2017 Detroit Autorama – February 24-26
The 65th Annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama is almost here! On February 24-26 the Cobo Center in Detroit, MI will welcome enthusiastic crowds of car lovers eager to see some amazing cars. We look back at one of the Ridler Award Great 8 Finalists, an elegant 1952 Mercedes Benz 170S street rod, that left us awestruck. AMIG’s Rick Drewry interviews Derrick with Samson Designs about this amazing ride. Watch our video and see if you agree that this street rod is definitely worthy of being named a Great 8 finalist. Share it with your fellow car lovers and get their opinions.
1952 Mercedes-Benz 170S – Staying True to Its Elegant Roots
Derrick was given free rein on the direction of this design. In true street rod fashion, he did his share of chopping and customizing but he stayed true to the elegance Mercedes is known for. His eye for detail can be seen from the sumptuous mocha leather interior to the two-toned undercarriage. This is one classy street rod.
Molten Chocolate Deliciousness
Choosing brown for the car might seem like an odd choice to some but not to Derrick and the owners. They chose the Mercedes factory color “Mystic Brown” for its overall richness and the way light plays off it. The flawless exterior paint job looks like molten chocolate and the superior detail work provided by SONAX gives this street rod the show quality look that got it named to the finals.
Attention to Detail is Obvious
Before you think that this Mercedes is just another pretty face, Derrick gave it a subtle two-toned LS3 engine with polished stainless steel headers that powers out 500hp. Much of the car is one-of-a-kind and built especially for the street rod. The attention to detail is obvious when you see the competition-quality work done under the hood and in the undercarriage.
“Honored to be Among the Great 8 Finalists”
Named for early Autorama promoter Don Ridler, the prestigious Ridler Award is presented to the car design that best displays creativity, engineering and quality workmanship. Derrick is thrilled to be among this stellar 2016 class of street rods. “Just making the Great 8 makes you feel like a winner. It’s the biggest honor in our industry,” he says.
Video Rundown of Great 8 Finalists
To see a complete video rundown of the Ridler Award Great 8 finalists, check out our previous video for details on each car.
Join Classic Auto at America’s Greatest Indoor Hot Rod Show
Detroit Autorama continues to prove it is one of the nation’s most important indoor hot rod shows. From stunning customs to faithfully preserved rat rods, the creativity and hard work that goes into these cars is inspiring. If you plan to attend the show this February, stop by the Classic Auto Insurance booth and let our friendly staff help you find the right policy for your collector car or classic street rod. With onsite quotes, we can instantly help you insure your vehicle for less. Visit our website at www.classicins.com and see how we can help safeguard your dream car.
