Red Bull Tour Stops At Vancouver’s Ultimate Auto Extravaganza

by Keith Morgan on Thursday, August 14th, 2014

“Inside is a party room with coolers and video screens, which doubles as a green room when the world famous beverage company puts it into action at a concert or festival…”

Some of Western Canada’s unique never before seen cars, collectively worth millions, will be on display at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver’s Ultimate Car Show.

But it’s my bet that an ‘old’ bus may will capture the attention of many attending the free auto extravaganza, set to get underway in the outdoor parking lot at 2080 United Blvd, Coquitlam, this Saturday, at 1 p.m. (August 16, 2014).

The Red Bull tour bus, built by Abbotsford’s 360 Fabrication, will take its place among more than 350 uniquely designed exotic, muscle and collector cars at this inaugural event, staged by the Casino in partnership with 360.

The bus, which doubles as an outdoor stage, was actually built from three buses – the front metre and a half was a 1960 transit bus, whereas the remaining 12 metres is a 1974 Silver Eagle built on a 2012 freightliner frame.

Inside is a party room with coolers and video screens, which doubles as a green room when the world famous beverage company puts it into action at a concert or festival. It is also a fully functional transformer with 120,000-watt sound system and 80,000-watt generator.

Keeping it company will be some impressive automobiles, including a 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish, one of only two in Canada; a 1965 Malibu SS, appraised at over $500,000; and a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro appraised at more than $700,000.

The 2015 McLaren 650S is one of the most highly anticipated vehicles to come into the market and one will be featured at the event. Car and Driver magazine dubbed it as McLaren’s bid to compete with Ferrari. It has a twin-turbocharged and intercooler DOHC 32-valve V-8, 641-hp, engine.

You don’t need to own a super car to take part in the show. Those interested in displaying their specialty vehicle should arrive at the venue at 11a.m. with $20 in hand for registration.  The proceeds will go to SHARE Family and Community Services, the signature charitable partner of Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. The judging panel will award prizes in eight categories including a $2,000 ‘winner take all’ prize for the Best in Show.

If you are on Vancouver Island this weekend, there is another great auto show worth visiting. The 2014 Vancouver Island Motor Gathering will take place on Sunday at the Viscount Aero Centre, at 9800 McDonald Park Road, in Sidney. It’s an annual event presented by the German Auto Import Network (GAIN), with proceeds going to the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation.

Hundreds of spectacular cars, motorcycles and even some airplanes are expected. Rare examples of the Porsche 904, 2006 Ford GT, and a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster will be among many classics. Be sure also to check out the Aston Martin DB5, Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 348i and Pininfarina-styled 308 GTB.

The Gathering (www.motorgathering.com) runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and admission is by a suggested minimum donation of $2 per person.

Contact: keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca