Detroit's Autorama Car Show Draws Over 650 Custom Vehicles

Annual event at Huntington Place showcases classic hot rods, custom builds, and the prestigious Ridler Award winner.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Detroit's 73rd annual Autorama car show has returned to Huntington Place, featuring over 650 custom and classic cars on display. The event, which is a must-see for automotive enthusiasts, includes guest appearances, the presentation of the prestigious Ridler Award, and personal stories from longtime participants like Autorama Chairman Ken Douglass and Ridler Award winner Tom Bresnahan.

Why it matters

Autorama is a beloved Detroit tradition that celebrates the city's rich automotive heritage and culture. The show attracts car enthusiasts from across the region and features some of the most impressive custom builds in the country, highlighting the skill and passion of the local car community.

The details

This year's Autorama features over 650 custom and classic cars, ranging from candy-colored custom rides to fire-breathing hot rods. Highlights include the presentation of the Ridler Award, the show's most prestigious honor, which went to Tom Bresnahan for his custom 1955 Chevy Nomad. Bresnahan's build was a 10-year, 20,000-hour labor of love that he completed after both he and his wife beat cancer. Autorama Chairman Ken Douglass also shared the personal story of his classic hot rod that was passed down from his father-in-law.

  • Detroit's 73rd annual Autorama car show took place on February 27, 2026.
  • The Ridler Award was presented at this year's Autorama event.

The players

Ken Douglass

Autorama Chairman who has been attending the event for 20 years and showcases a classic hot rod that was passed down from his father-in-law.

Len Palmeri

Winner of the President's Award at the 2026 Autorama for a custom car he built with his father over decades.

Tom Bresnahan

Winner of the 2025 Ridler Award for his custom 1955 Chevy Nomad, a 10-year, 20,000-hour build that he completed after both he and his wife beat cancer.

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What they’re saying

“This is just a terrific family fun event for everyone to come and see.”

— Ken Douglass, Autorama Chairman (WXYZ)

“The project was a father and son project, my father built many custom cars and hand-built cars.”

— Len Palmeri (WXYZ)

“Come down to the Autorama and see the cars, have fun and talk to the guys that own them.”

— Len Palmeri (WXYZ)

“It's true what they say it's the world's greatest car show and that's the truth.”

— Tom Bresnahan (WXYZ)

What’s next

The 74th annual Autorama car show is scheduled to take place in Detroit in February 2027.

The takeaway

Autorama remains a beloved Detroit tradition that celebrates the city's rich automotive heritage and culture, drawing car enthusiasts from across the region to admire the skill and passion of the local custom car community.