We took so many pics at AutoFest that I think we’ll post them by make. It only seems fitting that we should start with some of The General’s own. Fortunately there was tons of quality local iron to offset the missing Camaro. That said, it seemed like every Chevelle in Southern Ontario was there. I never really liked the car and it still doesn’t turn my crank, so you won’t find many pics of them but don’t worry, there’s lots more mullety goodness after the break!

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Every year, on the second last week in August, GM Canada plays host to AutoFest. Being one of Ontario’s largest outdoor car shows, we thought there might be a pretty good chance to see the new Camaro. Of course, the car was in Oshawa this week for the announcement that the car will be built here so we pretty much expected it would be there. It only makes sense, especially considering the number of times the car has been pictured rolling in to local cruise nights across the States.

The Camaro pulled a no show. Maybe they were afraid to bring it out on an overcast day in case it gets wet. Call this one a missed opportunity.

Mother nature threatened rain all day and that may have accounted for the fairly sparse crowd, but the parking lots were filled with all sorts of cars. Mostly American stuff, with lots of rods and more Chevelles than you ever need to see. Overall, the quality of the cars on display was quite high, with the odd competition show car here and there for good measure. There were Rat Rods, Dune Buggies, olde cars and new. Even a giant old 4×4 that was close to monster truck size.

Tomorrow, I’ll get around to posting some of the 181 pics I took today.

Spend a few days away from The Garage and the local news goes wild with automotive stuff. First, some kid crashes into BMW Canada’s lobby and then GM awards production of the new Camaro to the number 2 plant in Oshawa, just 10 minutes from The Garage.

For many years, this plant has had the highest quality ratings of any plant on GM’s roster. Not only a source of local pride, this history of quality surely influenced the decision to build the car in Oshawa. The early retirement of some 2500 employees may have saved the jobs of another 2700 workers who will now be working on the Camaro and other projects. Those other projects may come quickly, due to a 740 million reno that will allow flex production program that will allow multiple models to be built at the same time. As a casual observer who lives in the area, methinks this plan has been in the works for some time, as the expansion and building at the south Oshawa facility has been moving forward at a furious pace.
Is it a coincidence that GM chose to announce this on the eve of the annual Autofest car show at GM of Canada? I somehow doubt it. We are racing this weekend, so the schedule will be tight, but i’m hoping to drop by Autofest to grab a few pics of the Camaro as I’m pretty sure it will be on display.

Source The Star