The 2026 Motorama Custom Car and Motorsport Expo took place March 12–14 at Toronto’s International Center in Ontario, Canada. Quickly becoming one of the year’s most eagerly awaited automotive showcases, the event attracted car aficionados, industry experts, and collectors from across North America. A standout feature was the prominent display of Mopar models, whose rich heritage, high-performance engineering, and unmistakable styling continued to capture the spotlight.
Despite enduring one of the harshest winters in recent memory, and with another snowstorm striking on Friday, the event pressed on. By Saturday, the weather had improved, and the attendance soared, and the exhibition halls quickly filled with eager spectators, undeterred by the weather and energized by the spectacle. Once again, Mopar Connection Magazine was on-site to provide comprehensive coverage of the event, showcasing the standout Mopar vehicles and capturing the essence of Motorama 2026 for enthusiasts unable to attend.
The first car we encountered was a striking 1969 Dodge Charger R/T called “Viiola,” expertly crafted by Jagraj Grewal from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This vehicle earned second place in the Street Machine Touring Semi Custom class. Its Lamborghini Viola Parsifae Pearl paint, a three-stage finish from Axalta, sparkled brilliantly under the lights. The Charger featured an understated ghost R/T stripe, seamlessly integrated bumpers, a hood cutout for the blower, custom sequential taillights, LED headlights with electric doors, and “Viiola” branding, creating a sleek yet bold look.
The “Viiola” boasts an impressive powertrain: a 510 cubic inch stroker big block engine paired with an 871 TBS EFI blower for both superior performance and striking looks. Enhanced by Trick Flow cylinder heads, LS coil conversion, and fully upgraded internals, this setup is built to handle the engine’s considerable power. In the rear, a narrowed 8.75-inch assembly houses a 3.55 TrueTrac differential, ensuring dependable and controlled traction for the high horsepower.
The exhaust system of “Viiola” has been engineered to match the impressive performance of its engine. This configuration includes Doug’s long-tube headers integrated into a 3-inch exhaust system, which concludes with Widowmaker Venom 570 mufflers. As a result, the Charger produces a powerful sound that aligns with its high-performance characteristics.
The “Viiola” Charger features a full QA1 suspension for precise handling and a 4–6-inch drop for a bold look. A frame-stiffening kit was added to manage its horsepower, and mini-tubbed rear wheel wells accommodate larger tires, combining strength with style.
“Viiola” uses a Wilwood braking system with an electronic brake booster for responsive control. The Charger features custom TIS three-piece wheels—20×9 inches in front, 22×14 inches in back—fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires (245/30R20 front, 355/25R22 rear), giving it a striking stance and matching its performance.
Inside, “Viiola” features a custom leather and Alcantara interior with purple stitching, matching seatbelts, and an Alcantara headliner. Highlights include custom door panels, power windows, a custom center console, and a trunk display. The cockpit is equipped with a Holley digital dash, a Stinger Horizon 10-inch display, ambient lighting, and a JL audio system featuring two subwoofers, three amplifiers, 6.5-inch components, and two 6×9 speakers—all powered by dual XS Power batteries.
Also in Hall 1, Chris Hayes’ 1941 Willys coupe—winner of the Full Custom Rod/Coupe “1935 to 1948” category that commanded attention as a true muscle machine even if it is not a full-fledged Mopar. It’s powered by a 1957 Hemi 392 engine bored .030 over, equipped with JE blower pistons, forged H-beam rods running at an 8.1:1 compression ratio, and an 8-71 billet blower set 10% underdriven. The car also features twin Blower 750 CFM carburetors, a billet distributor, and a 6AL ignition system to fuel its impressive performance.
Chris Hayes’ 1941 Willys coupe blends power and polish: Wilwood disc brakes, Hooker headers with a custom exhaust, and a supercharged Hemi cooled by a Be Cool radiator, twin fans, and Evans waterless coolant.
The Hemi engine uses a Turbo 400 transmission with a JW Ultra Bell adaptor for Chevy-pattern bellhousing compatibility. A 10-inch Coan converter (2,600 rpm stall) supports quick launches with good drivability. Though it’s a three-speed automatic, manual shifting is needed, emphasizing the Willys’ performance-driven nature.
The Willys uses a Detroit Locker rear end with 3.55 gears and Moser 31-spline axles for solid traction. Its custom tube-and-box frame manages the Hemi’s torque, while 15-inch fronts and 31×16×15 Hoosiers on American Racing wheels give it a drag strip-ready stance.
The Willys’ body incorporates Mercedes headlights, a custom stainless steel grille, hand-built taillights, and is finished in the House of Kolor Black Cherry Metallic with tricolor flames. The interior includes a custom dash, console, door sills, Flaming River tilt column wheel, Autometer gauges, and a six-way Italian leather power seat, combining performance with luxury.
The next car showcased in the main hall was a 1968 Dodge Charger dubbed “Rebel Ghost.” Owned by Richard Girard of Ancaster, Ontario, this striking build packs a Hellcat crate engine pushing 1,000 horsepower, paired with a Tremec 6-speed transmission for raw, modern muscle. The Charger earned Dave Kindig’s Celebrity Pick and captured runner-up honors for its debut showing, along with Best Hagerty Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler and Best Interior awards.
This Charger is finished in jet black Glasurit Paint Line 90 and showcases a custom shaker hood, mini-tubbed body, and recessed bumpers that give it a bold appearance. It has a Fast Track chassis with an upgraded independent rear end. Richard has a 3-inch exhaust that combines traditional muscle car elements with contemporary engineering.
The interior features a Holley EFI Digital Pro Dash, custom carbon fiber front and rear seats, and bespoke door panels with carbon inlays. Surfaces are wrapped in a refined blend of black Nappa or a crisp, modern finish. The result is a cockpit that’s sleek, functional, and unmistakably high-performance.
Custom three-piece Avant Garde wheels wrapped in Michelin performance tires complete the stance—245/35ZR20 up front and 355/25ZR21 at the rear—delivering a bold, balanced look with serious grip to match the Charger’s power.
Towering above the crowd stood Keith Noble’s 2022 Ram pickup, runner-up in the Full Custom 4WD Pickup class. This regular cab short box truck, lifted and riding on mag wheels, gleamed in bright white, turning heads with its bold, high-stance presence.
Pat and Kathy Ransom of Wahnapitae, Ontario, made a memorable Motorama debut with their 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, finished in the eye-catching FM3 Moulin Rouge hue and accented by a white vinyl roof and matching interior. This striking combination makes their car one of one and just one of 44 FM3 hardtops ever built. Beneath the vivid paint, the Road Runner packs a 383 cubic inch V8 mated to a TorqueFlite automatic transmission, blending factory muscle with rare-color elegance—a true standout among Mopars.
Sergio Sousa was honored at the 2026 Best of Spring Fever awards for his 2002 PT Cruiser, which received accolades for both best domestic and internal combustion engine categories. The customized PT Cruiser showcases intricate engraving within the engine compartment and interior, as well as features such as a roll cage, ghost flames, and Lambo-style front doors.
One of the most notable vehicles presented was Shelton D’Santos’ 2017 Dodge Challenger Hellcat, which was awarded the Most Outstanding Dodge in the Spring Fever category. The vehicle featured a distinctive wrap depicting a graveyard scene with horror film characters, attracting considerable attention from attendees. With a lowered stance and custom lighting that accentuated its unique appearance, the Hellcat drew significant crowds throughout the event and was widely recognized as a memorable highlight of Motorama.
Warren Diaz made his debut in the Motorsport section, showcasing his 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A finished in striking Green Go paint. Outfitted with a ProCharger kit and numerous performance enhancements, this Challenger packs serious power for the drag strip, blending contemporary engineering with iconic muscle car flair. His impressive first appearance drew considerable attention from the crowd.
Dan Vincent’s 1978 Plymouth Arrow Pro Stock, affectionately known as “Billy the Kid,” serves as a moving homage to NHRA drag racing’s golden age. Built originally for Bill Stepp, the car features a 498 cubic inch Keith Black Pro Stock Hemi engine, a Chris Alston chromoly tube chassis, and an eye-catching custom paint job. Certified by NHRA and equipped with a full-race Pro Stock Hemi setup, it was saved from being dismantled and now represents a significant chapter in the history of the sport.
Some readers may be unfamiliar with the appearance and specifications of a Canadian NASCAR Series stock car. These vehicles utilize Dodge Challenger bodies and are powered by carbureted engines generating approximately 550 horsepower. Constructed with fiberglass bodies weighing around 3,050 pounds, they can reach top speeds near 160 mph. This design is well-suited to the series’ combination of road courses and short oval tracks, facilitating close and competitive racing.
This year, Motorama featured a distinguished celebrity lineup. Mike Hall, known for Rust Valley Restorers and the Rust Bros television series, traveled from British Columbia to Toronto in his 1970 Chevelle convertible, overcoming challenging weather conditions on route. Dave Kindig, the innovator behind Bitchin’ Rides, also returned to Motorama, dedicating time to autograph sessions and engaging with automotive enthusiasts through questions and answers. Kindig provided updates on his ongoing project—a 1969 Dodge Super Bee, named “Killer Bee,” equipped with a Hellcrate motor, and poised to become another exceptional build.
Should you have the opportunity, consider attending next year’s Motorama. The event is expected to showcase exceptional custom builds, dynamic motorsport activities, and memorable automotive experiences.
