It's hard to imagine if the Detroit AutoRama would have survived the first 5 years, without the help of Don Ridler.

Hard work, creativity and talent exemplify the Award that bears his name. The coveted Ridler Memorial award represents Excellence to the first time shown new entry at the Annual Detroit AutoRama.

Previous Ridler Winners

2017 - Buddy Jordan - 1933 Ford "Renaissance Roadster

2016 - Bill Thomas - 1939 Oldsmobile

2015 - Don Voth - '65 Impala "Imposter" - Design: Chip Foos

2014 - J.F. Launier - '64 Buick Riviera

2013 - Ron Cizek - '40 Ford

2012 - Dwayne Peace - '55 T-Bird

2011 Bruce Ricks - 1956 Ford "Suncammer"

2010 Tammy Ray - '33 Ford - Gold Digger

2009 Doug Cooper - '34 Ford

2008 Mike Warn - '60 Rambler - Ferrambo

2007 Ross & Beth Myers - '36 Ford Coupe

2006 Kevin & Karen Alstott '35 Ford - Iowa Radster

2005 Ken Reister - '36 Ford Roadster

2004 Al & Leora Brockley - '40 Willys

2003 Ron Whiteside - '34 Ford Coupe

2002 Bob Rydell, '35 Chevrolet

2001 Chris Williams, '49 Chevrolet

2000 Paul Atkin, Salt Pounder 2000

1999 Bob Young, Inovator

1998 Eric Peratt & Ken Reister

1997 Dave and Joyce Emery, Revolver

1996 George Poteet

1995 Robert Rizzoli

1994 Fred Warren

1993 David Stizer

1992 Jimmy Stewart

1991 Tony Carlini

1990 Dan Webb

1989 Michael Baliestiero

1988 Mal Kieswetter

1987 John Kolbusz

1986 Dale Hunt

1985 Bobby Alloway

1984 Bob Reed

1983 Ron Barnum

1982 John Papper

1981 Bob Tiano

1980 Everett Rezendes, 1929 Ford, Cranberry Delivery

1979 Frank Morabito, 1922 Ford Touring, Garage Father's Rod

1978 Bob Anzalone

1977 Frank Camden, 1923 T, Black Gold

1976 Robert Sweatt, 1923 Ford, El Toro

1975 Bob Gutzke, 1937 Ford, The Way We Were

1974 Don Campbell, 1927 Ford, Tartan T

1973 Jerry Pennington, Show Rod, Devilfish

1972 Jerry Pennington, 1969 Corvette, Scorpion

1971 John Greer, Show Rod, Brinks Express

1970 Jan Bergel, 1967 Ford, Electro Charger

1969 Larry Alexander, 1923 Ford T, Top Banana

1968 Chuck Miller, Show Rod, Fire Truck

1967 Alexander Brothers, 1964 Dodge, Deora

1966 Maynard Rupp, Funny Car, Chevroom

1965 Bob Massaron, 1956 Chevy, Venturian

1964 Al Bergler, AA/C, More Aggravation

Ridler Award Guidelines and Rules (PDF)

2018 Detroit Autorama Ridler Award Winner!!!

2018 Ridler award winner

Greg & Judy Hrehovcsik -1957 Chevy 150 hardtop “Imagine”
Builder: Johnny’s Auto Trim & Rod Shop

2017 Detroit Autorama Ridler Award Winner!!!

2017 Ridler winner

Buddy Jordan ‘s 1933 Ford Renaissance Roadster

2016 Detroit Autorama Ridler Award Winner!!!

1939 Olds Convertible - Congratulations Bill Thomas of Texas!

 

2015 Detroit Autorama Ridler Award Winner!!!

1965 "Imposter" Chevy Impala. Owner: Don Voth ,
Designer: Chip Foose.


ridler winner 15
ridler award winner 2015
ridler award winner 2015



1964 Buick Rivera built by J.F. Launier, owner of JF Kustomsin Osoyoos, British Columbia
photos: Scott Titus
..


The 2013 Detroit Autorama winner of the 50th Anniversary Ridler award
is the ’40 Ford build for Ron Cizek
by Andy Leach at Cal Automotive Customs

 

2012 Ridler Award Winner
Dwayne Peace - 1955 Ford Thunderbird

Links to 2012 Ridler Award Coverage

AutoWeek Coverage

StreetRodder Coverage


2011 Ridler Winner - Bruce Ricks - 1956 Ford - Suncammer


2010 RIDLER AWARD WINNER
Tammy Ray's - '33 Ford - "Gold Digger"

Slide Show of Ridler Winners 1964 - 2010

 




Don Ridler, the extradinary
promoter who helped to insure
the success of AutoRama.



The Ridler on display at Cobo Center.
Special thanks to Dick Forton for
orchestrating the sophisticated production
of this elegant one of a kind award.



Dave Emery's, Revolver 1996 Ridler Award Winner

Bottom 2 Photos M. Brendel