Jenna PrestininziDetroit Free Press
Car lovers, get ready. Detroit's Autorama is back, bringing Batmobiles, Evel Knievel's stunt vehicles and a gold-plated Chevrolet Bel Air to downtown.
The 71st annual Meguiar's Detroit Autorama will return to downtown in early March.
"There are so many exciting features at this year's edition of Autorama, that we can hardly wait to share all of it with the great auto enthusiasts of metro Detroit," said Peter Toundas, President and Owner of Championship Auto Shows Inc, producer of Autorama.
Here's a look at what to expect ahead of the annual hot rod custom car show's return.
Batmobiles
There will be five Batmobiles from across the decades of the film and TV enterprise.
- 1966 Batmobile from the TV series "Batmobile," with Adam West playing Batman.
- 1992 Batmobile from the film "Batman Returns," with Michael Keaton playing Batman.
- 1995 Batmobile from the film "Batman Forever," with Val Kilmer playing Batman.
- 2005 Tumbler Batmobile from the film "Batman Begins," with Christian Bale playing Batman.
- 2017 Batmobile from the film "Justice League," with Ben Affleck playing Batman.
Daredevils
The show will include a special feature honoring stunt performer Knievel, with recreations of three of Knievel's daredevil vehicles.
There will be the Famous X2 Skyrocket, the Snake River Rocket Concept Trike, and the Formula Dragster. The tribute will also include a specially painted motorcycle created by custom car builder Chip Foose.
The event will be at 2 p.m. March 2.
Custom cars
The show will feature more than 800 custom cars and hot rods. Notably, this will include a reconstruction of the Golden 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe, General Motor's 50th millionth car. A best-seller at the time, the car is 24 karat gold plated.
"Detroit's Autorama was thefirst and is the most revered hot rod custom car show in the country, attracting enthusiasts from across North America," Toundas said. "However, being that this is the Motor City, we, of course, have the most knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated hotrod/custom car fans in the world."
Awards
The show includes the Preservation Award presented by Steele Rubber Products.
"This award pays tribute to trend-setting, milestone vehicles that have been resurrected and restored to their original condition," said Daniel Agosta, Marketing Manager Steele Rubber Products.
There will also be the Ridler Award presented by Meguiar's, presented to the most outstanding new custom car.
“It's extremely gratifying that DetroitAutoramais the home of America’smost important hot rod award," Toundas said. "This is the motor city and Detroit is where hot rod custom car shows started so we make every effort to let everyone know about this important heritage.”
There will also be the Summit Racing Equipment Show Car Series, where custom cars compete for awards and prizes.
Celebrity appearances
Celebrity guests will attend Autorama, with photo and autograph opportunities.
Noel G, known for playing Hector in the film series "Fast & Furious," will appear at the show from 5-8 p.m. March 1. Dee Snider, lead singer of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister, will appear 1-4 p.m. March 2.
Autorama Extreme
The show will feature the 19th year of Autorama Extreme, a show on the Huntington Place lower level, with 200 traditional rods, customs and bobber bikes, with awards and performances.
There will be entertainment by rockabilly bands and the Miss Autorama Retro Pin Up Girl Contest. The contest will be March 2 at 5 p.m. and will be presented by Vinsetta Garage and Steele Rubber Products.
Autorama Extreme will feature Celebrity Pick Awards at 8 p.m. March 2.
Autorama schedule
The event will be presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts. Held over the first weekend in March, the event will run from noon to 10 p.m. Friday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 2, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 3.
Tickets at the gate will be $27 for adults, $10 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children ages 5 and under. Discounted tickets are $25 general admission and $9 for children ages 6-12, available at participating O'Reilly Auto Parts locations.
The Detroit Autorama will run March 1-3 at Huntington Place in Detroit.
