Highlights and Must-Sees at the Vancouver and Atlanta Auto Shows

Outside of the major circuit, car shows operate a bit like carnivals. They’re something to do. A little fun to be had. Round up the kiddos and head to the convention center to enjoy some rides (test drives) and see some oddities (future vehicles).

Sure, the original intention of these events may have been to encourage new car sales thanks to their ‘stress-free’ shopping environment. But times are changing and the facts don’t lie. New car sales are down and the transportation landscape is shifting. Dramatically. Consumers have infinitely more options than ever before and many automakers have decided that auto shows are not the path to financial success.

That said, the small show circuit still sees a pretty strong showing from Big Auto. Presumably, there’s less pressure to dazzle, as us “small-town” folk are pretty easy to impress. I mean, charity galas are nice and all, but most of us are just looking for a really good snappy hot dog and some cool cars, right?

So, if you live in or around Vancouver or Atlanta (arguably not small towns) you have an auto show going on right now! And while they won’t be drawing the same numbers as the upcoming New York Auto Show or the international limelight of the recently-ended Geneva Auto Show, they still have a lot of fun to offer. (And plenty of cool vehicles)

Vancouver International Auto Show

First up on the list is the currently-running Vancouver International Auto Show, celebrating its 99th year. As Western Canada’s best attended consumer show, a display of over 500 vehicles, and a crowd of about 120,000 people stretched out over six days, it’s certainly no small fry on the circuit. However, it is definitely more manageable than Detroit or Chicago.

The Vancouver International Auto Show runs March 19-24 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Here, visitors can take their time enjoying the lineup of production and concept vehicles, check out some crazy customs, and snap a few selfies in front of a supercar. And if they don’t dawdle too much, they can easily do it all in one day. That said, if you are a dawdler—here are the highlights you should make a point to see.

Vancouver Must-Sees

Felino cB7R

This Montreal-built, street-legal supercar was designed by pro racecar driver, Antoine Bessette and will be making its Western Canadian debut at Vancouver’s show. It took seven years to develop this ride and only 10 were built. So, feast your eyes, because at US$270,000 a pop, you surely won’t be taking one home.

Hoonicorn

Making its first-ever appearance in Canada is Ken Block’s 1965 Hoonicorn Mustang. With a mind-boggling 1400 horsepower, this twin-turbo monster is a sight to behold. Whether you’re a devoted follower of the Hoonigan culture or you simply respect a vehicle that can shred tires before shifting gears, this is a stop to add to your Vancouver International Auto Show agenda.

Making its first-ever appearance in Canada at the 2019 Vancouver International Auto Show is Ken Block’s 1965 Hoonicorn Mustang.

Popular Production and Future Debuts

Plenty of other Western Canadian debuts are on the docket as well. And while we’re sure you’ve already seen plenty of photos of the new Toyota Supra, Jeep Gladiator, and McLaren Senna, there’s nothing quite like seeing them up-close and personal. So, make a point to stop and smell the leather.

Even if you’re sick of reading about zero-emissions vehicles, it’s safe to say they’re here to stay. Check out the admittedly cool Jaguar I-Pace, recently named AJAC’s 2019 Canadian Utility of the Year and the 2019 Audi e-tron, which is making its regional debut. If you happen to be a Vancouver resident, it would behoove you to spend a little time with the hydrogen-powered, 2019 Hyundai Nexo. On Monday night before the show opened, car-sharing operator Modo announced it would be adding two of the fuel-cell EVs to its fleet.

Van of Hope

Now, if you really want to make the 2019 Vancouver International Auto Show one to truly remember, spend some quality time with the Van of Hope. A bittersweet piece of Canada’s history, this 1980 Ford camper van served as Terry Fox’s support vehicle during his incredible cross-country run to raise funding and awareness for cancer research. Having already lost a leg to cancer, the young athlete still ran 3,339 miles over 143 days before eventually discovering the disease had spread to his lungs, killing him one month shy of his 23rd birthday.

A bittersweet piece of Canada’s history, this 1980 Ford camper van served as Terry Fox’s support vehicle during his incredible cross-country run to raise funding and awareness for cancer research.

His efforts have not been forgotten, as the annual runs held in his honor have raised more than $750 million for cancer research since his death. This van, from the original Marathon of Hope, and recently restored by Ford, has a permanent home in the Canadian Museum of History.

The Vancouver International Auto Show runs March 19-24 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Atlanta International Auto Show

Also currently running is the 37th Atlanta International Auto Show, the largest annual event of its kind in the Southeast. While this event often gets overlooked on the list of auto shows, we feel it’s one to watch. Why? Because the south is quickly becoming a hub for auto manufacturing, with Atlanta already playing American HQ for Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, and soon, Groupe PSA. (And that’s not counting the long list of manufacturers setting up shop in nearby states.)

The broader Atlanta Metro Area is home to nearly six million people. And while they may not all be visiting the Atlanta International Auto Show, automakers might start seeing the benefit in catering to an area where they’re employing a growing percentage of the population.

The Engine Block rounds up what should be on your list to see at the 2019 Atlanta International Auto Show.

For those of you who will be hitting the 2019 Atlanta International Auto Show, here’s what should be on your list.

Atlanta Must-Sees

Caffeine and Octane Display

Georgia-based car show organizer, Caffeine and Octane will host a large display of classics, exotics, and supercars, including the new McClaren Senna. The exhibitor plays host to the largest once-monthly car show in the country. Featuring all makes and models of cars, it regularly attracts 2000+ vehicles and over 15,000 spectators. These filmed events serve as the basis for the hit TV show of the same name on NBCSN.

Futurliner #10

Speaking of exotic rides, make a point to head back to the future with the vintage GM Futurliner from the Parade of Progress tour. Built for the 1939 New York World’s Fair, these wild custom-designed buses became part of a moving exhibition across the US and Canada, introducing people to new science and technology.

Make a point to head back to the future with the vintage GM Futurliner from the Parade of Progress Tour.

This bus, Futurliner #10, originally displayed contest-winning model cars and an exhibit on the wonders of stereophonic sound. According to a 1977 article with previous owner, musician Vic Hyde, the bus cost GM an estimated $100,000 (in the 1930s!), sporting unique features very advanced for the time. These include automatic headlights, air conditioning, an automatic transmission, and power steering. It took seven years to restore this beauty, so take some time to soak in the details.

Take A Spin

Like the Vancouver International Auto Show, plenty of new and pre-production vehicles will be on display, many of whose manufacturers will be offering ride-and-drive events. If you haven’t had a chance already, be sure to take a spin in some of the award-winning new models, like the Wrangler JL and new RAM and Silverado 1500 trucks.

Nissan’s Project Clubsport 23

Also worth seeing at the Atlanta International Auto Show is the Project Clubsport 23, Nissan’s newly-tuned version of the 370Z sports car. Debuted at SEMA 2018, this dedicated track-only vehicle started as a 2012 Nissan 370Z NISMO, receiving a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 engine swap and a veritable treasure-trove of aftermarket parts. If tuned performance is your bag, make a point to stop and stare at the go-fast parts adorning this ride.

Also worth seeing at the Atlanta International Auto Show is the Project Clubsport 23, Nissan’s newly-tuned version of the 370Z sports car.

Fun for the Kids

If you’ve got the little ones in tow, be sure to keep an eye out for full-costumed appearances by Black Panther, Scooby-Doo, and SpongeBob, as well as meet-and-greets with sports stars Vince Carter and Chipper Jones. There will also be High Roller BMX performances entertaining crowds throughout the weekend.

The Atlanta International Auto Show runs March 20-24 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

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