2024 QUEBEC CITY SALON DE L'AUTO SPORT : THE TOP 8 FINALIST VEHICLES

 
In any case, my eyes as an artist and a car photographer were full of images, body colors and interior in most diversified styles.

Hats off to the artists, artisans, and creators of these magnificent works on 4 wheels !

Whether you are a fan of raw performance or vintage style, you will surely find your happiness among this Top 8 vehicles by reading the article !

Be charmed by this 1955 Chevrolet 3100 all dressed in white, a true masterpiece of truck that combines elegance with the performance of yesteryear. Admire the impeccable paint quality, especially on the engine compartment, which shines like a freshly varnished bathtub.

Under the hood, a 327/300hp V8 engine from an early generation Corvette roars with power, ready to propel you to unforgettable adventures. A 700R4 transmission from the 1980s offers smooth and precise driving, while the 3:38 differential ensures good grip on our roads.

For an even more assertive look, BF Goodrich Silverstone tires with white sidewalls adorn the wheels with vintage hubcaps, while disc brakes at the front and drum at the rear ensure good braking for the vehicle’s weight.

A nice truck to drive around Quebec City suburbs to find some Alfred Hitchcock sets of the "I Confess" 1952 movie!

This VW Beetle is not only beautiful, it also has a story to tell.

In a previous life, she played a role in the Quebec movie "Monica la Mitraille" filmed in 2004, as a pizza delivery car. Today, she is promoting Rust-Eze, a fictional product of Pixar’s film “Cars”, with an imposing logo on its doors.

Acquired in 2021 for a father-daughter project, this VW underwent a rejuvenation treatment on rotisserie to give it all its shine. A "rag top" panoramic roof has been added for a more European touch, while the 1600 cc engine of 47 horsepower and the 4-speed transmission of a 1970 Beetle ensure a smooth and pleasant ride.

The interior was dressed in a clever mix of cream white and dark red. The cream white exterior paint (code 87) and the GM steel wheels in "powdercoat" harmonized with the dark red interior give it an elegant and timeless look. Period correct chromed VW wheel covers complete the picture and add a touch of nostalgia to this unique Beetle.

For those over 70, imagine delivering pizza in 1965 with this car in the streets of Limoilou, Laval or Hochelaga-Maisonneuve!

You will be dazzled by this 1968 Camaro SS 396 dressed in red, a true car goddess that marked the history of muscle cars.

This Camaro is not only a pretty face, it is also a champion who has collected the awards especially for its exceptional paint without orange peel effect, since its first appearance at the 2014 Montreal Autorama.

Born in Norwood, Ohio, it was sold new in the Quebec province at Lac Etchemin and features a beautiful Matador Red livery, contrasted by matte black decorative stripes. In the cockpit, the atmosphere is just as sporty with black vinyl seats and houndstooth fabrics that recall the spirit of the 60s.

Under the hood rumbles a special high-performance L78 V8 396 Turbo Jet engine developing back in the days, 375 horsepower. Coupled with 4-barrel carburator, a 4-speed manual transmission and a 3:73 rear axle ratio, this Camaro is a true speedster that promises thrills with every acceleration. Original red line tires and a special high performance suspension (code F41) complete the picture and confirm the very sporty character of this Camaro.

Whether on the rolling roads of the Quebec's Beauce region where the car was delievered new in 1968, on the 132 road between Quebec City and Rivière du Loup or on the quarter mile drag strip, these are interesting driving inspirations.

Seduced, you will be by this Dodge Charger silver 1967, an automobile icon that embodies the spirit of the great era of American luxury and early muscle car era.

Designed to rival the legendary Oldsmobile Toronado and Ford Thunderbird, the 1966 Dodge Charger aimed for a more mature audience when it was released. Its bold style, with its fastback roof and 4-seat bucket interior inspired by the AMC Marlin, immediately marked the minds of fans.

Presented here in an impeccably restored state, this Charger features a silver livery of the finest effect, contrasted by a refined black interior. Its cabin is unique, with a central console dividing it into two sections and receiving four bucket seats, a first for a Dodge coupe car.

This Dodge Charger represents the first generation of this muscle car marketed in 1966. It is equipped with Magnum rims with extended center cap and BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires for improved handling. Restored with passion, this Charger is a true automotive jewel that will delight visitors to the Quebec City Salon de l'Auto Sport.

Imagine yourself in 1967 at the wheel of such beauty in Montreal filled with new constructions from the time of Expo 67 !

This green 1986 Chevrolet C-10, a real technical feat in a pro touring style proudly exhibited at the Quebec City Auto Show for a second time.

This truck is not just a pretty face, it’s a beast of speed ! Under the hood screams a 6-liter Corvette LS engine stuffed with high-performance with the Fitech injection, and powered by a GM 4LGS transmission.

Behind the wheel, you’ll have total control thanks to the Autometer dashboard, and you’ll sink into luxurious comfort thanks to the brown leather interior signed T.M.I.

For an even more aggressive look, 22-inch U.S. bronze and chrome wheels in the front and 24-inch in the rear, fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires complete the set. This 1986 Chevrolet C-10 is more than just a truck, it’s a statement of style and performance.

Imagine driving this truck on a coastal roads in Florida or California!

Prepare to be amazed by this red 1946 Dodge Power Wagon, a mechanical monster transformed into a 4x4 restomod that pushes all the limits.

This is no ordinary truck, it is a real workhorse raised on oversized tires, ready to conquer any terrain. Under the trembling hood a modern Cummins 5.9L engine develops a monstrous 600 horsepower and 1000 lb-ft of torque.

Coupled with a 5-speed Getrag manual transmission, this Power Wagon will propel you to calmly in the most arduous trails. The chassis, meanwhile, comes from a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500, offering a robust and reliable base for this workhorse. 20-inch wheels with Continental MPT81 tires ensure optimal grip.

Its Red Candy Apple body from House of Kolor and its black interior signed Lumy Design, give it a resolutely unique and intimidating look.

To complete the picture, the fenders, the front bumper and the rear trunk were handcrafted, reflecting the exceptional expertise of Quebec designers.

To have such a machine, I would not be too much or go with it although the desert of the «White Sand National Park» of New Mexico could be a beautiful unusual destination to play in dry sand!

Discover this Plymouth 'Cuda 340 HEMI lime green from 1971, a fiery muscular car restored with meticulousness.

This 'Cuda is not only a rare beauty, it is also a legend of muscle cars, known for its exceptional performance. Carefully restored to factory specifications, it sports a unique Sublime Curious Yellow exterior color, embellished with a matte black side billboard 340 that leaves no doubt about its character.

The elegant black interior contrasts perfectly with the flamboyant exterior.

Under the hood purrs a 340 cubic-inch V8 engine, a small block renowned for its ardour and power. Originally developing 235 horsepower, this engine is powered by a 4-barrel carburization and manipulates via a "pistol grip" type gear lever that will give you the impression of being at the wheel of a fighter plane. Don’t forget that only 3440 'Cuda 340 were produced, making this model rare and a true collector’s car.

A night ride on the highway 20 between the Montreal's Hippolyte Lafontaine tunnel and Quebec City's Pierre Laporte bridge as did Gilles Villeneuve and Guy Lafleur in the fastest time possible in the night, it inspires you?

Ready to be transported to a race circuit of the 1968 Trans Am series with this Ford Mustang orange coupe ?

It is an incomparable restomod paying tribute to the Shelby Racing Co. Team and their participation in the Daytona 24 Hours in 1968 with Maestro driver Jerry Titus at the wheel. This Mustang is not just a pretty car, it is also a tribute to the history of motorsport. In 1968, the car came 4th overall and 1st in the Trans Am class in the series only participation in the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Today, this Mustang lives on through meticulous workmanship that combines vintage aesthetics with modern conveniences.

Under the hood screams like the Metallica guitar riffs, a Ford 5.0-liter Coyote engine coupled with a control pack signed Ford Racing for power and outstanding maneuverability. A Magnaflow exhaust delivers a raucous and mesmerizing sound, while Pro Car Rally seats and Dakota Digital dials offer today’s comfort and ergonomics. The preparation and body paint of this Mustang were carried out by the experts of NESS Custom of Quebec City, guaranteeing an impeccable finish and an exclusive sport look.

As in 1968 at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the car won top honours at the 2024 Quebec City Salon de l'Auto Sport.

A car to dream of racing on legendary circuits like the Daytona Speedway road course, Mont-Tremblant race track, or Riverside circuit ?

To follow up on the article on the Toronto Top 10 in which I said that a car winner of a “Best of show” prize had to have a metallic paint, well I was in the potato pit !

It must be said that my eye as a portraitist and automobile photographer has a preference for metallic colors that have more depth when they are lit as they should be.

In short, an exhibition car is like a work of art. His appreciation is subject to various factors such as his exhibition environment, the history that is related to it as a tribute to a driver and a team linked to a legendary personality of motor racing, a father-daughter project or a return to the exhibition of an award-winning car.

If some aspects of this article are not accurate or unpleasant, send me a message to discuss. A text on a website changes, which is not the case when it is printed.

Finally, here is a photo overview of the finalists of the Top 8 of the Quebec Auto Sport Show, 2024 edition!

Don’t they look like toys these vehicles seen in this angle ?

Looks like we can take them in our hands !