DETROIT, Mich. – After offering you a full report of the Ford footprint at the reimagined Detroit Auto Show in Downtown Detroit, we promised we’d come back with the story behind a unique display that made its debut there – a “show-within-a-show” if you will – called “Modded Detroit.” Yes, having the Motor City’s mega auto show move back to its mid-January indoor roots was a big deal this year, and so was having 22 major auto manufacturers participate with a mix of their newest models, plus four indoor driving tracks, interactive automotive attractions and unique displays from famed movie cars to classics and exotics.
But beneath the traditional auto manufacturers show in Detroit this winter was something much more organic and far more grassroots – for the first time mixing the corporate presence with an almost Autorama- or World of Wheels-like vibe that centered on specialty car owners and their builds, club members and young enthusiasts. What truly captivated this year’s attendees – especially a surge of younger showgoers – was a new “Modded Detroit” exhibit in the lower River Level exhibit hall. This sub-feature of the auto show shined a spotlight on the creativity of young car enthusiasts who’ve pushed the limits of customization and formed a large Detroit area club with nearly 150,000 social media followers that celebrates this new generation of car fandom.
Co-founded by Mitch McSweeney and Paul Aren back in 2019, Modded Detroit Automotive was formed to give non-traditional collector cars, modded rides, imports, truck and bikes their own place in the enthusiast community – along with street apparel and a no-car-shaming mantra of welcoming “any car, any condition” to be showcased at special Modded Detroit social media-based events and exhibitions. While some of the more expressive “built – not bought” projects may appeal more to the Tik-Tok crowd than mainstream fans, any enthusiast can appreciate the kinds of underhood performance tweaks or exterior styling enhancements that were celebrated here.
Each vehicle on display represented countless hours of design, engineering, and personal expression. The variety was astounding, ranging from classic muscle cars to lifted trucks, tuner cars, and even exotics. But perhaps what really separated the Modded Detroit exhibit apart was the opportunity for visitors to interact directly with the vehicle owners. These enthusiasts were eager to share their stories, walking attendees through the details of their custom builds. Whether it’s a restored vintage car with modern upgrades or a completely reimagined sports car, every vehicle has a tale that reflects its owner’s personality and vision.
With Modded Detroit emphasizing the community aspect of car culture, owners from across the automotive spectrum came together to celebrate their shared passion, fostering connections that extend beyond the exhibit itself. For many attendees, this level of interaction transformed the traditional auto show experience, making it more personal and inspiring. Indeed, the 2025 version of the Detroit Auto Show was an indication of a culture shift taking place in the enthusiast world, with youthful initiatives such as Modded Detroit reminding us that while the auto industry is driven by innovation and technology, its heart lies in the enthusiasm and creativity of passionate vehicle owners.
FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY MARCUS CERVANTES
