Trying Again: Vaulture’s Sunday Basic

Do you keep in mind the primary time you grew to become conscious of approval-based out of doors automotive exhibits? I do. For me it was 2011, when Canibeat — yeah, that’s a throwback — revealed the format for the inaugural First Class Fitment.

I’ve to confess, once I first heard they had been taking submissions and turning folks away, I didn’t prefer it. Automotive exhibits, particularly out of doors ones, had been traditionally for everybody and at all times needs to be, proper? Nicely… not precisely.

In 2026, I’m self-aware sufficient to understand my youthful self, whereas well-meaning, was greater than slightly cussed.

Or a minimum of I used to be fallacious and cussed about that. First Class Fitment in all probability wasn’t the primary to do the unique-venue, invite-only format, however on the peak of the “weblog period” they had been a part of the higher echelon of occasions that really felt curated.

The logistics of their airport venue had been in all probability a giant purpose for limiting members, however Canibeat’s creator Christian’s imaginative and prescient for what the occasion might be shouldn’t be discounted.

Lengthy earlier than the time period clout-chasing was even coined and takeovers had been ruining the automotive group’s fame, Christian knew the kind of occasion he needed to carry. As somebody who created their very own area to align with my very own imaginative and prescient, it’s a bit bizarre I used to be initially so in opposition to the concept.

As we speak I’ve realized that occasions like First Class Fitment walked so later occasions like Vaulture’s Sunday Basic might run.

Vaulture has been holding its occasions since 2024. Seeking to considerably fill the void left by Engineered Automotive’s Vehicles and Espresso — whereas nonetheless being wholly distinctive — they picked a particularly photogenic rooftop in Yorkville — the type of spot that makes each videographers and photographers nod in approval.

As a result of the rooftop can solely maintain so many automobiles in an aesthetically pleasing method, registration and approval are required. Nevertheless — and that is uncommon for exhibits like this — entry is free.

Should you get accepted, you possibly can park on the roof. If not, no large deal — you possibly can park on the decrease stage of the parking construction or, for those who’re lucky sufficient, on the road.

To be utterly sincere, each vantage factors supply some surprisingly cool views. Full credit score to the Vaulture group for securing a venue that works this properly.

And on a private observe, I’ve to shout out my long-time good friend Chris Johnston for convincing me to throw my truck into the combo and apply for the occasion.

Chris’ fantastically restrained Lincoln City Automotive match proper in with the eclectic combine curated for that exact Sunday. To maintain issues recent, the organizers typically keep away from approving the identical automobiles back-to-back, which makes every month really feel distinct.

The vibe was spot on from the second we rolled in, and I’ll completely be making a degree to return a minimum of as soon as subsequent season.

The meet wraps at midday, which leaves the remainder of the day vast open. And with such a broad vary of genres represented, it’s onerous to not discover one thing that resonates.

Maybe most significantly, the conversations with everybody in attendance had been as rewarding because the automobiles themselves. I’m older now, and being at an occasion the place I can actually join with folks issues greater than ever.

The proprietor of this Bug and I had a very nice dialog about understanding when to attract the road between patina and resto mod cleanliness.

He’s accomplished an admirable job buffing out the classic teal paint whereas including and refining the cream accents.

I additionally had the prospect to take heed to the proprietor of this Porsche discuss how a lot of an absolute strain the automotive is to drive, even within the tight streets of Toronto — the place, to some Yorkville residents, it could be just a bit too loud and a tad bit smelly.

The Yorkville locals who wander as much as the parking construction and take a gander are rewarded with a free present and welcoming distributors.

I used to be solely capable of make this single occasion in 2025, and I would solely make one other one in 2026, nevertheless it’s good to know an occasion like that is prospering in Toronto.

Occasions like Vaulture’s Sunday Basic show that automotive tradition in Toronto is alive, thriving, and stuffed with tales value telling. Being a part of it, even for only a Sunday, jogged my memory why I began Stance Is All the things — to share as many occasions like this that I can and doc a scene that continues to encourage me.

Right here’s to many extra Sundays like this.