FIRST LAYOUT

FIRST GEN

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he iconic firstgeneration Pontiac Firebird, as showcased in this striking image, epitomizes American muscle and style from the late 1960s.

Launched in February 1967, just a few months after its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro, the Firebird quickly carved out its own distinct identity. This particular shot, highlighting the front quarter panel and the "PONTIAC FIREBIRD FIRST GEN" lettering, perfectly captures the car's aggressive yet refined aesthetic.With its distinctive "coke bottle" styling, split grille, and GTO-inspired

rear bumper, the Firebird was more than just a rebadged Camaro. Pontiac offered a wide array of engine choices, from the economical OHC six-cylinder to various potent V8s, including the 400 cubic inch Ram Air. This versatility allowed buyers to tailor their Firebird for cruising or outright performance. The car in the image, with its gleaming red paint and classic lines, evokes a sense of nostalgia for an era when automotive design was bold and expressive. The first-gen Firebird remains a beloved classic, cherished for its performance, style, and undeniable presence on the road.

VANCOUVER I n t e r n a t i o n a l

ark your calendars for the inaugural Vancouver International Airbrush Day, a dazzling spectacle where automotive art takes center stage!

Inspired by the incredible fiery design seen on this highperformance vehicle, this imaginary event will transform the heart of Vancouver into an open-air gallery of custom car artistry. Imagine the vibrant streets buzzing with the hum of air compressors and the meticulous strokes of master artists, all vying for the coveted "Golden Nozzle" award.

Entrants from across the globe will descend upon the city, each bringing their unique vision to life on the metallic canvases of luxury sedans, classic muscle cars, and sleek sports models.

The competition will feature several categories, including "Hyper-Realistic," "Fantasy & Sci-Fi," and "Abstract Expressions," ensuring a diverse display of talent.

Spectators will have the unique opportunity to witness the creative process firsthand, as artists intricately layer colors

and textures, turning ordinary vehicles into breathtaking mobile masterpieces. Live demonstrations, workshops, and a "People's Choice" award will add to the excitement, making Vancouver International Airbrush Day a must-attend event for car enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone who appreciates the fusion of imagination and craftsmanship.

This gathering will celebrate the intricate skill and vibrant culture of airbrush artistry, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on four wheels.

THE POWER TO DELIVER PARTS FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS

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PERFORMANCE UNLIMITED

HARDCORE RETRO THE BEST OF THE 8th RETRO EXPO IN EDMONTON 2021

The devil is in the details This was not the usual Show and Shine

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he annual "Chrome & Canvas" show in Red Deer, Alberta, wasn't your typical gathering of polished steel and roaring engines. While gleaming paint jobs and meticulously restored classics were certainly present, what set this event apart was its focus on automotive artistry.

This year, the theme was "Narratives in Nuance," encouraging owners to not only display their vehicles but to tell the unique stories behind them.

owner's cross-country adventures. Another, a sleek, custom-built roadster, was accompanied by a meticulously crafted scrapbook detailing every step of its threeyear build, from initial sketch to final coat of paint. Even the judges weren't looking for mere perfection; they sought the passion, the ingenuity, and the soul poured into each machine. "Chrome & Canvas" was less a competition and more a living gallery, celebrating the deep connection between

One striking exhibit featured a vintage

car and creator. It was a refreshing

Ford pickup, not flawlessly restored, but

departure from the usual, leaving attendees

adorned with a vibrant mural depicting

inspired by the boundless creativity within

the Alberta landscape, a testament to the

the automotive world.

‘I can’t seem to figure out if it is unique in a good way or not” Robert Murray-Kadejo Ink

“The concept is number one, and then the composition” Max Starkman from Fairfield Studio

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Custom m Bikes

in a very

unexpected ways

This is what Custom Bikes can do Chrome & Cra : A Custom Bike WorkshopCustomizing a motorcycle is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life, a form of self-expression on two wheels. At Chrome & Cra , we understand that every rider has a unique vision, and we're here to bring that vision to life. Our business, while new, is built on a founda on of passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality. We don't just build bikes; we

Our workshop is a sanctuary for motorcycle enthusiasts.

cra moving works of art that reflect the spirit of their owners.Our workshop is a sanctuary for motorcycle enthusiasts. Whether you ride a classic cruiser, a sleek sport bike, or a rugged

off-road machine, we have the skills and exper se to transform your ride into something truly special. We specialize in a wide range of custom services, from subtle cosme c tweaks to full-scale, ground-up rebuilds. This includes handpainted graphics and custom airbrushing that capture your personality, intricate metal fabrica on and welding to create one-of-a-kind parts, and performance upgrades that give your bike the power and handling to match its new look.What sets Chrome & Cra apart is our dedica on to unexpected crea vity.

We believe the best custom bikes are born from a blend of tradi on and innova on. We love working with our clients to explore new ideas, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and incorpora ng elements you won't find anywhere else. We'll work with you every step of the way, from the ini al design consulta on to the final test ride, ensuring your new bike is exactly what you envisioned—and so much more.

Our goal is to not just meet your expecta ons, but to exceed them, delivering a finished product that you'll be proud to ride for years to

come.vegetables, and herbs. We also have beau ful hanging baskets, planters and more. rofessionals will be happy to assist you with all of your gardening

Getting my designs out!

Aka Prime concerns:

Jeff Sharpe insigths

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he Art of Airbrush: Jeff Sharpe's Automo ve CanvasJeff Sharpe isn't just an ar st; he's a visionary who transforms vehicles into rolling masterpieces. With a steady hand and an airbrush as his tool, Sharpe has become a leading force in the world of custom automo ve art.

For over two decades, he has been perfec ng his cra , turning ordinary cars, motorcycles, and even helmets into unique, one-ofa-kind canvases that command a en on.Sharpe's work goes beyond a simple paint job. Each design tells a story, whether it’s a fantas cal creature crawling across a car door or a me culously detailed portrait on a motorcycle fairing. His designs range from fiery dragons to haun ngly realis c portraits of rock legends, showcasing a versa lity that allows him to bring any client's vision to life. The process is

painstaking, requiring immense pa ence and an eye for detail, but the results speak for themselves—hyper-realis c textures, vibrant colors, and dynamic composi ons that seem to leap off the metal.What sets Sharpe apart is his dedica on to his cra and his ability to push the boundaries of airbrush art. He constantly experiments with new techniques and materials, ensuring his work remains fresh and innova ve. His ar stry has earned him a loyal following and a reputa on as one of the best in the business. Jeff Sharpe proves that the road can be a gallery, and every drive can be a journey through a custom work of art.

focused the older I got and about 9 years ago I picked up my first airbush and have not put it down since

Leaving crumbs for new artist...hope fully

WHAT IS A CLASSIC CAR? WHAT MAKES A CAR our favourite classic?

WE ASK A GROUP OF EXPERTS AND THEIR ANSWERS CAN NOT BE MORE DIFFERENT Of course there is an exact definition about when to consider or when a Classic Car, consider my Capital letters, will become a classic.

Yes but that it is all technically stuff, what I am trying to find out here is from the heart, when this or other car will become or call a classic, or

why that old car that I admire so much isnt consider a classic, meaning a true classic? How does it works?

Yes there is an exact date/year when your car will become a classic, here is the part when the heart and feelings intervene in this article and we talk ab

SPA PERFORMANCE TUNING

YOUR PHOTOS

Lastly, we can’t forget the custom motorcycle. While not a car, it shares the same spirit of individuality and craftsmanship. Its And then we have that magnificent pink convertible. It's the epitome of 1950s excess and style! Those sweeping tail fins, dripping in chrome, are instantly recognizable as a hallmark of a late '50s Cadillac, likely a 1959 model. The fins were a direct nod to the jet-age,

HERE ARE A FEW

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symbolizing America's technological prowess and optimistic future. The ...and we got this beauty too! dramatic design, combined with that vibrant pink hue, made these cars not just a mode of transport but a genuine statement

ENDURANCE

FOR SENDING

his is an absolutely stunning submission—thank you to the fan who sent these in!

They perfectly capture the evolution of American automotive design from the post-war era to the flamboyant space-age of the 1950s.

Let's start with those beautiful blackand-white shots. The dark sedan in the center is a fantastic example of a late 1940s or early 1950s American car, with its rounded, pontoon-style fenders and prominent, toothy grille.

This was a pivotal time in car design, where manufacturers were moving away from the more angular pre-war styles and introducing sleeker, more aerodynamic lines that would come to define the next decade. The use of chrome as a decorative accent was becoming increasingly important, giving these models a sophisticated and flashy presence.

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THANK YOU ALL

F LAT

Your favourite Classic Car...