The Ridler Award: A Pinnacle of Custom Car Building

The Ridler Award, bestowed annually at the Detroit Autorama, stands as one of the most prestigious honors in the world of custom car building. Recognizing exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation, the award has elevated the art and science of custom car design. Its history and significance offer a profound insight into the evolution of car culture and the dedication of its creators.

The Ridler Award was established in 1964 to honor Don Ridler, a promotional manager for the Detroit Autorama. Ridler's contributions were pivotal in transforming the Autorama from a regional hot rod show into a nationally recognized event. He was known for his keen eye for talent and his passion for pushing boundaries, qualities that became the foundation for the award that bears his name.

The award was introduced as a way to spotlight the most innovative and exquisitely crafted vehicles making their debut at Autorama. Over time, the Ridler Award became synonymous with excellence, drawing top builders from across the globe.

The Ridler Award isn’t just about having the flashiest car; it’s a recognition of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and vision. The judges evaluate entries based on the following:

1. Originality and Creativity: Builders are challenged to bring fresh ideas and unique designs to the table, avoiding overused trends.
2. Execution: Every element of the vehicle, from paintwork to interior detailing, must be flawless.
3. Functionality: The car must be drivable and fully operational, not just a static display.

To be eligible, a car must make its debut at the Autorama, ensuring that the Ridler Award consistently highlights groundbreaking designs.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the competition is the selection of the “Great 8,” a shortlist of the top contenders for the Ridler Award. Making it to the Great 8 is itself a significant achievement, as it signals the builder's work is among the finest in the field. This process builds excitement and sets the stage for the award announcement at the culmination of the Autorama.  Click to see 2024 Great 8 Finalists

Over the decades, the Ridler Award has been awarded to some of the most remarkable custom cars and their builders:

• 1964: Al Bergler’s “More Aggravation”
  The inaugural winner, a custom dragster, set the tone for the level of innovation and craftsmanship expected from future competitors.
• 2007: Kevin and Karen Alstott’s ’32 Ford Roadster
  Known as the “Impression,” this car epitomized elegance and sophistication, showcasing how custom car building can merge artistry with engineering.
• 2019: Buddy Jordan’s “CadMad”
  This radically reimagined 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham station wagon required over 15 years to build and exemplified the pinnacle of custom fabrication.

The Ridler Award has become a benchmark for excellence in custom car building, inspiring builders to push the boundaries of what’s possible. The competition fosters innovation, with builders employing cutting-edge techniques, materials, and technologies. Winning the award not only brings prestige but also establishes the builder as a leading figure in the industry.

Beyond the technical aspects, the Ridler Award represents a celebration of car culture and its artistic potential. It highlights the passion, dedication, and creativity of builders who pour years of effort into crafting a masterpiece. For enthusiasts and spectators, the award showcases the endless possibilities of automotive design, blending nostalgia with futurism.

While the Ridler Award is highly revered, it has also faced criticism for its emphasis on perfection and originality, which can drive up costs and limit accessibility for smaller builders. Some argue that the competition may favor those with larger budgets, though many believe the focus on quality and creativity remains its strongest attribute.

As automotive technology advances, the Ridler Award continues to evolve. The inclusion of electric vehicles, 3D printing, and sustainable materials in custom car building is beginning to shape the entries. These trends indicate that the award will remain at the forefront of innovation, inspiring future generations of builders.

The Ridler Award is more than just a trophy; it is a testament to the ingenuity, artistry, and dedication of custom car builders. Its history reflects the evolution of car culture, and its significance extends beyond the automotive world, serving as a beacon of creativity and excellence. For those who win it, the Ridler Award is the ultimate validation of their craft, a legacy that cements their place in automotive history.

This article pays homage to the Ridler Award’s profound impact, celebrating the builders who dare to dream and the machines that bring those dreams to life.

Note: For 2024, the winner was a stunning, awesome 1953 Corvette, designed by Dave Kindig and crafted at Kindig-It Design in Salt Lake City, Utah, for owners Dave and Tracey Maxwell.  Click here for more details