Do you remember the primary time you became aware of approval-based outdoor automobile shows? I do. For me it was 2011, when Canibeat — yeah, that’s a throwback — revealed the format for the inaugural First Class Fitment.
I actually have to confess, after I first heard they were taking submissions and turning people away, I didn’t prefer it. Automotive shows, especially outdoor ones, were historically for everybody and at all times must be, right? Well… not exactly.
In 2026, I’m self-aware enough to understand my younger self, while well-meaning, was greater than somewhat stubborn.
Or at the very least I used to be flawed and stubborn about that. First Class Fitment probably wasn’t the primary to do the unique-venue, invite-only format, but at the peak of the “blog era” they were a part of the upper echelon of events that really felt curated.
The logistics of their airport venue were probably a giant reason for limiting participants, but Canibeat’s creator Christian’s vision for what the event might be shouldn’t be discounted.
Long before the term clout-chasing was even coined and takeovers were ruining the automobile community’s status, Christian knew the style of event he desired to hold. As someone who created their very own space to align with my very own vision, it’s a bit weird I used to be initially so against the concept.
Today I’ve realized that events like First Class Fitment walked so later events like Vaulture’s Sunday Classic could run.
Vaulture has been holding its events since 2024. Trying to somewhat fill the void left by Engineered Automotive’s Cars and Coffee — while still being wholly unique — they picked an especially photogenic rooftop in Yorkville — the sort of spot that makes each videographers and photographers nod in approval.
Since the rooftop can only hold so many cars in an aesthetically pleasing manner, registration and approval are required. Nevertheless — and that is rare for shows like this — entry is free.
For those who get accepted, you possibly can park on the roof. If not, no big deal — you possibly can park on the lower level of the parking structure or, if you happen to’re fortunate enough, on the road.
To be completely honest, each vantage points offer some surprisingly cool perspectives. Full credit to the Vaulture team for securing a venue that works this well.
And on a private note, I actually have to shout out my long-time friend Chris Johnston for convincing me to throw my truck into the combination and apply for the event.
Chris’ beautifully restrained Lincoln Town Automotive fit right in with the eclectic mix curated for that specific Sunday. To maintain things fresh, the organizers generally avoid approving the identical cars back-to-back, which makes every month feel distinct.
The vibe was spot on from the moment we rolled in, and I’ll absolutely be making a degree to return at the very least once next season.
The meet wraps at noon, which leaves the remaining of the day wide open. And with such a broad range of genres represented, it’s hard not to search out something that resonates.
Perhaps most significantly, the conversations with everyone in attendance were as rewarding because the cars themselves. I’m older now, and being at an event where I can really connect with people matters greater than ever.
The owner of this Bug and I had a extremely great conversation about knowing when to attract the road between patina and resto mod cleanliness.
He’s done an admirable job buffing out the vintage teal paint while adding and refining the cream accents.
I also had the prospect to take heed to the owner of this Porsche discuss how much of an absolute pressure the automobile is to drive, even within the tight streets of Toronto — where, to some Yorkville residents, it may be just somewhat too loud and a tad bit smelly.
The Yorkville locals who wander as much as the parking structure and take a gander are rewarded with a free show and welcoming vendors.
I used to be only in a position to make this single event in 2025, and I would only make one other one in 2026, but it surely’s nice to know an event like that is prospering in Toronto.
Events like Vaulture’s Sunday Classic prove that automobile culture in Toronto is alive, thriving, and filled with stories value telling. Being a part of it, even for only a Sunday, jogged my memory why I began Stance Is The whole lot — to share as many events like this that I can and document a scene that continues to encourage me.
Here’s to many more Sundays like this.
This Article First Appeared At www.stanceiseverything.com
