Len Palmeri of Lenox Township won the 2026 Preservation Award through Detroit Autorama for his hand-built 1929 Mercedes built on a 1956 Chevrolet frame named “Andare.”
Palmeri started building the car in 1968, when he was 18 years old, in his home garage in East Detroit alongside his dad. Today the back of the car reads, “In memory of Tony and Jean,” for both of his parents who he credits as part of his car creation.
Since 1953, Detroit Autorama has been an event that showcases craftsmanship on vehicles with classic bodies that are reimagined. This year, the show runs from Feb. 27 to March 1 at Huntington Place, located at 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit.
This year’s event will feature more than 800 works of art, showcasing one-of-a-kind custom hot rods, trucks, modern and muscle cars and motorcycles.
It will also feature celebrity appearances, live music and entertainment, movie vehicles, Toy-A-Rama featuring nostalgic toys, the Miss Autorama pin-up contest and more.
The Motor City Maven’s 2026 Art Panel Jam and Pinstripers Charity Auction benefitting Leader Dogs for the Blind will also take place at the event. There will be pinstripers demonstrations all weekend and puppies available to meet all weekend as well. The pinstripers charity auctions take place from 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 27, from noon to 1:30 p.m., 3 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. March 1.
Other awards that will be presented at the event include the BASF Great 8, announced at 10 a.m. Feb. 27, and the Ridler Award, which will be announced in the afternoon March 1.
The event will also house the 20th annual Autorama Student Career Day Feb. 27, where high school and college students can learn about automotive careers through guest speakers and hands-on experience.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at a discounted price at select O’Reilly Auto Parts locations starting Feb. 7 for $28 general admission and $9 for children between ages 6 and 12. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office for $30 general admission or $10 for children between 6 and 12. Children aged 5 and younger get in for free.
The event takes place from noon to 10 p.m. Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 28 and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 1.
