On August 16th and 17th, the town of New Hamburg, Ontario, roared to life with the thunderous sound of Mopar engines as fans from across Canada and the U.S. converged at the New Hamburg Showgrounds. With clear skies and sweltering summer heat, the weekend offered perfect weather for a packed event. Now in its 44th year, Moparfest remains Canada’s premier Mopar gathering since 1979, attracting thousands of attendees who come together to honor the heritage, horsepower, and camaraderie that make the Mopar community so unique.
Originally launched by the Old Chrysler Corporation Auto Club with just around 34 cars, this show has expanded significantly and now features approximately 1,500 to 1,600 vehicles each year. It takes place in New Hamburg, Ontario, situated in Southern Ontario, which is 171 miles from Detroit, Michigan, and 116 miles from Buffalo, New York. Over the course of the two-day event, it attracted around 20,000 spectators.
The diversity of the vehicles on display truly enhances the experience for attendees, making it a celebration of automotive Mopar history and culture. From the classic elegance of 1930s cars to the latest innovations from Mopar, each vehicle tells a story and appeals to different generations of car enthusiasts. The inclusion of trucks, Jeeps, hot rods, and both stock and modified cars ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you are a fan of vintage designs or modern performance.
The grandstand, with its commanding view over the sprawling 21 acres of show field, enhances the event’s allure as sunlight glistens on the polished surfaces of the cars, producing a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors that enlivens the atmosphere. This occasion transcends a mere exhibition of vehicles; it serves as a vibrant community gathering, where enthusiasts unite to celebrate their shared passion for automotive craftsmanship and explore the latest innovations in design and technology shaping the industry’s future.
During my visit on Friday, I had the opportunity to photograph several remarkable vehicles that are set to take center stage in the arena. Included was Jim Mizener’s eye-catching 1964 Plymouth Fury, which previously made a splash at Toronto’s Motorama show. This vehicle returned home with the Gary Hoffman award for best restoration.
In addition, I photographed Stephen Bleizeffer’s iconic 1970 Challenger T/A, alongside Doug Durnin’s early production run of the legendary 1970 AAR ‘Cuda. Each of these automobiles boasts a rich history and distinctive features that will surely captivate readers in the upcoming articles.
One of the notable vehicles featured at the event was the unique Plodge, referred to as the “Psyco Bird.” This model represents an innovative combination of Superbird and Super Bee design elements, and was presented by David and Shannon Peppard. The car received the Gary Hoffman award for best custom car.
Adding to the spectacle was a rare Hemi Superbird owned by Bob Jennings from Jeffersonville, Indiana, dressed in a psychedelic paint scheme and steeped in history, having roared down the drag strip in 1974 with this paint scheme and remaining untouched ever since.
Another crowd favorite was Bill Armstrong’s 1947 Dodge ½-ton pickup, a Canopy Express model with a story as rich as its restoration. Originally serving on an Oregon orchard, the truck later found purpose at a hunting lodge before Bill took ownership and brought it back to life with meticulous care, transforming it into the showpiece admired today.
One of the most intriguing and rarely seen highlights was a concept car developed by Magna International, based on the Dodge Magnum R/T. This innovative vehicle, known as the Torrero G2 “Badlander,” was designed to transform seamlessly between a coupe, pickup, and a fifth-wheel trailer—complete with a matching tow-behind unit. The design was the brainchild of Chuck Pelly and Jeff Teague, son of legendary AMC designer Dick Teague.
Displayed alongside the car were a series of captivating visuals, including original design sketches and build photographs, featuring both Chuck and Jeff during the development process. After its debut, the Torrero G2 made its way to Chrysler headquarters and was later stored in Aurora, Ontario, where it remains a fascinating piece of automotive innovation.
Mopar car clubs showcased their vibrant presence once again, highlighting a diverse array of classic and modern Mopar vehicles from club members. This enthusiastic participation underscores a robust interest still in the hobby, indicating that it will continue to draw and unite enthusiasts from various generations who share a passion for the brand.
Notable attendees included Mopar aficionados journeying from as far away as Connecticut, U.S., alongside one dedicated participant who made a remarkable 2,055-mile trek from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The event serves as a welcoming hub for members of the Mopar community, celebrating their shared love for these iconic vehicles no matter where they hail from.
The Deboss Garage Crew and “Filthy Rich” were on hand with some of their favorite Mopar creations, such as the diesel-electric hybrid Ram pickup, the Fargo L600 flatbed, and the Hemi K-Car station wagon. They have their own YouTube channel and were on hand to sign autographs and sell merchandise.
Again, the Saturday draw for $5,000 Mopar dollars was back for those that preregistered that they could use at any Stellantis dealer. For those that pre-registered their vehicle, they would be able to win a $10,000 cash grand prize for their 2000 or older vehicle. Individuals who received winnings chose not to inform their spouses in order to allocate more funds toward their cars.
The engine blow competition proved to be a crowd favorite on both days, drawing plenty of spectators eager to witness mechanical mayhem. The 1997 Volvo gave up the ghost in just 19.6 seconds, while the Nissan Sentra held out for 43.7 seconds before its engine dramatically emptied itself onto the pavement.
The showgrounds were alive with energy as 180 vendors offered a wide array of goods, from essential car parts and detailing supplies to Mopar-branded gear that had fans scooping up swag by the armful. It was great to see owners finding parts to restore or just keeping their vehicles on the road. Collectibles were everywhere, with diecast models, vintage signs, and quirky trinkets drawing plenty of attention. As for the official event shirts? They sold like wildfire, vanishing from tables almost as quickly as they were stocked.
Moparfest truly embraced its family-friendly spirit, offering plenty of excitement for the younger crowd. Kids revved up the fun with Power Wheels drag racing, while the ever-popular bike draws kept the anticipation high. One of the most heartwarming moments was seeing the young ones take the stage, proudly helping pick tickets for various prize draws, adding a personal touch that made the experience unforgettable for families.
From traditional carnival snacks to sophisticated street foods, the exhibition grounds’ extensive array of food trucks filled appetites and catered to all palates. For those who were not as interested in horsepower, the event included more than 30 flea market sellers who displayed a wide range of treasures for the garage, home, and even trendy finds. There were plenty of ways to indulge, whether you came for the cars or the memorabilia.
Organizer, Michelle Schertzer and the Moparfest team are already gearing up for next year’s event, keeping the momentum rolling. If you’re thinking of joining the fun, mark your calendar; the show always lands on the third weekend of August. It’s a tradition that keeps the Mopar spirit alive and roaring, year after year.
