West vs. Midwest
Editor’s note: As the 2020 Detroit Autorama is upon us about the time you receive this issue (Feb. 28 to March 1), we present this look back on the 2019 event.
Say “The Ridler,” and people who aren’t in the hot rod and custom car community might think you’re talking about a cartoon character. Knowledgeable hot rodders do understand the difference, however.
The Don Ridler Memorial Award is the highlight of the annual Detroit Autorama — a huge indoor show that dates back to 1953. “The Ridler,” as it’s known, is the Motor City hot rod extravaganza’s premier prize. Any style of hot rod or custom rod is eligible to win it. The top finalists are grouped into the “Great 8,” and the ISCA judges take it from there. Interestingly, Ridler candidates can’t have appeared first in any other show anywhere else. In contrast, only a roadster, defined as an American-built open vehicle (a pre-1938 two-door roadster or a four-door phaeton without roll-up windows) can win the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award. Better known as the AMBR, or “Amber, it’s presented annually at the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) in Pomona, Calif.
