ford three window hot rod coupe

Detroit, Michigan is synonymous with American automotive muscle and engineering.

Automobiles have rolled of the assembly lines and out of the Detroit area since the days of Henry Ford’s Model Ts in the early 20th century. And America’s best muscle cars, street rods, and customs have returned home to the Motor City since 1953, the first year of the Detroit AutoRama.

The Detroit AutoRama really needs to no introduction–but here’s a short one anyway. The AutoRama features the Ridler Award, one of the most highly sought-after awards in the hot rodding and customization community. It draws the finest customs, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks, and motorcycles from around the country. This year’s edition of the show featured a Batmobile Tribute, Kid Rock car collection, Gene Winfield’s Chop Shop, Genuine Hotrod Hardware Pedal Car Build-Off, a vintage dragster and Funny Car cacklefest, and much more.

Needless to say, the 2013 Detroit AutoRama is large enough to warrant more than just one photo gallery. Enjoy this first gallery…and stay tuned our second huge photo gallery later tonight.

Special thanks to our friends at TMG Event Marketing for these exclusive images.

Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.