Do you remember the first time you became aware of approval-based outdoor car 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 have to admit, when I first heard they were taking submissions and turning people away, I didn’t like it. Car shows, especially outdoor ones, were historically for everyone and always should be, right? Well… not exactly.
In 2026, I’m self-aware enough to realize my younger self, while well-meaning, was more than a little stubborn.
Or at least I was wrong and stubborn about that. First Class Fitment probably wasn’t the first to do the unique-venue, invite-only format, but at the height of the “blog era” they were part of the upper echelon of events that actually felt curated.
The logistics of their airport venue were probably a big reason for limiting participants, but Canibeat’s creator Christian’s vision for what the event could be shouldn’t be discounted.
Long before the term clout-chasing was even coined and takeovers were ruining the car community’s reputation, Christian knew the type of event he wanted to hold. As someone who created their own space to align with my own vision, it’s a bit weird I was initially so against the idea.
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. Looking to somewhat fill the void left by Engineered Automotive’s Cars and Coffee — while still being wholly unique — they picked an extremely photogenic rooftop in Yorkville — the kind of spot that makes both videographers and photographers nod in approval.
Because the rooftop can only hold so many cars in an aesthetically pleasing manner, registration and approval are required. However — and this is rare for shows like this — entry is free.
If you get accepted, you can park on the roof. If not, no big deal — you can park on the lower level of the parking structure or, if you’re fortunate enough, on the street.
To be completely honest, both vantage points offer some surprisingly cool perspectives. Full credit to the Vaulture team for securing a venue that works this well.
And on a personal note, I have to shout out my long-time friend Chris Johnston for convincing me to throw my truck into the mix and apply for the event.
Chris’ beautifully restrained Lincoln Town Car fit right in with the eclectic mix curated for that particular Sunday. To keep things fresh, the organizers generally avoid approving the same cars back-to-back, which makes each month feel distinct.
The vibe was spot on from the moment we rolled in, and I’ll absolutely be making a point to return at least once next season.
The meet wraps at noon, which leaves the rest of the day wide open. And with such a broad range of genres represented, it’s hard not to find something that resonates.
Perhaps most importantly, the conversations with everyone in attendance were as rewarding as the cars themselves. I’m older now, and being at an event where I can really connect with people matters more than ever.
The owner of this Bug and I had a really great conversation about knowing when to draw the line 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 chance to listen to the owner of this Porsche talk about how much of an absolute pressure the car is to drive, even in the tight streets of Toronto — where, to some Yorkville residents, it might be just a little too loud and a tad bit smelly.
The Yorkville locals who wander up to the parking structure and take a gander are rewarded with a free show and welcoming vendors.
I was only able to make this single event in 2025, and I might only make another one in 2026, but it’s nice to know an event like this is prospering in Toronto.
Events like Vaulture’s Sunday Classic prove that car culture in Toronto is alive, thriving, and full of stories worth telling. Being part of it, even for just a Sunday, reminded me why I started Stance Is Everything — to share as many events like this that I can and document a scene that continues to inspire me.
Here’s to many more Sundays like this.
