World of Wheels: dream weekend for car enthusiasts returns to Winnipeg

Winnipeg’s car community came out in full force as World of Wheels made its high-octane return to the RBC Convention Centre this weekend.

World of Wheels was back after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Organizers told CityNews they expected to see the event break records this year.

“Everybody’s been waiting for this show to get back,” said Bob Chubala, the show’s chairman.

Chubala says gatherings of car lovers have deep roots in the province.

“Car clubs formed here in the 1950s here in Manitoba, some of those gentlemen are still here today and it’s just gone from generation to generation,” he said.

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Chubala says it’s important to see families at the event, adding cars resonate personally with many.

“They might have grown up in a ‘68 Camaro as an everyday car with their parents and to come out and see the quality of the restorations here, it brings back a lot of memories,” he said. “A lot of memories – and good memories.”

Chubala says with more than 250 cars and vehicles on display, it’s challenging to put a price on the total value of the room, as some of the vehicles are one of a kind.

Among them were vehicles like Gordon Cooper’s fully restored 1926 Kenworh Truck, one of a handful worldwide in such pristine shape.

“To actually find and own a 1920s, 1930s vintage vehicle – whether it’s truck, motorcycle or whatever – it’s just an interest a passion and kind of fun,” said Cooper, a long-time car enthusiast and rare vehicle owner.

He says as the world shifts to a more green future, the generations to come may not have the opportunity to restore, and more importantly drive, such amazing automobiles.

Gordon Cooper, long-time car enthusiast and rare vehicle owner, at World of Wheels on March 25, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Morgan Modjeski)

Cooper says he’ll pass on the waves of electric vehicles to come.

“I’ll always be a diesel and gas guy,” he said. “This electronic stuff, I’ll let the younger generations enjoy that.

World of Wheels runs all weekend.