Great 8 Contender to Enter Ring with Russo and Steele

Scottsdale, Arizona (November 2, 2011) - The World Cup, an Oscar and MVP are just a few of the most known and coveted awards in United States popular culture. For automobile enthusiasts, specifically those passionate about hot rods and customs, the most coveted award is the Don Ridler Memorial Award, which is commonly known as “The Ridler”. This award is presented each year at “America’s Greatest Hot Rod Show”, the Detroit Autorama. The award is so esteemed, and the competition is so selective, that the process of merely competing becomes an exclusive privilege. There are over 200 automobiles that compete for the trophy each year.

Here’s the catch – the Detroit Autorama must be the vehicle’s very first showing. Think of how quickly the original field of 64 becomes the Elite 8 in NCAA basketball. Even more exhilarating than March Madness, is the process of elimination at the Detroit Autorama. Over 200 entries contending for The Ridler are narrowed down to the “Great 8” in a matter of just one day. The winner of this esteemed award is presented with the coveted Ridler trophy, a cash prize of $10,000 and a special jacket that compares to winning the distinguished Green Jacket in Augusta, GA. Being selected as one the Great 8 is certainly an extraordinary feat in and of itself, as each selection receives a cash prize of $1,000 and the prestige that accompanies being part of such an exclusive group.

For those automobile enthusiasts who are passionate about hot rods and aren’t familiar with this 1932 Ford Roadster, Russo and Steele would like to introduce you to “Fusion”, a former Great 8 Contender. The name “Fusion” suggests a process of uniting and/or blending - there could not be a more appropriate title for this truly unique automobile. The 1932 Ford Roadster was hand formed, which consisted of rolling it out of aluminum and steel. This one-off creation was designed and built by Hot Rods by Greg in Lake Bluff, Illinois. The terms creativity, engineering, and workmanship are all associated with any Great 8 contender and are certainly evident in “Fusion”. Built to compete for The Ridler, “Fusion” was and still is the first uni-body constructed street rod ever built. After the esteemed privilege of being named to the Great 8, this one-off roadster was completely refurbished into the automobile you see today.

From the one-off copper color on the outside to the two-tone tan leather found on the inside, every inch of this roadster is truly unique and one of a kind. The Chevrolet LS 1 engine has been smoothed and customized. The polished aluminum pulleys, custom one-off engine, and air intake covers complete the highly detailed engine compartment. The body moldings were hand fabricated out of stainless steel and the rear of the roadster has an abbreviated and far more sloping profile than a stock deuce. This feature adds a European flare to the roadster. Fit and finish on the roadster are flawless. Inside the roadster is two-toned leather stitched in a pattern that matches the metal flowing between the seats. While the door panels are multi-textured in shape and form, the combination of leather and bright copper paint make the interior nothing short of remarkable. Under the car you will find a sea of polished alloy and flawless bright copper paint. The one-off rear end was fabricated by Hot Rods by Greg and is second to no other. There are no fasteners showing on the rear suspension and a one-off taillight bar supports the custom taillights and surrounds the license plate. Modern LED lights provide ample warning to trailing motorists while driving this beauty in the open air. With over one million dollars invested, “Fusion” was built to be the ultimate show winner and is sure to be a knockout in Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale Auction ring this January 18-22, 2012!

Check out Russo and Steele’s new website for updates and additional information.  For additional information on this automobile or to request high resolution images please contact Stephanie Quinn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 602.252.2697.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs.  Its two auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world.  Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, and Monterey, California in August.  Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.

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