I fondly recall my very first visit to an auto show, the Earls Court Motor Show in London, England, way back in 1968, when I was a young car-obsessed eight year old. Visiting with my father, I remember standing just inside the entrance in total awe as my eyes panned over the amazing sights before me.
Things haven’t changed much in that regard over the years and it’s still a huge thrill for me each and every time I enter a show.
However, auto shows have progressed considerably since those days, not only in the types of vehicles on display, but also in the manner in which products are presented. The swinging 60s & early 70s saw a huge shift from everyday transportation to glamorous, and in many cases, high performance models. This was also the era of mini-skirts and high fashion, so manufacturers jumped on the idea of stylish young models handing out brochures rather than drab suited salespeople.
Youngsters played a major role back then as well. In fact, it could be said that kids were looked upon as “car purchase influencers.” So my bedroom walls were covered with posters and anything else they handed out to us eager young car fans. It could be said that this probably played a large part in my becoming a lifelong auto enthusiast which, I guess, was the whole purpose of those freebees.
By the late 70s, the fuel crisis was in full swing and although the models were still mostly exciting to view, fuel saving power reductions were starting to appear. The 80s saw certain manufacturers stepping slightly back from performance and returning to catering to basic family transportation requirements. In order to liven this period up somewhat, a tad more showbiz glitz was added. The music of the time accounted for much of this and with the odd light show thrown in, it genuinely became quite an exciting period for auto shows. This trend continued though the 90s to a certain extent, with a mix of exciting products blended with more mainstream products.
However, then we came to the early 2000’s and what I view as the misguided years, whereby the attendance of children was often frowned upon. Yes, the idea of future buyers and/or parental influencers was foolishly replaced with, “don’t touch the paintwork, you’ll leave sticky fingerprints”. Auto shows suddenly became much more grown up affairs, and freebees for kids disappeared from the budget, which combined together, unfortunately led to a lost generation of auto enthusiasts. This was also when concept vehicles came to the forefront, although if I’m honest, it often became a little too much, “we’ll never build it, but just look at what we could do if we wished.”
I think some of those mistakes have been corrected and, for the past few years, the welcome mat has been laid back out for youngsters. In fact, there’s actually lots of attractions aimed directly at the younger car fans now (LEGO, Hot Wheels etc.). There were even driving simulators scattered around the show for all ages to jump behind the wheel. Because of this, auto shows have now become more of a family day out and, personally, I like that idea.
The 2025 Canadian International Auto Show
This year’s show was an important one. It’s no secret that most auto shows have been struggling for a few years. The downturn in industry from several years back, has seen a few manufacturers questioning the importance of auto show attendance. Some dropped out altogether, and the odd one or two are still noticeable by their (foolish, in my opinion) absence. However, the shows organisers have done a stellar job of keeping everything moving forward through these tough times and that hard work is starting to pay off.
This year’s show boasted a wide array of attractions for visitors. With over 40 brands in attendance, whether you were there to shop around and compare for a new vehicle purchase, or to simply soak up the excitement and view the vast number of classics/race cars/rare-to-be-seen exotics on display, there really was an abundance to enjoy. In fact, to use the old cliché, there truly was something for everyone. Even older kids who were perhaps looking towards a career in the automotive world were covered with, college representatives on hand.
The OPP boasted an impressive stand showing just some of the equipment it utilises, everything from high-performance cars to all-terrain vehicles to snowmobiles. Officers were on hand to talk to and encourage youngsters to consider joining the force.
Yet it wasn’t just a feast for the eyes, as there were several ways for visitors to get directly involved. The hugely popular Camp Jeep obstacle course, where show goers could experience indoor off-roading seated alongside professional drivers was a hit. Or, you could choose the equally impressive indoor EV test track, where visitors were encouraged to take test drives in various new offerings. Conventional vehicles were also available for outdoor test drives as well.
The AutoExotica display was suitably impressive, showcasing luxury brands such as Lotus, Cadillac, and Rivian together with a collection of exotic cars hosted by Autostrada Magazine and Barrett-Jackson.
Toronto ultra-luxury dealer Grand Touring Automobiles were also in attendance with a stand which featured cars from Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce.
This is probably where you’re expecting me to choose my favourite vehicle from the show and to tell you why you should instantly rush out and place said vehicle on order. Unfortunately, I can’t do that for two reasons. Number one is, there were so many great looking vehicles to look at that I kept changing my mind. This is why I’m going to let you pick your favourite from the mass of photographs here.
The second reason is, I spied Bigfoot. Yes, BIGFOOT, and as the iconic monster truck turns 50 in 2025, I genuinely grew up gazing with wonder at those amazing creations for pretty much my entire life. So yes, for me, Bigfoot was the star of the show because, as much as I hate to admit it, I’m still just as much a kid as the one who first entered that auto show all those years ago. Only now I’m a slightly taller kid with greying hair and longer trousers.