Last weekend the 47th Annual Auto Value World Of Wheels took place at the BMO Center in Calgary Alberta, and contributing photographer Mike McConnell just so happened to be in attendance with his trusty DSLR.
Based on his coverage World of Wheels looks very similar to Performance World (now Megaspeed) here in Ontario. It caters mostly to classics –something I don’t mind at all– but every make, model, and style of build is welcome.
Mike sent through a great variety of photos that hopefully you will enjoy as much as I did.
Zee Tire, a shop in Calgary, brought this very clean Beauty 240z/Fair Lady ZVery well kept car that has obviously been spared the worst of Calgary’s wintersI remember this Lexus from  Mike’s 2012 Driven CoverageClean trunk setup in this car tooEF with what looks to be a J swap, I could be wrong thoughHappy Healy is happyIt appears that Mike, like myself, is a sucker for a nice WillysSpotlessSpeaking blowers…Very clean Trans AmProbably the best looking Pontiac Acadian I’ve seenCould have made this weeks Pro Touring Theme Tuesday72 or so Duster..?Hell of a lot of articulation hereNice contrast with the satin and gold here, especially with the wheels and white wallsThis appears to be some sort of Ford bread truckI wonder if he gets as many questions about the air cooler that Blair doesJudging by the amount of photos Mike took of this Chevy 3100 I would say it’s one of his personal favoritesIt’s really not very hard to see whyThe truck sits perfect and the paint is simply amazingAnd it’s spotless inside and outTaz spinning his way into 2013Pretty awesome looking truckInteresting choice of tints on this oneStill trying to convince myself I don’t want a motorcycle but bikes like this make that pretty difficult….Check out the approving face out backThis finish on this car reminds me somewhat a build known as ‘Gold Rush‘ from Performance World a few years agoLove this colour, looks almost like a slightly blue tinted, clear-coated primer35 ChevAnother look at the 35 ChevyVery traditionally built 3 windowThis Ford almost looks like a Hot Wheels at this angleSpeaking of cars that look like Hot Wheels, this looks absolutely insaneSo much chrome it’s difficult to tell what’s going onAlmost looks like a sand rail with street tires
Thanks once again to Mike McConnell for always submitting great photos and the full set can be seen here on flickr.
The recipe for a pro touring build, according to Pro-Touring.com, is simple;” Start with a classic muscle car and apply modifications that will make the car handle as good, or better than modern day sports cars.”
Of course, realistically, there are no hard and fast rules as to what exactly qualifies for a pro touring build. Â Generally speaking they are older cars –many of which people thought could never handle– that have been upgraded to the point where they handle far better than most are willing to give them credit for.
The also happen to look incredibly good sitting or dodging cones.
Novas like this are a big reason why I consider the chassis for a ‘forever’ vehicleThis looks amazing.Fast & Furious fans (so all of us) will recognize the F-BombYes, those are Work VS-XX wheelsThe first Demon to be posted on Stance Is EverythingI’ve always been a fan of the cars Mr. Angry doesPro touring builds are the only time such a wing is acceptable on a CamaroI’ve posted this a couple times now, but it doesn’t really get any less awesomePro Touring Volvo P1800Ring Brothers 64 Fairlane dubbed the afterburnerCompleted shot at SEMA in 2009Nice to see this 78(?) done up Pro Touring style, For whatever reason I’ve always been a big fan of this generationI can only imagine how loud those side pipes areA little over steer never hurt anyoneMalibu wagon making a big autocross course look rather small66 Chevelle tearing down a straightThe Runt which I saw at Megaspeed in 2012This is the kind of track day I want need to attend….This just looks like it has a monsterous amount of gripAnother thing I really need to do is go to a Optima Street Car ChallengeChris Smith’s c10 is one of my favourite trucks ever builtThe appears to be cornering surprisingly flat for it’s sizeYep. This is awesome.
The FD RX-7 has to be one of Mazda’s greatest triumphs, released over 20 years ago the design is still rather timeless. The only feature really tying it back to the era it was built would be being the flip up headlights and honestly I love flip up headlights.
I found this one on flickr and was instantly taken aback by how great it looked.
The mods match the chassis styling perfect as they too for the most part can’t really be pinned to any particular era. If this car was locked in a time capsule for ten to fifteen years then brought back out to a show I’d wager it would still look great and not dated in the least.
If anyone has more info on this car I’d be welcome to it, beautiful shots via Visual Chaos.
Back with the second (and final) batch of photos from the 2013 Canadian International Autoshow media day. In my two years of experience attending the show for media day I have found striking an even balance between getting uncluttered photos and attending big reveals a little difficult.
Last year I missed pretty well everything but this year I fared a bit better managing to catch three or four. Sadly I was distracted during Chevrolet’s uncloaking of the Sting Ray which I’m still kicking myself over.
That misstep aside I am still pretty happy with the photos I was able to get from the shows 40th anniversary shindig and hopefully you all enjoy them as well.
The Rebull sponsored Infiniti F-1 car was the only Infiniti photo I tookHonda Izod Indycar series carMy first encounter with Pat Cyr’s featured FR-S equipped with all it’s sponsor stickers. There is a lot of buzz around this car and personally I can’t wait to see it on the track.I’m so used to the FR-S front end that the BRZ almost seems foreign nowHyundai HCD-14 Concept, Hyundai is really out to prove something in recent yearsI could see some VIP styled builds being done with this platform. even though it would not be an “accepted” baseThe Tron looking Toyota Fun-Vii, the side of this car is essentially a giant TV screenThe CTS V proudly boasting it’s HP numbersSport Wagon versionI meant to get a photo like this with the cover off and somehow didn’t…Shortly after I took this shot another media photographer slammed the door (which loudly rejected the notion and popped back open) and things got really awkward/funny after that as he tried to slink away
Lexus
Lexus brought out quite a few concepts this year in addition to their new model year offerings.
Lexus LFAThe Lexus Future Coupe ConceptThe debut of the hybrid LF-LC concept , a hybrid 2+2 sports car
Landrover/Jag
Outside of the autoshow I kind of completely forget about anything Jaguar is doing. I just don’t really see any new ones on the street and the older ones I do see are so beat up I try not to give them much attention.
Last year I was really impressed with the CX-16 and this year I was equally impressed by what they brought out.
The front end of the XK RSThe new F-type, Jaguar’s first 2 seater since the E-type and 50 years in the making
Audi
Audi always has some of the better media presentations (and press kits) at the Canadian International Autoshow and this year one of their highlighted debuts was the brand new R-8.
The new R8 with the v10 plus under the hood thumping out 500hp and enough torque to skate to 100km in 3.5 seconds making it the fastest to dateA lot of people are going to be seeing this tail lights no doubtThe grill of the RS5The twin turbo V8 4.0l powered RS-7. If I ever need a grown man sedan…
BMW
I didn’t spend a whole lot of time hanging around the BMW area as I am more of a vintage BMW guy but their I-8 concept was too intriguing not to check out.
I liked how they had the car sitting under this semi transparent cover, made for a cool effect showing off their latest LED headlight trimShortly after the photo above the i8 was revealed in all it’s glory. It’s hybrid powered and 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds.i8 concept interiorSafe to assume the production models won’t look quite so crazy
Mercedes Benz
Much like BMW I didn’t spend a heck of a lot of time in the Mercedes Benz area but I did mange to snap off a few shots the brief time I was there.
One of two 1:1 MB photos I took and likedVery peculiar looking Smart Forstars concept that has a projector in the front grill in case you wanted to recreate the drive in atmosphere in the comfort of your own drivewayThese models ended up stealing my attention in the Benz areaI’d love to have a die-cast collection one day but these things are so detailed and so expensiveThe legendary 300SL gullwing in small scale form
Mazda
As far as I know Mazda didn’t have anything too crazy debuting at this years show but currently being a Mazda owner I decided to look at the current generation Mazda 3s.
I believe this was almost entirely built with Mazda OEM accessories. Shame they dropped their re branded pro kits from the lineup as this car needs it’s high heels trimmed a bitThe new MX-5. I’m not  sure if people will  flock to these in the future like the NA and lesser extent NBThe speed3 front end has grown on me since the 2010 release and as awhole this car isn’t bad but not sure if I trust Mazda to be rid of their rust issues
Ford
The media lunch was served in the Ford exhibit so once I finished eating I took a detailed look at the new Ford Focus ST which is designed to compete directly with the Mazda Speed3. To be honest it’s not a bad car at all options and power wise. Is it worth the 30 thousand or so sticker? Not sure. But a welcome addition to the segment none the less.
It’s kind of a shame that neither Mazda or Ford offer these cars with an all wheel drive option but one can only assume that was done to keep costs down.
As though the are anticipating wider wheel/tire setups the Focus RS comes with rolled flat fenders from the factory which is pretty cool. A car I would consider in the future if I was go go F.I. FWDThe ST kind of looks a bit van like from this angle though…One thing I have always liked about the Flex line is the color optionsBagged Ford Fusion, which has obviously been making it’s way around since SEMAThis Fusion from the Ice Nine Group is something that on paper I wouldn’t be into but in person I kind of liked it……big Touring wing and all. (The power plant is a turbo 1.6L EcoBoost)Engraved rotors hiding behind Ruff wheels
Dodge/Fiat
The highlight of the Dodge area was obviously the new Viper but the Ram Charger and Fiat Abrath 500 were interesting as well.
The new SRT 8 showing off it’s new 6.4L hemiDodge offering a matte, vinyl wrap like, finish for the DartFiat 500 AbarthDodge answering the call of the Ford RaptorWhat are the chances this one can survive a 90mph jump?I’ve always been a big fan of the Viper, and this new release is probably my favourite since the original GTS coupeThe side profile pretty is just as aggressive as the frontLaguna Red leather interior accented will with black and silver8.4L V10, nice to see Dodge stick with such a big motor when many are going to hybrids…One of the better looking Dodge rear ends in recent memoryLove it
That’s it for the 2013 CIAS coverage. I’ll leave you with this.
When Geo designed the Metro it’s pretty safe to assume that they never intended it to see any off road use –for that they produced the surprisingly capable Geo Tracker– of course a manufacturers intentions are never really any good at stopping a determined person armed with wrenches and a welder.
Such a determined gentlemen decided tossing a Geo Metro body on top of a 4×4 frame and some very big wheels was a great idea and thus the vehicle you see  below was born.
Information on this build is pretty scarce so I can’t provide specs on motor, axles, or frame, but judging by the photos it looks like it is (or was) a very capable off-roading rig that went through a couple of revisions in it’s lifetime.
The Metro makes a few appearances in this video below along with a similarly set up fourth generation Camaro.
At the end of the day I’d much, much, rather see Metros, Swifts, and other small disposable (virtually worthless) hatch backs put on truck frames and less American Muscle.
Site Updates
Part two of The Canadian International Autoshow coverage should be live this weekend, I’m also heading back to the show on Saturday so there may be a part 3 next week as well.
Also in a bit of a vehicle update last week Monday I took a little road trip to the Air Lift Performance Headquarters.
I’m sure you can all connect the dots but things should be a lot clearer when I head back up to Lansing Michigan to pick it up!
Flashback Friday
The topic of Versa’s came up on twitter a few weeks back so I thought I’d re-share what is perhaps the only Versa I’ve ever liked owned by significant other of Dominic the man behindDominant Engineering.
Following up last weeks Winter Wednesday with another local who rides low all year.
This daily driver/occasional show car belongs to my friend Shayan who is more than willing to take advantage of Audi’s Quattro all wheel drive system as soon as the white stuff starts to fall.
Based on his flickr I’d wager he actually enjoys this car a whole lot more in the winter than the summer. The cool air is better for boost and snow is obviously great for hooning.
Here’s a couple bonus shots of some wheels he was playing with right before spring hit and a clever sticker he had on for a brief period.
Shayan’s also happens to have a GC chassis Subaru that he’s debating what to do with.
Want to see your car up here for Winter Wednesday? Shoot me an email.
RWB has undeniably become one of the most popular Porsche Tuners (at least on the internet) in the past few years. While out with some friends the other night RWB came up over wings and beer and each of us picked a favourite of Naki-Sans creations.
Well… Erik and Aidan were able to choose a favourite I personally couldn’t settle on just one.
Today’s Theme Tuesday is a direct result of that conversation and my apparent lack of ability to narrow things down.
I’d like to say this is one of the first RWB photos I ever saw… but I can’t remember back that farThe orange car from above with a different look. My personal style tastes tell me I shouldn’t like this car and yet I do…The lone cab of the post which Erik and Aidan both really likeDepending on who you ask VAD did RWB dirty but this car was stunning either wayI think I might prefer these cars wingless…The lines seem to almost flow better undisruptedReally like this paint finishIf I recall correctly this was taken at a Cars And Coffee eventUnfuckwithable at SEMAThe wheels have changed since then, personally I prefer the previous onesI  mind seeing this one on different (or at least different coloured) wheels…Pandora One in it’s first incarnationA more current version of the same carBrandedGreat to see these out on the track as many assume they never get pushed hardAmazonian between paint jobs rocking a Circuit Soul stickerSpeaking of Circuit Soul here’s the latest car to come out of their Vancouver shopThis one is evidently quite recent as wellWonder if RWB will ever make it’s way to Jamaica…0-60 (when it was a print mag) was one of my favourites… shame it’s web only now
The Canadian International Autoshow celebrates 40 years of operation this year which makes me wonder how many I’ve attended throughout the years.
Though the number is likely  less than half I can remember as a child, attending the show with my dad, running from car to car for a  chance go get in the drivers seat and pretend to drive.
I did get behind the wheel of a few cars though ranking them on my ever changing list of potential next vehicles but I will elaborate on those later this week.
For this post I plan to focus on the modified cars that appeared in the show as part of various different feature exhibits.
Sport Compact Evolution
For their 40th anniversary shindig the Canadian International Autoshow decided to dedicate a section of the show to sport compacts. Site sponsor Nextmod and media partner CSCS both brought a few cars from their respective garages out as did Can-Jam Motorsports sponsored rally driver Crazy Leo.
Canjam motor sports road racing hawkeye that is evidently the fastest road racing Subaru in CanadaCrazy Leo’s car after one of his more recent adventuresLooks like the guys at Can Jam have their work cut out for them before this car hits the rally course againTwo of the FR-S’ from Scion Top Tuner challengeBrett’s NSX promoting Importexpo like alwaysJame’s Hougton’s incredibly quick Type RThis NIssan looks to be a new addition to the Nextmod stableKevin’s previously featured STI which he constantly seems to flip back and forth in about sellingNextmod/APH cyber EvoPeter’s GTR, which is now sporting a HKS GT800 kit under the hoodThere’s probably my car worth of carbon in that  front lip/splitterI still kind of think this  kit  makes the ss2000 look like a fish but it’s growing on meKensai Racing’s pair of GT3s
Pfaff Tuning
Prior to the show Erik (tuning consultant at Pfaff) gave me a quick run-down on the Pfaff vehicles I shouldn’t miss. I’m glad I sought these cars out as each was very photogenic.
DBS on Adv-1s and I believe H&R coils, great classy combinationPfaff’s Project 991 Bronze Edition which you can check out a video of this car herePfaff’s GT3 race carI was surprised to find very few people around this car
Autoexotica
As a rule the Autoexotica exhibit at the Autoshow has always been a bit of a tease to me. Spending time in a room surrounded by cars I will never be able to afford (without donating an organ) is a harsh smack of reality I’m not always in the mood for.
However when the exhibit contains an F-40 I’m all for reality using me as a bit of a punching bag.
The Vanquish really is a great looking carWild, wild, horsesOne of 12 publicly released MC12 Corsa’sThe Ferrarri 599XX with every 80’s child’s poster car lurking in the backgroundIf you’ve ever been curious about the ground clearance of an F-40 here you goI wonder how many of these are in Ontario and how many people who own them would be willing to take me for a ride…
Cruise Nationals
Last year the Cruise Nationals room was a bit of a hidden gem I stumbled upon while making my way from one media release to another.
This year I sought the room out and just like last year I had it practically all to myself.
’39 Ford Roadster from Ajax with a LS3 under the hood thumping out 480hp1970 Challenger that had an all fibreglass body (save for the roof and rear valence)The 440s got a Weiand high rise intake and 413 cylinder heads’55 Ford F-100 with tons of subtle custom body modifications throughout including that smooth front roll pan322 motor stroked to 347 c.i. 490 horse
Canadian Hot Rod Builders Showcase
A first for the Canadian International Autoshow the Canadian Hot Rod builders show case did exactly as the name implies.
I thought it would be hard to top last years showcase (Triumphs) but this years was right on the money for me.
If you like American metal like myself, or customization at any level, check out this exhibit you won’t be disappointed.
Oddball Customs BoochTaylor’d Customs brought two builds to the show, the first was the MontbombCheck out this time lapse of this car getting finished for Autorama in 2011There’s simply no mistaking the front end of this car, or this car as a whole reallyTaylor’d Customs second vehicle in the show was this ChevyI need an old truck…The main room of the Canadian Hot Rod Builders showcaseNice traditional Street Rod StylingReally happy with how this shot turned outThis car reminds me of the movie Gangster squadBeautiful Willy’sAnother shot that I was pretty happy with how it turned outand another beautiful WillysAs smooth as you’d want and as wide as tubbed as you could possibly want.
Part two of the Canadian International Auto Show Coverage will be up later this week! Stay tuned.
Near the end of the Fast & Furious 6 Superbowl spot there’s a quick shot of a car (piloted by zombie Letty I believe) that I couldn’t quite place but knew I had seen before. The car in question was almost immediately identified on-line as the Jensen Interceptor.
For those that may not have heard of it before the Interceptor is a hand built British luxury sports car from the mid 60’s to early 70’s originally equipped with a Chrysler power plant.
A quick scan of my RSS reader confirmed that the reason the car stuck out in my memory was because someone filled the humble interceptors lengthy engine bay with a Viper v10 motor and I just so happened to stumble across it fairly recently.
A fusion of the iconic 70’s style brought into the 21st Century with state of the art looks, and performance.
The Jensen Viperceptor SE is a true Grand Tourer, lifted from it’s past and re engineered to meet the demands of today’s motoring.
It is powerful without being aggressive, luxurious without feeling spoilt and most of all it has been uniquely hand built from the ground up using 21st Century upgrades which has taken no less than two years and four months to build.
The build consisted of first chemically stripping the chassis before building it up again with no shortage of new components including the obvious V10 and necessary bits and bobs to get it running.
Such bobs and bits include a 4 speed auto transmission (seems like an odd choice) , 2.89:1 LSD, refreshed IRS rear end, new rack, upgraded brakes, 20″ Bespoke alloy wheels, and most important of all for a luxury sports car a luxurious interior cooled by a brand new AC.
While I’m still not 100% sold on the looks as a whole (the rear end I am particularly hung up on), or convinced anything with a Viper V-10 could be considered non aggressive, I certainly wouldn’t turn down a ride.
Don’t think I’ve ever been in a British sports car….
Site Updates
If you follow the fanpage and instragram you will have noticed that I was at the media day for the Canadian International Autoshow yesterday. I took a LOT of photos but I hope to have coverage start on Monday.
Flashback Friday
Here’s a look back at last years Canadian International Autoshow coverage while I get the other post together.
A couple years ago I met a gentleman who lives west of me named Jeff. Whether we met through kids bikes or trucks I can’t really remember but since I’ve known him he has always had fairly interesting, low, vehicles.
Today’s subject is his daily driver which with little ground clearance, no paint, and a rag top isn’t something many would consider a great year round vehicle.
Jeff makes it all work though helped by winter tires (mounted to wheels from the now deceased Party Truck), and a complete disregard for front bumper condition.
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