Motor City Muscle: Detroit, the heart of the automotive world, once again lived up to its reputation by hosting the annual Detroit Autorama. This prestigious event, a key stop on the Autorama show series tour, draws in passionate enthusiasts from across the Midwest, eager to witness the pinnacle of hot rod and custom car culture. With over 800 vehicles packed into Detroit’s Huntington Place Convention Center, the show offered a diverse array of automotive artistry.
The Ultimate Prize: While numerous awards are up for grabs, including “Best in Category” and “Outstanding in Category,” the most coveted honor remains the “Ridler Award.” The journey to this legendary prize begins with the selection of the “Great 8” finalists – groundbreaking, highly modified custom cars making their public debut. From this elite group, one exceptional build takes home The Legend Cup, solidifying its creator’s place among the world’s most impressive builders.
Ford’s Finest Shine: While Ford Performance has its own coverage, the sheer number of remarkable Fords at the Autorama meant some gems might have been missed. From classic Mustangs with modern twists to radical custom creations, Ford enthusiasts had plenty to admire on both levels of the show.
Restomod Revolution: Modern Power, Classic Style: The restomod trend was strongly represented, particularly among the Mustangs. A standout was the ’65 Mustang unveiled at the Tremec booth. This collaborative build with Ford Performance Parts featured custom fabricated bodywork, a striking paint job, and the formidable 7.3L V-8 Megazilla Ford Performance engine paired with a Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission, seamlessly blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary power.
Pushing the Boundaries of Custom: “FrankenSnake” Unleashed: Nearby, the Duncan Brothers from DBC made a впечатляющий debut with their latest creation, “FrankenSnake.” Following their acclaimed “FrankenBoss,” this build takes customization to a new level by re-engineering a 2013 Mustang GT into a ’67 GT500 restomod. With its aggressive stance and modern underpinnings wrapped in iconic classic styling, “FrankenSnake” makes a bold statement in the restomod scene. Enthusiasts can anticipate more innovative builds from DBC in the near future.
Design Inspiration: Paying Homage to the GTD: Anthony Colard, a design manager at Ford Performance, played a role in the creation of a ’70 Fastback Mustang for Tucci Hot Rods. Displayed at both Autorama and SEMA, this fastback embodies a unique character while drawing inspiration from the cutting-edge Mustang GTD, showcasing a fascinating interplay between classic and contemporary Ford design language.
Fox Body Fan Favorites: Versatility on Display: The Fox Body Mustang generation continued its reign as a fan favorite. Numerous examples were present, catering to diverse automotive passions, from road racing and drag racing builds to stylish cruisers, proving the enduring appeal and adaptability of this iconic platform.
Bridging Eras: A Unique Fusion: While all Mustang generations made an appearance, the SN-95 and S-197 models, along with the newer S550 and S650, were less prevalent in the custom scene at this year’s show. However, a noteworthy build by local owner Bryan Reid caught the eye. He ingeniously combined a 1994 Mustang GT with parts from an S550, creating a street machine that seamlessly merged two distinct eras. This unique build featured a complete S550 interior and a supercharged Coyote engine under the hood, demonstrating a creative approach to Mustang modification.
Summary:
- The 2025 Detroit Autorama showcased a stunning array of custom and restomod Ford vehicles.
- Standouts included a ’65 Mustang with a Megazilla engine and DBC’s “FrankenSnake,” a ’67 GT500 restomod based on a 2013 GT.
- A ’70 Fastback Mustang designed with input from Ford Performance paid homage to the new Mustang GTD.
- Fox Body Mustangs remained popular, with builds catering to various motorsports and cruising styles.
- A unique ’94 Mustang GT integrated S550 components, bridging different generations.
Disclaimer: Modifying vehicles can impact performance and safety. Consult with experienced professionals for custom builds.
Source : Ford Performance Photos / Joe Deladvitch.
AI Assistance: Gemini
