It was just reported at the 2018 Detroit Autorama that the current year’s Ridler Award victor is a 1957 Chevy 150 Hardtop claimed by Greg and Judy Hrehovscik and co-proprietor Johnny Martin of Johnny’s Auto Trim and Rod Shop in Alamosa, Colorado. In spite of the fact that there was some great rivalry amongst the top 8 contenders, the Ridler Award went to an automobile that was entirely refurbished from front to rear. The sheer scrupulousness on this Tri-Five custom make is simply astounding.
This is one of the autos that just about everybody was discussing as a favourite contendor for the Ridler Award at the 2018 Detroit Autorama. The completely original machining is mind boggling. sporting a 515 ci Donovan Twin Turbo big block, which creates 1,084 Horsepower running on pump gas, with a Turbo 400 by Bowler. Everything together pairs up to an extremely imaginative and unique “ball and socket” type autonomous rear suspension, crafted by Bob Thrash, an unimaginably gifted car architect and creator. The inside of the vehicle was all handmade and created from steel boards. The console and seats were specially handmade just for this car. The dashboard and upholstery is Terracotta cowhide all through (even into the storage compartment.) All wiring is covered up and tunnelled. The motor compartment is so remarkable, it’s original look helps you to envision an aeronautic theme.
The Ridler Award champion has an entirely custom hood. Indeed, even the cowl was expelled so the hood runs straight up to the glass windshield (much linear and clean cut look.) The vehicle has been chopped, segmented, diverted and the rooftop was consummately hand manufactured. All of the chrome parts were also handmade. Also, noteably, the taillight focal points were specially shaped out of acrylic, designed into the hand crafted chrome fitting. The bumpers were originally from a 1956 Chevrolet, yet they simply flipped them around and fitted them impeccably to the body.
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