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A 1932 Ford B400 called the “Duecenberg V8” has claimed the coveted best-in-show Don Ridler Memorial Award at the Detroit Autorama. The 57th annual Cobo Center event is known as “America’s Greatest Hot Rod Show.”
Equipped with Michelin tires and customized by Alan Johnson at the Johnson Hot Rod Shop in Gadsen, Ala., the Ridler-winning ride “was designed to be an elegant hot rod, using cues from the Duesenbergs of the 1930s.” Owned by Doug Cooper – who receives $10,000 in cash, a new General Motors Performance Parts engine, a custom jacket and an impressive trophy – the burgundy Ford is powered by a modern 405 horsepower L-S6 V8 Chevrolet engine; its aluminum lift-off roof has a cloth top, and the car has suicide doors, a stretched hood, and a leather and wood interior.
The top vehicle was among the Pirelli Great 8, as the best-in-show finalists are called. Pirelli Tire North America awards each of them $1,000 in prize money along with a custom jacket and an award suitable for display. Impartial judges select the Great 8 as being “representative of extraordinary craftsmanship and design.”
To be eligible, the vehicles must be making their car show debut at the Autorama.
The 2009 Pirelli Great 8 runners-up to Copper’s “Duecenberg V8” (including judges’ commentary) are:
Keith Hulin’s 1941 Willys coupe Called “The Elegant Lady” with chrome wheels, purple exterior and more than 750 horsepower.
Alton Love’s 1956 Chevrolet 210 With 20 different colors, it pounds the pavement with 1,000 horsepower.
Paul Ryckman’s “Blown Budget” A 1941 Willys with 700 horsepower and lots of orange paint and chrome, Blown Budget looks fast standing still.
Gordy Peters’ 1939 Ford convertible Peters’ Ford is a 385 horsepower custom replete in multiple shades of green with cloth roof and offers hot rodding a new color palate.
Nick Pinto’s 1940 Ford two-door sedan Pinto’s sedan is an orange beauty with huge running boards, giant wheels and leather hides.
Harold and Rhea Schrader’s 1935 Ford This is ahot rod with a brown exterior and matching interior.
Chris and Anita Conly’s 1933 FordThe Conlys painted their cabriolet in orange and installed a Hemi engine, suicide doors and huge chrome air filter.
For more information, including photos, visit www.autorama.com and www.us.pirelli.com.
