The Garage
32nd annual world of wheels
Steven Silva Volunteer staff
This year’s World of Wheels was an incredible event that didn’t disappoint. I felt like a kid in a candy store, and after the sensory - overload induced seizure wore off, I began to weave my way through the crowd of hotrods. The show contained a vast array of customized rides that claimed ownership all the way from Lindon, Utah to humble Winnipeg, Manitoba. Aside from the cars there were a few superstars on hand, most notably George Barris, the king of customizers, and the gorgeous Christy Hemme.
Christy Hemme is, well, Christy Hemme, what more can I say? But the name George Barris may not ring a bell. Chances are, you’ve seen some of his creations. Ever watch the Flintstones? He designed and co-built that car. The same goes for the Batmobiles, Fast and Furious rides, the Munsters’ car and other movie cars. George is highly revered in the automotive community. I’ve met him on several other occasions, but nonetheless, it’s always a treat to talk with the king.
The celebrities are fun but the real stars of the show are the bikes, trucks and cars. Although it was hard to pick favourites when it came to the bikes, the one that grabbed my attention was appropriately named Topp Gunn. Topp Gunn is a soft-tail bike hand-built and designed by Bob Soroka. You may have seen some of his work before in the Daimler Chrysler Tomahawk Motorcycle. Like the Tomahawk, Topp Gunn has two wheels driving the rear, which results in a lot of curious looks and head scratches. All the bikes in the show were impeccably designed and well-built.
There was a bike there for everyone, whether you’re into highboys, softails, hardtails, old school, crotch rocketsor Harleys.
As good as the bikes were, the cars sure held their own — most notably a 1969 Camaro named “Toxic” built by Joe Brown out of Lafayette, Louisianna. The car looked incredible with its custom paint, dubbed “Antifreeze Green,” and its outrageous wheels. I had a conversation with Joe and he assured me that all the work was done by a handful of his buddies in eight months. Joe designed the entire car and was involved in every aspect of it, except the actual painting of the car, although he did choose the colour. It was a hate it or love it paintjob. I loved it!
Another car that stood out and was competing for my attention was the acclaimed 1934 Chevrolet phantom sedan named “Instigator.” This was one nice hotrod . . . for a Chevy. Jokes aside, this was a well-crafted piece out of Montana. Owner Richard and his wife Paige didn’t overlook a single detail and were smart people for choosing that 502 cubic-inch aluminum engine block V-8, which looked really sexy shoe horned into that engine bay.
Other notable show beauties included the Super Step-Side Truck. There was so much sound, neon and LED in that cockpit, my head hurt just looking at it. There was another Camaro at the show that was also turning heads.
A blue dream that was pumping out more than 1200 hp (sorry, was I drooling on your paint, sir?), this 1969 RS 572 SS out of Lindon, Utah is one sweet ride. It’s the kind of car you would consider selling a kidney or your left nut for. Owner Randy maxfield is one luckyman, although this wasn’t an overnight overhauling makeover. The car was eight years in the making — good art can’t be rushed.
So after eating a bad hotdog or two, I strolled on over to the always-entertaining Harley Davidson fashion show. The show had something for everyone. Hot bods aside the show really showcased the hot new swag that Harley has coming out for this summer. Chaps anyone?
With over 200 rides on display, attending the 2006 world of wheels car show was money well spent. I hope that those of you who went to the show enjoyed yourselves. Those of you who missed it, mark your calendars for next year!
See you there? It’s a deal.
