For nearly six decades, the Autorama World of Wheels has been captivating residents of the Calgary area as one of the most beloved annual car shows. Featuring a dazzling array of extravagant machines alongside inviting displays from esteemed car builders and collectors, this exhibition never fails to leave both hardcore enthusiasts and casual car admirers across Alberta smiling and in awe throughout their visit.

Automobiles of all shapes and sizes were in attendance during World of Wheels 2024

Celebrating its 56th year in Calgary, Alberta, the World of Wheels (WoW) has become a cherished annual event. As a pivotal stop on the esteemed Autorama show circuit, which traverses North America, WoW attracts some of the globe's most esteemed car builders. Among them are renowned names like Kindig-It Design and JF Kustoms, contributing to the show's illustrious reputation.

Even the emergency services were showing off

In addition to hosting renowned automotive builders, the show welcomes local shops and car enthusiasts to showcase their beloved automobiles on the showgrounds. From uniquely crafted rat rods to meticulously restored classics, the display encompasses a wide spectrum of automotive passion. The event also embraces a significant devotion to resto-mod culture, where judges prioritise fabrication, ingenuity, and meticulous attention to detail.

Every year of Beaumont was on display and in sequence by year as well

The event not only showcased individual car owners' or automotive show built vehicles, but also featured displays from various car clubs, each presenting a selection of their impressive automotive collections. These clubs competed against one another to craft the most captivating displays, which ranged from faux vintage dealerships and celebrations of auto brand anniversaries to creatively themed setups like drive-in theatres. This dynamic allowed clubs to exhibit their cars in exceptionally unique and engaging ways, further enhancing the overall spectacle of the show.

The local Mustang Club set up a 60th anniversary club display during the World of Wheels 2024

Businesses were also invited to participate by setting up booths and displays showcasing their products throughout the event. In a creative approach to advertising, some business owners utilised auto lifts to elevate entire cars, effectively highlighting their products. Others opted to showcase artwork or distribute memorabilia, adding to the diverse array of offerings at the show. The displays put forth by these businesses were often as captivating and enjoyable as the main event itself, contributing to the overall excitement of the occasion.

A 1955 Chevrolet and a Viper V10 powered RX-7 sitting side by side during World of Wheels

The awards presented at the Calgary World of Wheels were nothing short of extravagant. Much like the prestigious Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama, which holds a revered place in the industry for recognizing the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, Calgary boasts its own equivalent: the Jim Leslie Memorial Award. This award serves as a symbol of excellence, acknowledging both the builder and the automobile as the absolute best among their peers.

The SEMA famous "Chainsmoker Rat" was on display once again at it's local auto exhibition

While perhaps not as globally recognized as the Ridler, the Jim Leslie Memorial Award holds significant prestige as the ultimate accolade for the most exceptional and beloved automobile at the event each year. In this year's competition, the coveted award was bestowed upon a stunning 1969 Ford Mustang fastback, affectionately named the "SOHC 427." Drawing inspiration from a blend of SCCA Trans Am cars from 1969 and the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, this meticulously crafted vehicle was designed to rival the performance of legendary contenders like the GT40s and Ferraris of its era. Its race-inspired engineering and impeccable execution made it a standout among the entries, firmly securing its well-deserved place as one of the top cars of the event.

The Jim Leslie Memorial Award sitting alongside the award winning 1969 Ford Mustang

The 2024 Calgary Autorama World of Wheels marked its 56th year of operation, continuing its tradition of bringing together enthusiasts and car builders from far and wide. Whether participating in friendly competitions or simply indulging in their passion for automobiles, attendees experienced a gathering like no other. With a vibrant display of creativity and engineering marvels, the WoW proved once again to be a spectacular event, solidifying its status as the most anticipated car exhibition in all of Alberta.

1973 Dodge Dart Sport restmod on display

Until the next time I see you guys, get wrenching, get driving, and keep these classics alive!

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics