Detroit Autorama Awards

James sits comfortably in his freshly built highboy looking very proud, which he should be.

We just had to show this popular (in its time) "Fatman" steering wheel that popped out of the way allowing economy sized individuals to slip behind the wheel of their Model T.

Ron Lasker (left) of East Aurora, New York, took home STREET RODDER Brian Brennan's Editor's Choice award for his Model A, which is handed out to a hot rod from the Basement.

The Model A is all early hot rod in appearance and components as it sits chopped (Darryl Stahura) and channeled over its frame. Of particular interest is the retractable soft roof insert.

A '49-53 8BA Flathead plus Edelbrock heads and Holley 94 carbs reverse mounted on what looks like a Hexagon Tool and Die intake; Darryl Stahura gets the nod for the side exit exhaust and Holley 94 carbs.

The five-window features a nifty two-tone paint accented by its scallop presentation aptly handled by Jay Taylor and Ray Giester. They also get credit for the bodywork.

Tom King, Roger Atwood, and Stretch from the Detroit Poor Boys invested lots of time, effort, and creativity to produce this and many other Basement trophies.

Can you say channeled?! The body is channeled over the frame but the floorboard is also recessed allowing driver/passenger to sit between the 'rails and maintain some stimulus of comfort, thanks to the efforts of Rick and Brian of Upholstery Unlimited and Joe of Z-Best Upholstery.

Hiding underhood is a '74 Pontiac 455 topped with '58 Rochester fuel injection, producing 500 hp and torque. The hardtop was removed and restyled as a Carson-esque top; A-pillars were chopped 4 inches and laid back 5 degrees. The hood was nosed and made into a single piece, filled cowl vent, and rear fenders extended, lowered, and re-contoured.