edwardb
03-09-2015, 11:21 AM
This past weekend I took my newly completed Mk4 Roadster #7750 to the Detroit Autorama car show at Cobo Arena in downtown Detroit. This was the first public appearance for the new build and my second Autorama. I was very pleased to receive the first place trophy for the Homebuilt Sports class. :D
This is the trophy, slightly incomplete. A car statue that goes on the shelf for the first place awards was apparently delayed, so they are sending separately. Some assembly required I guess.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Detroit%20Autorama/IMG_3147_zpscxhgswuo.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Detroit%20Autorama/IMG_3147_zpscxhgswuo.jpg.html)
The event started for us on Wednesday with move-in, and waiting in the second longest car hauler line possible. The actual show was Friday through Sunday. I was there the entire time, most spent at my car talking with attendees, which I really enjoy. They didn’t announce attendance yet, but last year it was 170,000. There were people 4-5 deep by my car most of all three days. Many very positive comments about Factory Five, many questions about the build, numerous individuals who were either building or contemplating a build, and of course the multiple “Is it real?” inquiries. I was a little surprised how many people ask about cost, because I’m willing to bet most of the other 1,000 or so car owners weren’t asked those questions. But since much of what is there is unattainable by the average person, it’s probably natural they should ask to find out if it’s really possible for them. So I tried to see that as a positive. People were amazingly positive and complimentary about my car, and nearly everyone commented about the color. It really looked amazing. Thanks Rick (my painter) for suggesting it!
The Detroit Autorama, being the biggest, is also of course well known for the Ridler Award. The eight finalists were breathtaking, with a Chip Foose design winning this year, his fourth Ridler. It was fun seeing that award announced at the award ceremony. But it was a little funny because they do the Ridler award about halfway through all the various car class awards. By coincidence, the Homebuilt Sports class was the last one announced right before they announced the Ridler. So I was the last person on stage before that announcement, and can say that Chip Foose saw my car (they project them all on side screens as they are announced) and witnessed my award. I’m sure it was as memorable for him as it was for me. :rolleyes:
Anyway, a long and exhausting weekend, and the first longest car hauler line possible for move-out. But a great ending receiving the award. Now just need the weather to warm up and the roads get all the salt washed off so I can get the new Roadster titled and driven.
Here is a slideshow, mostly of the Roadster from yesterday morning before all the spectators arrived. 2015 Detroit Autorama Slideshow by edwardb (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/slideshow/2015%20Detroit%20Autorama)
This is the trophy, slightly incomplete. A car statue that goes on the shelf for the first place awards was apparently delayed, so they are sending separately. Some assembly required I guess.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/2015%20Detroit%20Autorama/IMG_3147_zpscxhgswuo.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/2015%20Detroit%20Autorama/IMG_3147_zpscxhgswuo.jpg.html)
The event started for us on Wednesday with move-in, and waiting in the second longest car hauler line possible. The actual show was Friday through Sunday. I was there the entire time, most spent at my car talking with attendees, which I really enjoy. They didn’t announce attendance yet, but last year it was 170,000. There were people 4-5 deep by my car most of all three days. Many very positive comments about Factory Five, many questions about the build, numerous individuals who were either building or contemplating a build, and of course the multiple “Is it real?” inquiries. I was a little surprised how many people ask about cost, because I’m willing to bet most of the other 1,000 or so car owners weren’t asked those questions. But since much of what is there is unattainable by the average person, it’s probably natural they should ask to find out if it’s really possible for them. So I tried to see that as a positive. People were amazingly positive and complimentary about my car, and nearly everyone commented about the color. It really looked amazing. Thanks Rick (my painter) for suggesting it!
The Detroit Autorama, being the biggest, is also of course well known for the Ridler Award. The eight finalists were breathtaking, with a Chip Foose design winning this year, his fourth Ridler. It was fun seeing that award announced at the award ceremony. But it was a little funny because they do the Ridler award about halfway through all the various car class awards. By coincidence, the Homebuilt Sports class was the last one announced right before they announced the Ridler. So I was the last person on stage before that announcement, and can say that Chip Foose saw my car (they project them all on side screens as they are announced) and witnessed my award. I’m sure it was as memorable for him as it was for me. :rolleyes:
Anyway, a long and exhausting weekend, and the first longest car hauler line possible for move-out. But a great ending receiving the award. Now just need the weather to warm up and the roads get all the salt washed off so I can get the new Roadster titled and driven.
Here is a slideshow, mostly of the Roadster from yesterday morning before all the spectators arrived. 2015 Detroit Autorama Slideshow by edwardb (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/slideshow/2015%20Detroit%20Autorama)