The Meguiar's 72nd Annual Detroit Autorama 2024
The 2024 Detroit Autorama saw a multitude of impressive entries vying for recognition, but none captured the essence of automotive artistry quite like the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Dave and Tracey Maxwell, which secured the prestigious Don Ridler Memorial Award.
Crafted by Dave Kindig and his skilled team at Kindig-It Design, this ‘53 Vette masterpiece draws inspiration from the iconic General Motors Motorama concepts of bygone eras. Unlike its predecessors, however, this custom creation was meticulously hand-formed from aluminum, ensuring that no original ‘53 Corvette was sacrificed for its creation, much to the delight of Corvette enthusiasts.
Dubbed the ‘TwelveAir’ for its Corvair-inspired design, this custom Corvette boasts an array of impressive features. Its custom bodywork is complemented by a push-rod style suspension, supporting bespoke 20-inch front and 21-inch rear aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. Enhanced braking power is provided by Wilwood Aero6 front and Aero4 rear calipers gripping polished stainless steel rotors.
Underneath its sleek exterior lies a powerhouse of a powertrain: a V12 engine sourced from Race Cast Engineering, boasting a displacement of 9.2 liters and based on the General Motors LS layout.
While the quest for the Ridler award remains a pinnacle for builders, the Detroit Autorama offers enthusiasts much more than a competition. For many, it provides a rare opportunity to showcase their cherished street machines, custom cars, and hot rods, particularly during Michigan’s harsh winter months.
Amidst the remarkable entries, a standout was a W-43-powered 1970 Oldsmobile, showcasing its own brand of stunning craftsmanship despite not contending for top honors. Moreover, the Autorama Extreme segment featured a captivating array of traditional-styled custom cars, hot rods, and race cars, further enriching the event’s diverse automotive landscape.
