Detroit Autorama 2023: On the Road to the Ridler

The 70th annual Detroit Autorama will be held at Huntington Place (formerly known as COPO Center) on February 24 – 26. The focal point of this three-day show is the crowning of the Ridler, an honor that is given annually to an exceptional vehicle. This award, which has become one of the country’s most prestigious automotive awards, emphasizes creativity, engineering, and quality workmanship. However, prior to selecting the winner, the field of contenders is narrowed down to eight finalists, appropriately named the “Great 8.”
The Great 8
1967 Chevy Nova
Owner: Shawn Nichoalds of Foristell, MO
Builder: Samson Design LLC Customs & Hot Rod Interior Design of Marshall, MO
Derick Samson (Builder) and Shawn Nichoalds (Owner) Talk about 1967 Chevy Nova
1955 Chevy Convertible
Owner: David & Kenny Snodgrass of Melbourne, FL
Builder: Snodgrass Restoration of Melbourne, FL
David Snodgrass (Builder and Owner) Talks about 1955 Chevy Convertible
1950 Mercury 2-Door
Owner: Luigi Deriggi of Toms River, NJ
Builder: Pro Comp Custom of Glenshaw, PA
Bruce Harvey (Builder) Talks about 1950 Mercury
1958 Chevy Cameo Truck
Owner: Jim McDaniel of Cumming, GA
Builder: Hot Rod Construction, Inc. of Piedmont, SC
Dan Wickett of Hot Rod Construction Talks about 1958 Chevy Cameo Truck
1965 Mustang
Owner: Rejean Desjardins of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Builder: Leon Boudreau of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Leon Boudreau (Builder) Talks about 1965 Mustang
1953 Chevy 3100 Pickup
Owner: Tim Hampel of Arlington, TX
Builder: Killer Hot Rods of Arlington, TX
Nick Ryan (Builder) Talks about 1953 Chevy 3100 Pickup
1969 Dodge Superbee
Owner: Kathy Cargill of Blaine, MN
Builder: Brian Mosbek of Blaine, MN
Ron Grill (Co-Builder) Talks about 1969 Dodge Superbee
1978 Mustang King Cobra
Owner: George Conrad of Huron, OH
Builder: Rowe’s Rod & Custom< of Akron, OH
George Conrad (Owner) Talks about 1978 Mustang King Cobra
Click here for the winner of the 2023 Detroit Autorama Ridler award.