Several Roseville hot rod car owners will display vehicles at Autorama

DETROIT — Kapow, Batman!

For followers of the comic book legend, here’s your chance to see all five Batmobiles from the television show and the Hollywood movies. The classic automobiles will be displayed during this year’s 71st annual Detroit Autorama scheduled for March 1-3 at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd.

Over the weekend, more than 800 hot rod, custom-made truck and motorcycle owners from across the U.S. and the world will park their prized possessions for gearheads to view.

“There are so many exciting features at this year’s edition of Autorama, that we can hardly wait to share all of it with the great auto enthusiasts of metro Detroit,” Peter Toundas — president and owner of Championship Auto Shows Inc., producer of Autorama — said in a prepared statement. “Detroit’s Autorama was the first and is the most revered hot rod custom car show in the country, attracting enthusiasts from across North America.

“However, being that this is the Motor City we, of course, have the most knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated hot rod/custom car fans in the world. That’s why we look forward to their reaction to this year’s Autorama. We are so proud that the world of custom car shows started in Detroit and has grown to be the most important custom car/hot rod show in the nation.”

The following Roseville residents will have their decked-out vehicles on display:

• Larry Bentley, red 1976 Chevrolet Caprice Glasshouse.

• Paul Curtis, black and red 1955 two-door, hardtop Plymouth.

• Mike Everson, black cherry 1968 Dodge Charger.

• Nick Klaver, 1982 green Mercury Grand Marquis and a green 1968 Schwinn Stingray.

• Sterling Rowe, red 2009 Chevy Corvette.

Also, car buffs can check out a 1988 Chevrolet Camaro that Eastpointe resident James Sawyer owns. In addition, Ron Andras, of Harper Woods, will display his 1963 silver Pontiac Grand Prix.

And the legacy of Evel Knievel will ride again with an exhibit highlighting his death-defying jumps. A specially painted motorcycle, created by Chip Foose, will be unveiled at 2 p.m. March 2 to honor the daredevil. Other highlights will include the exhibit of General Motors’ 50 Millionth Car, the Golden 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe.

“Every inch of the car is 24-karat gold plated, outside and in, including the engine and chassis. It was created by GM to commemorate the production of its 50 millionth car in 1954 and was the focal point of its nationwide Golden CARnival across the country that kicked off with a grand citywide parade in Flint, unveiling the golden Chevy,” an Autorama press release states. “This is a complete reconstruction of the car, faithful 100 percent to how it was conceived in 1955.”

While the souped-up vehicles are the stars of the show, many other activities are planned. Noel G, who plays “Hector” in the film series “The Fast and the Furious,” will mingle with fans from 5 to 8 p.m. March 1. And, rock on, Twisted Sister fans because lead singer Dee Snider will sign autographs and take photos from 1 to 4 p.m. March 2. In addition, the Motor City Mavens 2024 Auto Art Panel Jam and Charity Auction will raise money for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Autorama’s hours will be noon to 10 p.m. March 1; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. March 2; and  10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 3. Admission for adults costs $27; admission for children 6 to 12 years old costs $10; and children 5 and younger will be admitted for free. Discount tickets are available at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts locations.

For more information and tickets, visit autorama.com/attend/detroit or call (248) 373-1700.