Detroit Autorama Returns to Huntington Place in Downtown Detroit

Detroit Autorama returns to Huntington Place in downtown Detroit from Feb. 27 to March 1, and will span nearly 1 million square feet of space.

More than 800 vehicles will be on display, including one-of-a-kind custom hot rods, trucks, modern and muscle cars, and motorcycles.

An array of activities during Autorama range from celebrity appearances, live music and entertainment, movie vehicles, Toy-A-Rama featuring nostalgic toys, a Miss Autorama pin-up contest, and the Maven’s Pinstriper Panel Jam with auction items that benefit The Leader Dogs for the Blind.

The Detroit Autorama is the only event in the world that is home to the two most coveted honors in custom car building — the BASF Great 8 and The Meguiar’s Ridler Award. The vehicles competing for the Ridler award must be shown for the first time ever at the Detroit Autorama.

Any photos or physical viewing of the vehicle will disqualify the vehicle for this competition. The eight vehicles, collectively known as the BASF Great 8, are widely regarded as the best-built custom cars in the world for that year. Earning a Great 8 designation alone is considered a career-defining achievement for builders and owners alike.

Officially created in memory of Don Ridler, the first publicist for the Detroit Autorama, Ridler was prized for his innovative and unconventional approach to promoting the show.

The 2026 BASF Great 8 winners will be announced on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m., prior to the public opening. The 2026 Ridler Award winner is announced on March 1 in front of fans, builders, and industry leaders.

Another prestigious recognition at Detroit Autorama is The Preservation Award, which recognizes historically significant vehicles that have been carefully maintained to their integrity, showcasing materials and finishes that are authentic to its era.

The 2026 Preservation Award recipient at this year’s Detroit Autorama is Len Palmeri of Lenox Township, with his hand-built 1929 Mercedes built on a 1956 Chevrolet Frame, named “Andare.”

Palmeri started building the car in 1968 at the age of 18, in his home garage in East Detroit alongside his father, Tony Palmeri. On the back of the classic cruiser it reads: “In memory of Tony and Jean,” in recognition of his parents.

Additional honorable and prestigious awards given out throughout the weekend include the Traditional Rod Pick Awards, The Liqui Moly Master Builder Award, The Autorama Extreme Celebrity Pick, the CASI (Championship Auto Shows Inc.) Cup, and The Circle of Champions 2026 inductees which include Tom Bresnahan (2025 Ridler Award Winner), Peter Toundas (CASI Owner) and Butch Patrico (former Michigan Hot Rod Association President).

Other offerings at the 73rd Annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama include:

• Detroit Autorama Extreme, which covers the entire 100,000 square feet of Huntington Place’s lower level. It will feature more than 200 traditional rods, and customs bobber and bikes.
• Live entertainment by Rockabilly Bands.
• The InGen Type 6 Utility Vehicle from the Jurassic World movie that will be on display all weekend, along with a life-size and like-like “dinosaur.”
• The Legends of Hot Rods featuring the exclusive Red Baron and Mummy Machine.
• Metal, graffiti, and automotive artists showcasing their unique crafted items.
• More than 150 vendors showcasing and selling everything from racing equipment to garage upgrades like vehicle lifts, tools and more.
• The 31^stAnnual Cavalcade of Customs featuring a selected collection of the finest custom cars from across the country, hand selected and invited by legendary custom builder Chuck Miller, creator of the famous Zingers.
• The 2026 Michigan Hot Rod Association Feature Club – Road Knights
• Celebrity Showcase featuring special guest appearances from:
• • Trish Stratus – WWE Hall of Fame member and longest reigning Women’s Champion.
    • Feb. 27 from 6– 9 p.m.

• • Nicko McBrain – Drummer from Legendary Rock Group, Iron Maiden.
    • Feb. 28 from 6–9 p.m.

• • Kevin Nash – WWE Hall of Fame member and Detroit native
    • March 1 from 2–5 p.m.

Note: One FREE autographed photo provided at stage. Additional or other items require a fee.

• The 20^thAnnual Autorama Student Career Day, presented by Summit Racing Equipment and the International Car Association (ISCA).  The interactive experience is open to high school and college level student groups providing them the opportunity to participate in a positive and valuable “hands-on” experience. It features guest speakers who will share their experience, knowledge, and passion for the industry, as well as offer insights on possible career avenues open to students through their automotive studies.

Following their presentations, they preview the show before it opens to the public with an opportunity to meet car owners and builders, participate in interactive exhibits, and talk to representatives from local colleges and tech schools about their programs and scholarship opportunities.

• • Student Career Day – Detroit Autorama Opening Day – Feb. 27^th

Note: For chaperoned groups of high school and college level students that are interested in attending, more information and registration is available at Autorama.com until Feb. 17.

Daily tickets prices include:

Available Only at the Box Office
General Admission – $30
Children 6-12 – $10
Children 5 and under – Free

Discounted Tickets Available Only at O’Reilly Auto Parts
General Admission – $28
Children 6-12 – $9

Note: Purchase of a ticket does not guarantee an autograph from special celebrity guests.

Show hours are Feb. 27 from noon to 10 p.m.; Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and March 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, please visit: Autorama.com.