World of Wheels: The king of custom car shows

An auto show of spectacular automobiles

Quick notes

-World of Wheels (WOW) is an auto show featuring customized cars, mainly vintage models and antiques

-Automobiles at WOW are spectacular; this is a connoisseur’s auto show

-The auto show is very active, with a showing approximately every two weeks during the winter months. Event listings can be found below

-Awards ranging from $750 to $10,000 are available for eligible entrants at each WOW show location

Billed as ‘America’s Premier Custom Car Show Series’ World of Wheels (WOW) features vintage and antique restorations and customized cars. This isn’t your average auto show with the next year’s projected new cars and concept cars. We are talking top of the line restorations and customizations. Paint so shiny it looks like it might drip. Oh, hello, sweetheart!

The auto show hits up various states and Canadian provinces throughout the winter. The cars are provided by individuals, collectors, and custom shops who sign up. Sponsors are also welcome along with exhibitors who may not have a customization to display but are otherwise in the business. The focus is on older restorations, customizations (a lot of them being on older and vintage cars), and hot rods.

World of Wheels offers a monetary award in each location the show is held. Top awards vary from $1,000-$10,000 depending on the city, and there are smaller monetary awards and sponsor gifts provided depending on the location.

World of Wheels show locations

Shows are held in both the United States and also Canada during the late fall and winter months. Currently, the locations are Boston, Calgary, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, and Winnipeg.

In each city that World of Wheels holds an auto show, there is a specific award and monetary prize associated with it. Because of this, the best of the customizations and vintage models in the surrounding areas, are generally at WOW. This is the cream of the crop of the customizations and vintage models.

The shows are generally held yearly in each of the mentioned cities. World of Wheels seems to be kind of an underground car show not widely promoted outside of the industries involved, so we’ve briefly outlined the cities and their corresponding awards in case you are interested in entering, or attending to see these fabulous automotive wonders.

WOW dates and awards

Boston – March 20-22, 2020 – Pilgrim Award $2,500

Calgary – February 22-23, 2020 – Jim Leslie Memorial Award $2,500

Chicago – March 6-8, 2019 – Legend Cup $10,000, The Select 6 and Chicago’s Top 20

Cincinnati – January 10-12, 2020 – Koi Award $1,000

Dallas – February 14-16, 2020 – Dallas Diamond Award $2,000

Detroit – February 28 – March 1, 2020 – Ridler Award $10,000 and the Great 8

Houston – November 28 – December 1, 2019 – Milwinder Award and Lonestar Cup $1,000

Indianapolis – February 7-9, 2020 – Circle City Award $2,000 and Hoosier Award, $750

Kansas City – February 21-23, 2020 – Rod Tique’s Award $3,000

Omaha – March 13-15, 2020 – Mid America Gold Cup $2,000 and Nebraska’s Finest $1,000

Pittsburgh – January 24-26, 2020 – Steel City Award of Excellence $2,000

Salt Lake City – March 13-15, 2020 – Wasatch Cup $2,000 and Utah’s Top 10

Winnipeg – March 27-29, 2020 – Maple Leaf Cup $1,000 and Manitoba’s Best $1,000

If you’re into old cars, paint so shiny you’re looking for the drips and chrome, World of Wheels is the auto show for you.

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