Autorama 2023 comes to Detroit: Everything you need to know
Detroit Autorama is roaring into the Motor City at Huntington Place this weekend. For all the car enthusiasts out there or anyone looking for some family fun, here’s what to know about Autorama:
What is the Autorama?
Autorama is a series of custom car shows taking place in major cities throughout the United States. This year, the Motor City celebrates the 70th Detroit Autorama, sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts. It will feature over 800 custom, hot rod vehicles from all over the world, with one vehicle making an appearance from New Zealand.
Who is Rat Fink?
According to the Los Angeles Times, Rat Fink is a hot rod cartoon character from the ‘50s. Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, the creator of Rat Fink, made the character an anti-hero to Mickey Mouse. Rat Fink became an icon in pop culture during the ‘60s, '70s, and '80s because of his large, bulging eyes, piercing glare, and pointed teeth. A highlight of the Autorama includes a Rat Fink reunion.
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Who is Ed "Big Daddy" Roth?
Ed "Big Daddy" Roth was a custom car designer and artist known for his unique cars and drawings. He was born in 1932 and died in 2001. Roth designed his first car in his garage in 1958, called "Little Jewel," and his success ultimately grew from there. The character Rat Fink put Roth on the map and he continued to sell his artwork to finance his car projects. Roth sold his artwork as posters, T-shirts, model kits and more.
What is the 'Black Ghost'?
According to a news release, a legendary street racing car known as the “Black Ghost” will be featured at the Detroit Autorama. The vehicle is a 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE and dominated the Motor City racing scene. Godfrey Qualls, former owner of the “Black Ghost,” was a Detroit police officer who loved street drag racing. He kept his identity a secret and would show up to a race on roads such as Woodward and Telegraph, win, and then drive off. The car would vanish for weeks or months at a time and the street crowd nicknamed it the “Black Ghost.” The car is currently owned by Godfrey’s son, Gregory Qualls.
Will there be entertainment?
The Detroit Autorama has a lot of highlights including a sneak peek of a new documentary by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Keith Famie, titled, Detroit: The City of Hot Rods and Muscle Cars; Cars of George Barris, The King of Kustomizers, known for TV, Hollywood cars and more.
There will be live performances from rockabilly bands, including KC and the Classics and the Blues Brothers Tribute Band. Celebrities at the show will include Flavor Flav, Henry Winkler, and Dave Kindig.
When and where is the Autorama?
The Detroit Autorama will take place from noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday at Huntington Place, located at 1 Washington Blvd.
How much do tickets cost?
General admission ticket costs are $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available at the gate.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Autorama 2023: Rat Fink, 'Big Daddy' Roth come to Detroit show
