially created in memory of Don Ridler, the first publicist for the Detroit Autorama, Ridler was prized for his innovative and unconventional approach to promoting the show
The 2026 BASF Great 8 finalist were announced on Friday, February 27th at 10:30 a.m. prior to public opening and The 2026 Ridler Award presented by Meguiar’s, winner will be announced on Sunday March 1st at 3:00 p.m. in front of a global audience of fans, builders, and industry leaders.
The 2026 BASF Great 8 Finalists for the 2026 Ridler Award Presented by Meguiar’s include:
Bruce Burns from Vancouver, BC
1956 Chevrolet Nomad
Ryan Bruinsma from Lowell, IN
1959 Cadillac
Kevin & Wendy Flondor from Mokena, IL
1968 Chevrolet C-10
Jim Niedecken from Ottoville, OH
1953 Studebaker
Richard Jacobs from Allentown, PA
1968 Cadillac
George Conrad from Huron, OH
1960 Ford Convertible
Rex Satterfield from Russellville, TX
1956 Chevrolet Convertible
Jim Curtis from Middleburgh, OH
1962 Chevrolet Corvette
Another prestigious award given at Detroit Autorama on Sunday, March 1st during the 3:00 p.m. ceremony is The Preservation Award,
which recognizes historically significant vehicles that have been carefully maintained to their integrity, showcasing materials and finishes that are authentic to its era and all come together with the vehicle’s story of ownership history, and originality. The 2026 Preservation Award recipient at this year’s Detroit Autorama is Len Palmeri of Lenox Township, Michigan with his hand-built 1929 Mercedes built on a 1956 Chevrolet Frame, named “Andare”. Len started building the car in 1968 at the age of 18, in his home garage in East Detroit alongside of his father, Tony Palmeri. On the back of the classic cruiser, it reads: “In memory of Tony and Jean”, for both of his parents who he credits as being a big part of the car creation.
Additional honorable and prestigious awards given out throughout the weekend include the Traditional Rod Pick Awards, The Liqui Moly Master Builder Award, The Autorama Extreme Celebrity Pick, the CASI (Championship Auto Shows Inc.) Cup, and The Circle of Champions 2026 inductees which include Tom Bresnahan (2025 Ridler Award Winner), Peter Toundas (CASI Owner) and Butch Patrico (former Michigan Hot Rod Association President).
Spanning nearly one million square feet, the show takes over every inch of Huntington Place. More than 800 spectacular works of art create an immersive experience that blends the most revered one-of-a-kind custom hot rods, trucks, modern and muscle cars, and motorcycles with activities of all interests like: Celebrity appearances, live music and entertainment, movie vehicles, Toy-A-Rama featuring nostalgic toys, Miss Autorama pin-up contest, and the Maven’s Pinstriper Panel Jam with exclusive one-of-a-kind auction items that benefit The Leader Dogs for the Blind, AND MUCH MORE!
Some additional exciting highlights at the 73rd Annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama include:
- Overall showcase of America’s greatest hot rods, customs, trucks, modern muscle, and motorcycles, throughout the event covering nearly one million square feet.
- Detroit Autorama Extreme, which covers the entire 100,000 sq. feet of Huntington Place’s lower level and features more than 200 traditional rods, and customs bobber and bikes.
- Live entertainment by Rockabilly Bands – all weekend long!
- Miss Autorama Pinup Girl Contest that celebrates strength and empowering women.
- Saturday, Feb. 28th at 5:00 p.m.
- Hollywood coming to Detroit with the InGen Type 6 Utility Vehicle from the Jurassic World movie that will be on display all weekend, along with a life-size and like-like “dinosaur”.
- The Legends of Hot Rods featuring the exclusive Red Baron and Mummy Machine.
- The 33rd Annual Toy-A-Rama – Enjoy almost 200 vendors showcasing vintage and nostalgic collectibles including classic toys, old lunch boxes, barbie collectibles, memorabilia and more.
- Meguiar’s Car Care Tips – learn some important car tips from the professionals, all weekend.
- Renowned metal, graffiti, and automotive artists showcasing their unique crafted items.
- Over 150 vendors showcasing and selling everything from racing equipment to innovative garage upgrades like vehicle lifts, tools and more.
- The 31st Annual Cavalcade of Customs featuring a selected collection of the finest custom cars from across the country, hand selected and invited by legendary custom builder, Chuck Miller, creator of the famous Zingers.
- The 2026 Michigan Hot Rod Association Feature Club – Road Knights
- Celebrity Showcase featuring special guest appearances from:
-
- Trish Stratus – WWE Hall of Fame member and longest reigning Women’s Champion.
- Friday, February 27th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Trish Stratus – WWE Hall of Fame member and longest reigning Women’s Champion.
-
- Nicko McBrain – Drummer from Legendary Rock Group, IRON MAIDEN.
- Saturday, February 28th from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Nicko McBrain – Drummer from Legendary Rock Group, IRON MAIDEN.
-
- Kevin Nash – WWE Hall of Fame member and Detroit Native
- Sunday, March 1st from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Kevin Nash – WWE Hall of Fame member and Detroit Native
Note: One FREE autographed photo provided at stage. Additional or other items require a fee.
- The 20th Annual Autorama Student Career Day, presented by Summit Racing Equipment and the International Car Association (ISCA). This interactive experience for High School and College Level student groups provided them the opportunity to participate in a positive and valuable “hands-on” experience. It featured guest speakers who shared their experience, knowledge, and passion for the industry, as well as offered insights on possible career avenues open to students through their automotive studies.
Following their morning presentations on Friday, February 27th, they previewed the show before it opened to the public with an opportunity to meet car owners and builders, participate in interactive exhibits, and talk to representatives from local colleges and tech schools about their programs and scholarship opportunities.
- The Motor City Maven’s 2026 Art Panel Jam and Pinstripers Charity Auction benefiting Leader Dogs For The Blind – Featuring more than 200 of the most talented pinstripers from across the country who will be in Detroit during all three days of Autorama to apply their artistry to variety of unique items that will be available for sale and part of the charity auction, which will benefit The Leader Dogs For The Blind.
-
- Motor City Maven’s Art Panel Jam – Pinstripers demonstrations, all weekend long .
- Leader Dogs For The Blind – Meet-n-greet puppies all weekend long.
- Pinstripers Charity Auctions:
- Friday, February 27th from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 28th – multiple times:
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 1st – multiple times:
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Please visit www.Autorama.com to learn more about on-site activations, awards, and experiences.
Admission to Detroit Autorama:
Daily Tickets can be purchased on-site at the Huntington Place February 27 – March 1, 2026
Discount Tickets are available at all O’Reilly Auto Parts participating locations
Available Only at the Box Office
General Admission – $30
Children 6-12 – $10
Children 5 & Under – Free
Discounted Tickets Available Only at O’Reilly Auto Parts
General Admission – $28
Children 6-12 – $9
Note: Purchase of a ticket does not guarantee an autograph from special celebrity guests.
Detroit Autorama is taking place at the Huntington Place
Huntington Place is located at 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
Friday, February 27, 2026 – 12:00PM-10:00PM
Saturday, February 28, 2026 – 9:00AM-10:00PM
Sunday, March 1, 2026 – 10:00AM-7:00PM
Follow Autorama on Social Media:
Facebook: @HotRodShows
Instagram: @HotRodShows
X: @HotRodShows
For more information, please visit: www.Autorama.com
ABOUT AUTORAMA
The first Detroit Autorama took place in 1953 at the University of Detroit Field House as a fundraiser for Michigan Hot Rod Association’s efforts to build the legendary Motor City Dragway. Over the years, it moved to the Michigan State Fairground and the Detroit Artillery Armory before coming to Cobo Center (now Huntington Place) as its first paid public show in 1961. In the years since, the show has grown and has earned a stellar reputation as the leading hot rod-custom car show in the nation. To learn more visit www.AutoRama.com.
Detroit Autorama is produced by Championship Auto Shows Hosted by the Michigan Hot Rod Association Sponsored by Meguiar’s Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts.