One of the publications I’ve been proud to contribute to since 2018 is Ontario’s own Autostrada Magazine.
Founded by Sean Patrick and Lucas Scarfone, Autostrada is a quarterly automotive publication focused on telling stories that go far beyond your average parts-list feature.
Fellow photographer Kenny Kroeker first introduced me to Lucas and Sean. Since then, I’ve worked with Autostrada as both a writer and a writer/photographer.
My work there always pushes me creatively because, as I alluded to in the introduction, I can’t just focus on the nerdy bits of the hobby. I have to help tell the story behind the vehicle—and more often than not, the vehicle itself takes a back seat to the owner’s journey.
In addition to the magazine, Autostrada also hosts events—some on track-focused, others built around community. Up until last Sunday, my schedule had never allowed me to attend either.
So when it was announced they’d be hosting a Cars & Coffee-style gathering at the Porsche Experience Centre in Pickering, I made it a point to be there.
The Porsche Experience Centre (Toronto) is the first Porsche Experience Centre in Canada. Open since June 2025, I wouldn’t call this event its grand opening—but I’d be surprised if any previous Cars & Coffee-style gathering there hosted as many vehicles.
Autostrada estimates there were more than 1,500 vehicles in attendance—and likely at least twice as many people.
At an event made up mostly of exotic machinery, it was nice to be joined by a few American vehicles riding on air.
Built by Taylor’d Customs, Mike Livia’s ’59 Chevy Stepside was a major influence on my own. Patina, LS power, a clean interior—it’s not hard to see where I drew some inspiration.
However, the car I really geeked out over was this Buick LeSabre sitting on 15-inch Appliance Wire wheels. The owner sourced the car and wheels from separate estate sales, then finished the look with whitewalls, curb feelers, and air ride to create one seriously cool cruiser.
I was only able to stay for a few hours—and with a broken foot, I wasn’t exactly moving quickly—so what you see here represents only a fraction of a fraction of what was in attendance.
As the unofficial season opener here in Durham Region, it was great to run into a few familiar faces I hadn’t seen since the last stretch of sunshine, when the roads stayed free of rain or snow for more than three days in a row, and the temps were above 10 degrees celcius.
Autostrada and the Porsche Experience Centre truly deserve a hat tip for their efforts in organizing so many cars in one space.
The day wouldn’t have felt nearly as special without that dedication, and I’m sure directing traffic for as long as they did wasn’t part of the original plan.
Looking around, I know I wasn’t the only one spending more time walking, talking, and shaking hands than taking photos.
I had the opportunity to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen in years, while also introducing old friends to new ones.
As cool as the cars are, I really value the connections that outlast the vehicles themselves.
Given the reception this event received, I’d be very surprised if another one isn’t on the horizon. And if that’s the case, I’d love the chance to really cover it. You know, with two good feet.
Don’t worry, I still took a lot of photos regardless. Enjoy.
