2011 Ridler Winner - It's Official Picture by: Dan Baker of Alumicraft Well if you were watching Facebook, you'da found out 30 minutes early, but the results are in and this 1956 Ford Sunliner Convertible owned by Bruce & Judy Ricks of Sapulpa, OK is the Ridler winner for 2011 from Detroit Autorama. I couldn't agree more and, in fact, I picked this car to win it on Friday night! Here's what we know about this bad Henry Ford from the Oh-kay: In the custom engine compartment, there's my favorite, the 427 SOHC. Why's it my fave? Have you ever heard one? They rev-up nearly instantly and make a sound like no other. (There's a 60's Sunliner running around Phoenix with one that I need to do a story on!) According the the build card, this is an original 427 SOC "Cammer" motor. (Thus the name, "Suncammer") Sitting on top of  a one-off, custom made, cross ram intake manifold that even has a "Ford prototype" casting number on it (super cool touch!). Feeding fuel are these rare of rare Autolite inline four barrel carbs.  Back in the 60's when...

2011 Ridler Winner? Picture by: Megan Boyd Join hands now as we call upon the spirits of past Ridler Award winners to psychic-ly or maybe psychotic-ly choose the big winner for the 2011 Detroit Autorama. Hear me now great and all knowing Chip Foose, here me wise-one, Mr. Troy Trepanier... are you there? Is that you Tammy Ray? Help me Obi-Wan Don Ridler! I see a Ford. It's AMAZING! It even has a Ford engine in it... an original 427 SOC "Cammer" motor at that. Thus the name, "Suncammer". On top of a one-off cast intake manifold sit equally rare Autolite inline four barrel carbs. Fantastic!! From there, add interior by Gabe's, all nickel plating by Jon Wright Custom Chrome Plating and custom mixed Dupont Hot Hues and I see our new champ! I give you the 1956 Ford Sunliner Convertible owned by Bruce & Judy Ricks of Sapulpa, OK. Agree? Vote with me or against me here: 2011 Ridler Award Contenders - You Vote I was right! The "Suncammer" took home the Ridler Award and from the comment left by "Grilleguy" over in the voting story, it sounds...

2011 Ridler Award Contenders from World of Wheels Update! Details and more pictures of the 2011 Ridler Winner I was right!! Picked to win early thanks to my psychic friends... 2011 Ridler Winner prediction Story & Pictures by: Megan Boyd The 2011 Detroit Autorama is off to another sizzling start in snowy Detroit, Michigan. No worries, a little snow never slows the dedicated hot rodders that make their way to one of the nation's best known indoor hot rod and custom car show. At this year's 59th Annual Detroit Autorama, the best of the best have again gathered in the Cobo Center to compete for one of the top custom car award in the land, the coveted, "Ridler Award". (To learn more about the Ridler Award, click here) Take a look at these first shots and tell us what you think! Which car's your favorite? Vote down below... Why? (Your opinion counts!) How do this year's car's compare to last year's? Check the 2010 Ridler Award "Great 8" Now the Contenders (in no particular order): "Cooper Head" - 1940 Ford Hardtop owned by Kenneth Tallent of McKinney, TX Class: Radical...

Pictures by: Doug Nykanen The votes are in both in Cobo Hall at the Detroit Autorama and here at MyRideisMe.com where you could Vote for your favorite "Great 8" car.  Funny thing is, by 2 votes, the very unofficial voting picked "Gold Digger" same as the judges in Detroit. We'll have more pictures of the Ridler winner and the rest of the Detroit Autorama soon, but for now, here's the shots we have of this beautiful hot rod. At this level, every car is perfect. Without sitting inside or hearing from the builders how they did it or why, or maybe cranking up the tunes, we just get to stare and go... yea, that's extremely well done. Anyone have a picture showing this engine compartment in a little more detail? (I asked, and Kevin from extrudabody.com hooked me up! Thanks to Tammy, the owner for sending it to him) Notice: A total lack of wires, even for what's must be electronic fuel injection.  When's the last time you looked under the hood of a modern car. If you'd remove the over-sized engine cover, you'd see a MESS of wires...

Story by: Megan Boyd Pictures by: Doug Nykanen Vote for your favorite in the poll below... then check out the 2010 Ridler Award Winner - Story Here Help Choose the 2011 Ridler Award Winner Here The 2010  Detroit Autorama is off to a hot start in the frigid city of Detroit. The 58th Annual event has once again gathered the best of the best to debut, show, and share their hot rods and customs ranging from the mild to the wild. Make sure to vote for your favorite below. The competition for the prestigious Ridler Award is heating up having drawn contenders from all across the nation, including 2 cars from Washington state. The Great 8 finalists for the award  include the usual Fords and Chevys as well as two unique makes this year-- Packard and Dodge. In addition to the variety of makes there has also been a cross selection of body styles chosen-- a roadster, 2 coupes, a Victoria, a touring phaeton, a two door sedan, and a pick up truck--which could make history as being the very first pick up to win the Ridler Award.  (To learn more about the Ridler Award, click...