Mopars at Autorama Detroit

Words and Photos: Roger Meiners

Detroit Autorama, held February 26–28, 2010, is approaching its 60th anniversary. In 1952 the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA) held its first Autorama car show at the University of Detroit Field House. The ultimate purpose of the show was to raise money to build a drag strip. The show was a success and the club got its drag strip, called Motor City Dragway, located in New Baltimore, Mich. The strip is closed now, but the show has survived in grand style. It has evolved into the most prestigious in the country—primarily because of the Ridler Award, named in honor of the show’s dynamic and innovative promoter from 1956 to 1963, the late Don Ridler. The award goes to the best in show.

The country’s best car show attracts some of the best Mopars each year—along with Mopar® itself, with displays of performance parts and accessories—and cars, for the enjoyment of the tens of thousands of Mopar fans who attend the exhibition. Presented here are some of the many Mopars we saw and photographed this year.