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America's Hottest Hot Rod: The 2015 Ridler Award Winner

  • Chip Foose-designed 1965 "Imposter" Chevy Impala that won this year's Ridler award, owned by Don Voth during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Chip Foose-designed 1965 "Imposter" Chevy Impala that won this year's Ridler award, owned by Don Voth during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • The Impala is actually a 2008 Corvette, bought new by the Voths, with body panels massaged by Foose into an Impala lookalike.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    The Impala is actually a 2008 Corvette, bought new by the Voths, with body panels massaged by Foose into an Impala lookalike.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • The Imposter has the Corvette's stock engine, but the frame was stretched 8 inches. The Impala body was shortened 14 inches.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    The Imposter has the Corvette's stock engine, but the frame was stretched 8 inches. The Impala body was shortened 14 inches.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Foose said <span>Don Voth and his wife Elma drove a 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS on their honeymoon, and wanted to remember that car </span>with one that handled like a modern Vette.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Foose said Don Voth and his wife Elma drove a 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS on their honeymoon, and wanted to remember that car with one that handled like a modern Vette.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • One-off custom 20-inch wheels on the Imposter.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    One-off custom 20-inch wheels on the Imposter.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • The Corvette electronics, including OnStar, still work in the interior.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    The Corvette electronics, including OnStar, still work in the interior.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    9/41

    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    10/41

    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Steve Cooks Creations, a prior Ridler Award winner, built this 1956 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Gil Losi during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Steve Cooks Creations, a prior Ridler Award winner, built this 1956 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Gil Losi during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Power for the Belvedere comes from a modern 6.1-liter Hemi.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Power for the Belvedere comes from a modern 6.1-liter Hemi.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Steve Cooks Creations built 1956 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Gil Losi during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Steve Cooks Creations built 1956 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Gil Losi during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Steve Cooks Creations built 1956 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Gil Losi during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Steve Cooks Creations built 1956 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Gil Losi during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Detail view of the Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Detail view of the Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Power for the custom Dart comes from a supercharged 392 Hemi.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Power for the custom Dart comes from a supercharged 392 Hemi.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • C. Cook Enterprises built this 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich, using a combination of wood, sheet metal and carbon fiber.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    C. Cook Enterprises built this 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich, using a combination of wood, sheet metal and carbon fiber.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • C. Cook Enterprises fashioned LED headlamps and an air intake into the old Ford body.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    C. Cook Enterprises fashioned LED headlamps and an air intake into the old Ford body.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • GAP Racing and co-owner Tim Palazzolo built this 1969 Ford Mustang dubbed "Stampede"
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    GAP Racing and co-owner Tim Palazzolo built this 1969 Ford Mustang dubbed "Stampede"
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • The Stampede's body is entirely in carbon fiber, coated in a custom blue.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    The Stampede's body is entirely in carbon fiber, coated in a custom blue.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • The Stampede's 572 V-8.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    The Stampede's 572 V-8.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • 1931 Ford Tudor owned by Jason Graham during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    1931 Ford Tudor owned by Jason Graham during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • 1931 Ford Tudor owned by Jason Graham during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    1931 Ford Tudor owned by Jason Graham during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • 1937 Bugatti owned by Terry Cook during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    1937 Bugatti owned by Terry Cook during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • 1937 Bugatti owned by Terry Cook during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    1937 Bugatti owned by Terry Cook during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Hot Rod Joes Rod & Customs built 1969 Chevy Camaro owned by Alan Reed during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Hot Rod Joes Rod & Customs built 1969 Chevy Camaro owned by Alan Reed during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Hot Rod Joes Rod & Customs built 1969 Chevy Camaro owned by Alan Reed during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Hot Rod Joes Rod & Customs built 1969 Chevy Camaro owned by Alan Reed during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
  • Hot Rod Joes Rod & Customs built 1969 Chevy Camaro owned by Alan Reed during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
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    Detroit Autorama 2015

    Hot Rod Joes Rod & Customs built 1969 Chevy Camaro owned by Alan Reed during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
    Rick Osentoski for Yahoo Autos
Chip Foose-designed 1965 "Imposter" Chevy Impala that won this year's Ridler award, owned by Don Voth during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
The Impala is actually a 2008 Corvette, bought new by the Voths, with body panels massaged by Foose into an Impala lookalike.
The Imposter has the Corvette's stock engine, but the frame was stretched 8 inches. The Impala body was shortened 14 inches.
Foose said <span>Don Voth and his wife Elma drove a 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS on their honeymoon, and wanted to remember that car </span>with one that handled like a modern Vette.
One-off custom 20-inch wheels on the Imposter.
The Corvette electronics, including OnStar, still work in the interior.
Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Squeege's Customs built 1959 Rambler American Wagon owned by Dean and Bonnie Osland during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
Steve Cooks Creations, a prior Ridler Award winner, built this 1956 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Gil Losi during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Power for the Belvedere comes from a modern 6.1-liter Hemi.
Steve Cooks Creations built 1956 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Gil Losi during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Steve Cooks Creations built 1956 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Gil Losi during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Detail view of the Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Power for the custom Dart comes from a supercharged 392 Hemi.
Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
Big Oak Garage built 1965 Dodge Dart owned by Willie & Charlotte Maise during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
C. Cook Enterprises built this 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich, using a combination of wood, sheet metal and carbon fiber.
C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
C. Cook Enterprises fashioned LED headlamps and an air intake into the old Ford body.
C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
C. Cook Enterprises built 1937 Ford Woodie owned by Mike and Belinda Terzich during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
GAP Racing and co-owner Tim Palazzolo built this 1969 Ford Mustang dubbed "Stampede"
The Stampede's body is entirely in carbon fiber, coated in a custom blue.
The Stampede's 572 V-8.
GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
GAP built 1969 Ford Mustang owned by Tim Palazzolo on during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
1931 Ford Tudor owned by Jason Graham during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
1931 Ford Tudor owned by Jason Graham during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit.
1937 Bugatti owned by Terry Cook during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
1937 Bugatti owned by Terry Cook during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
Hot Rod Joes Rod & Customs built 1969 Chevy Camaro owned by Alan Reed during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
Hot Rod Joes Rod & Customs built 1969 Chevy Camaro owned by Alan Reed during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
Hot Rod Joes Rod & Customs built 1969 Chevy Camaro owned by Alan Reed during the 63rd annual Autorama in Detroit. (Rick Osentoski)
Yahoo Autos

Last weekend in Detroit, the top hot rod builders in the country gathered for the 63rd annual Autorama show and the annual competition for the Don Ridler Memorial Trophy, given each year to the most impressive custom car. While the America's Most Beautiful Roadster title goes only to older cars, the Ridler is open to anything — and this year's winner demonstrates the skill needed to blend old and new engineering into something unique.