Detroit Vette Boyz, 1939 Ford Tudor among local offerings at Autorama

BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Residents from Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills are participating in Detroit Autorama for its 71st anniversary. The event will take place in downtown Detroit’s Huntington Place March 1-3.

Albert Butlin, of Birmingham, will show his 1939 Ford Tudor. Butlin has been going to Autorama since he was around 12 years old. He became interested in restoring cars with his dad at a young age. This hobby lasted into adulthood and led to Butlin running a dealership, where he works on old cars.

“Ever since I was young, I wanted to see everybody’s cars,” Butlin said. He will be showing his car alongside his friend’s. They plan to create a San Diego vintage gas station scene at Autorama.

For Butlin, Autorama provides the opportunity to catch up with the people he knows who also love working on cars.

William Duren, of Bloomfield Hills, will show his red 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Duren is showing his car with the Detroit Vette Boyz, a social club of Corvette owners. This is Duren’s first time showing a car at Autorama.

He said he is most looking forward to meeting people, seeing other cars and talking to people about his car at Autorama.

“The Detroit Vette Boyz is always a blast when we all just get together,” Duren said. “We make the best out of whatever situation there is.”

Visitors from around the world will gather in Detroit for Autorama, which will feature the presentation of the Ridler Award, presented by Meguiar’s. The Riddler Award winner receives $10,000 cash, a custom trophy and a jacket.

This year, there will be five generations of Batmobiles present, from 1966, 1992, 1995, 2005 and 2017. Guests will get to see three of the daredevil vehicles used by Evel Knievel: the famous X2 Skyrocket, the Snake River Rocket Concept Trike and the Formula Dragster.

In addition to these iconic vehicles, Chip Foose will unveil a specially painted motorcycle as a tribute to Evel Knievel at the event. The unveiling will take place with Foose in attendance at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2.

Other attractions include General Motors’ 50 millionth car, the Golden 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe and the Preservation Award, presented by Steele Rubber Products.

Noel Gugliemi, “Hector,” from “The Fast and the Furious and Furious 7,” will sign autographs and pose for photos 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 1. Dee Snider, the lead singer of Twisted Sister, will be there  1-4 p.m. March 2.

More information on Autorama can be found at autorama.com.