In its 5th year, the Autorama Extreme presented by 89X (local radio station) has evolved into something more than a show within a show. Yes, it is over a 100,000 square feet filled with traditional hot rods and sports compacts but it has developed a style, feel, and look all its own. Yes, it is held in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama upstairs but there is no mistaking it is its own venue.
The "pet" project of Bob Larivee, Sr. (Championship Auto Shows Inc.) the Basement, as it has become known, is all about nostalgic and traditional hot rods, lifestyle, music, and even the awards are clearly one-of-a-kind. The Basement is always fun, maybe because it brings back memories of the early days for all of us. Possibly reminding us of a time when we would find ourselves in a garage working on a hot rod, talking to girls, eating hamburgers, and listening to loud rock 'n' roll. Yep, those were good days. However, I don't remember having a bikini contest in my or a buddies garage but all good things do evolve!
Ol' Editor Brennan once again presented an award (one of many industry celebs who hand out an award) and this time it was made by hot rodder and artist Keith Coleman (who made six of the celebrity trophies). Keith's work is sold in art galleries within the Detroit area. Several of his larger pieces are on public display and they include the Merrill Lynch bull and a 6-foot pink ribbon for the Josephine Ford Breast Cancer Center. Keith also runs a Hot Rod Boot Camp (weldart@yahoo.com) for aspiring hot rodders who wish to learn how to go about building their first car.
The Brennan SR award was made from a ring gear with a piece of flat plate welded to it for a base. The car was carved from old trailer hitch stock. Look closely and you can see that all the material was used in some aspect of the award, such as the blank from which the wheels were cut. This year Bill Towers '31 Model A sedan comes from the So What Speed Shop and was the recipient of the Brennan SR award.
Another favorite from the Basement was a '53 Chevy that may have not received its just due but for its owner and particularly interesting and rare accessorized Chevy six. Megan Boyd of Waynesburg, Ohio (and a H.A.M.B. member) drove her three-speed shifted 216-inch powered Chevy to the Basement get-together.
Girls and hot rods go together very well, however it's not often we find a girl who is a hot rodder. Let there be no mistake, Megan, who works for Motorcar Portfolio, is a hot rodder. She found her hot rod in '07 and it had been built back in the '70s as a show car compete with etched glass, chromed inner fender panels, and custom interior. Using her talents and lots of scraped knuckles she has fashioned the Chevy to reflect her tastes in rodding. In the meantime, she drives it everywhere, from the grocery store, work, and to rod runs.
Of particular interest to any hot rodder walking by the Stovebolt is the RAJO-equipped six. This very rare A.R.C. RAJO Power Kit is based on a highly-modified cylinder head (includes valves and springs), a second intake, an extra carb, and throttle was reported to increase power by 25 percent. Engine also sports three Fenton goodies such as an intake, split exhaust, and valve cover.
The Basement also proves to be a great collection of hot rods with history; whether it be at the strip, old magazine cars, or just cars from the local haunts. The Autorama Extreme is most definitely a place to hang out if you want to have some old-fashion hot rod fun.
 Megan Boyd put plenty of her...  Megan Boyd put plenty of her own effort into dialin' up the Chevy six sporting a rare RAJO setup. |  Megan's '53 made the journey...  Megan's '53 made the journey from show car to driver and then back to driver worthy of showing in less than two years. |  Clark Bates of Abbottstown,...  Clark Bates of Abbottstown, PA showed up in the Basement with his highly-modified '24 Dodge running a 2300cc Ford Ranger four-banger, side steering, split wishbones, and dirt track rubber. |
 Dave Lohr of Concord, OH may...  Dave Lohr of Concord, OH may enjoy indoor car shows but his '30 Model A rpu can flat get down the 'strip. For those who like an exhilarating ride how about 10.8 @ 120-plus mph! That will keep you puckered to the seat! He promises more hp for this summer. |  Kirk Hanning displayed his...  Kirk Hanning displayed his channeled '34 Ford pu complete with the obligatory vintage 365-inch Caddy. |  Named The Golden Ticket, T.J....  Named The Golden Ticket, T.J. O'Grady of Long Island, NY was on hand with his Model A rpu that sports a 250 Chevy inline six complete with three carbs and split exhaust. |
 If eight-cylinder Flatheads...  If eight-cylinder Flatheads are cool, then 12-cylinders must be really kool! Woody Smith of Louisville brought out his Zephster Special a '29 Ford Cabriolet complete with a '40 Lincoln V-12 Flathead. |  We didn't get the owners name...  We didn't get the owners name but Gene Winfield thought enough of the car to autograph the firewall. A custom Shoebox Ford is always a winner. |  If you like customs, Mercs,...  If you like customs, Mercs, and primer paint then the chopped, primered custom Merc of Larry Douglas is sure to be a hit. |
 Mike Busateri of Milwaukee,...  Mike Busateri of Milwaukee, WI was present with his chopped, channeled, and sans door handles '32 Chevy coupe complete with 401 Nailhead, Weiand intake, six Holley 94s, and Ford 9-inch. |  This 354-inch Hemi-powered...  This 354-inch Hemi-powered Model A ('31) belongs to Tyler Hilton of Cincinnati, OH. features an Isky cam, Hurst shifter, Moon equipped, paint by Gary's Hot Rod Shop in a '59 factory Plum, and stitching by Ray. |  Charlie Bull of Glen Burnie,...  Charlie Bull of Glen Burnie, MD has owned this A/V-8 for 25-plus years that features lengthened doors, seating area dropped below the top of the frame line, and was originally built in '57 when it resided in Nebraska. |