Canadian International Autoshow (CIAS)2019

The 2019 Canadian International Autoshow (CIAS) was held at the Metro Convention Centre and had an attendance of 357,745 people. The show is Canada’s largest consumer show and automotive expo. There were over 1000 vehicles to see including 32 new car unveilings from the top automakers. It’s genuinely an auto lovers dream.

1969 AMC Javelin

Devel Sixteen at Canadian International Autoshow 2019

Lego Bugatti at Canadian International Autoshow 2019

McLaren Senna at CIAS

The Autoshow started off with an exceptional event, the launch of the new SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team with Canadian driver Lance Stroll and Mexican driver Sergio Perez.

Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez at Canadian International Autoshow 2019

They unveiled the new pink and blue eye-catching racing car, which was a hit with the attendees. The team is partially owned by Lawrence Stroll (Lance Stroll’s father), a longtime car collector.

Barrett- Jackson, internationally known for producing The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, had an exhibit at the Autoshow. One of the cars included was the legendary 1969 AMC Javelin racecar.

1969 AMC Javelin

Afterwards, we attended the Luxury & Supercar Forum. The forum was hosted by NBC Sports’ Townsend Hall, who introduced three exciting new cars to the marketplace: The Rolls- Royce Cullinan, (first SUV from Rolls-Royce), the McLaren Senna, and the Devel Sixteen (built in Dubai and making its first North American appearance).

Rolls Royce Cullinan

McLaren Senna at CIAS

In attendance were auto designers Alex Innes (Rolls- Royce), Mark Roberts(McLaren) and Majid Al Attar (Devel Motors).

Rolls Royce Cullinan

McLaren Senna at CIAS

Majid Al Attar, Mark Roberts Townsend Hall, Alex Innes

Each of these cars is noteworthy. The Cullinan is a very luxurious all-terrain vehicle, The Senna is the most track-worthy car that McLaren has produced, and the Devel Sixteen has a V16 engine and 5,007 horsepower.

Another new car that had its North American debut was the LEGO Bugatti Chiron, made entirely from LEGO pieces. It was truly amazing.

Lego Bugatti at Canadian International Autoshow 2019

LEGO car at Canadian International Autoshow

LEGO car at Canadian International Autoshow 2019

The Peterson Automotive Museum presented an installation entitled L.A. Car Culture, which showcased customized hot-rods and low-riders that were inspired by the LA Latino vibe. The de Alba family presented their customized vehicles the El Rey, The Legend and El Padrote. Albert de Alba has spent 6 years reconstructing each of these vehicles into a work of art.

Albert de Alba CIAS 2019

Auto Exotica exhibited the legendary 1985 Lola T900 Newman Haas Indy car, which was driven by Mario Andretti. Andretti also made an appearance at the CIAS to announce the creation of the new media category at the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. Also being shown were cars from luxury brands Tesla, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lexus, Rolls- Royce, Karma, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Mercedes.

There was an installation from the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum with historic military vehicles that were used in Canada’s war effort during WWII. These were the M4 Sherman Tank, Universal Carrier, Chevrolet Radio Van, Willys MB Jeep, TAPV, Navistar 7400 Medium Support Vehicle System and Mercedes- Benz Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled G Wagon.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) presented the Canadian Car of the Year trophy to the Kia Stinger, and the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE took home the Canadian Utility of the Year.