Are you a car enthusiast looking for a fun event to attend? The 70th Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama, sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts, returns to the Motor City from Feb. 24-26. Here’s what to know if you go:
What is the Autorama?
The Autorama is a series of custom car shows taking place in major cities throughout the United States each year. It features custom, hot rod vehicles from all over the world. This year is the 70th Detroit Autorama and will feature 800 vehicles as they compete for the prestigious Ridler Award.
What is the history behind the Detroit Autorama?
The first Autorama event took place at the University of Detroit Field House in 1953 for fundraising efforts for the Michigan Hot Rod Association.
Over the years, the event grew, and its first paid public show was at Cobo Center, now known as Huntington Place, in 1961. Now, thousands travel from all over the world each year to visit the Motor City.
What is the Ridler Award?
The award was named after Don Ridler, the first professional promoter ever hired for the event. To honor his creativity and talent, the competition awards the best vehicle.
“Over the last fifty plus years, the award has evolved to better conform to new ideas, changing designs and concepts. Today it emphasizes creativity, engineering and quality workmanship,” said the website.
The owner’s vehicle is only eligible for competition if it has never been in a car show prior, is fully operable, and hasn’t been posted on any social media platforms. The winner will receive $10,000.
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Where and when is the Detroit Autorama?
The Detroit Autorama will take place from noon to 10 p.m., Feb. 24, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Feb. 25 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m Feb. 26 at Huntington Place, located at 1 Washington Blvd.
How much does it cost?
Tickets purchased at the gate are $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.
Discounted tickets are also available at all participating O’Reilly Auto Parts locations. General admission costs are $23 for adults and $9 for children ages 6 to 12.
Are there celebrities and entertainment?
In addition to all the stunning, custom cars, celebrities such as Flavor Flav, Henry Winkler and Dave Kindig will be performing. There will also be a sneak peak of the new documentary “Detroit: The City of Hot Rods and Muscle Cars,” at 1 p.m. Feb. 26.
To learn more about the Detroit Autorama, click the link here.