Always considered one of the premier Hot Rod shows, the Detroit Autorama did not disappoint in 2004. A good mixture of hot rods and racecars gave the automobile enthusiast something to talk about as another dreary northern winter draws to a close.

Rob Barnes was representing the NSCA, with Tony Valente and Jim Filipowski’s racecars on hand as two fine examples of street legal machinery. Pro Outlaw / Top Sportsman racer Bill Rowe and his wife Marsha had their Skinny Kid Race Cars built Pontiac Grand Am on a striking display that showcased the car to perfection. All the hard work put in by both the Rowe’s and the crew at SKRC was worth it as they walked away with the ‘Best Pro Mod’ award and topped that off by being selected as the ‘Best Competition Car’ as well. On further investigation it was found the Raging Eagle Racing Grand Am scored a perfect 100 in all the judged categories. Well done guys! Rowe intends to test in April before contesting a season that entails a selection of IHRA and NSCA events as well as the CSFCS. It was good to see Tony Valente at the show, you could not meet a nicer guy, Tony really wants to make the CFSCS this year and we would love to have him. The Valente ‘bubble top’ is the ex Rick Dyer car and is a true piece of history, make sure you check it out! The latest issue of the Street Shootout Magazine was on hand for the first time at an American show.

Kirk ‘Howdy’ Ferris had his ex Mike ‘Sparky’ Browne Camaro on display. Only a concentrated effort by the likes of Sparky and George Bluga allowed the outstanding Camaro to take its place on the Cobo floor. During the show I tried to persuade Howdy to take the black beauty to the upcoming second edition of the Canadian Fastest Street Car Shootout. It would be a real shame if the Canadian fans were not able to see this 632 cubic inch, nitrous fed beast run down the Grand Bend 1320.

If you are a Willys lover, you had plenty to choose from at the 2004 Autorama. The fat fendered look with a blower under the hood never gets old and is always a great attention getter. If you want to be in this year, it looked as if you had to paint your car orange. A manner of shades of orange graced all manner of cars and they all looked good in it. Flames also appear to be back in vogue. They appeared on a multitude of vehicles, in various forms and colors, like fat fenders they never get old.

Various racetracks were on hand ensuring the fans were kept up to date with their upcoming schedules. Our good friends at the Grand Bend Motorplex made us very welcome as usual and it was good to see they definitely share our enthusiasm for the second running of the CFSCS. For those of you who have not visited or raced at the GBM, take a trip in July and check out the CFSCS, you will not be disappointed.

On the neat rides front, Troy Police had their hot rod on display. Complete with flames and a light bar the black coupe would be quite menacing if it pulled into your rear view mirror. What would you do pull over or race it? Can you say entrapment! All joking aside, it was a cool ride and more police forces should have projects like this.

The show was a great taster for the gearhead needing a fix. It was great to see the Rowe’s Grand Am bring competition cars to the fore against the myriad of hot rods. Now all we need is to get to a dragstrip and smell burning rubber!