Heighton Auto Restorations Takes Home Top Honors at 2025 World of Wheels

World of Wheels, a renowned annual event showcasing hot rods, custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles, recently took place in Calgary at BMO Centre from March 28 to 30. This longstanding event, currently in its 56th year, has become a staple in the automotive world, attracting car enthusiasts and aficionados from across North America. At the heart of this event is the Jim Leslie Memorial “Best in Show” Award, which has been a highlight of the show since its inception. This prestigious award is reserved for the most exceptional custom projects, and Heighton Auto Restorations has once again proven itself to be a force to be reckoned with by taking home the top title.

The Silver and White 1959 Corvette Restomod

The winning vehicle, a silver and white 1959 Corvette Restomod, was owned by Garnet and Darlene Hansen. This stunning car was the brainchild of Heighton Auto Restorations, and its sleek design and impeccable craftsmanship made it a standout among the competition. “It means so much to us as a team to win top awards locally because we can showcase our talents in front of friends and family,” Heighton stated, noting that the award is a prestigious recognition for Albertans only. “It has gained recognition and has become the most sought-after award at the Calgary World Of Wheels show.”

Awards and Accolades

Heighton Auto Restorations has a long history of success, with the team having been a mainstay at World of Wheels since 1982. They have also become one of the title sponsors of the event, a testament to their commitment to showcasing their talents and expertise. The Jim Leslie Memorial “Best in Show” Award is a highly coveted prize, and Heighton Auto Restorations has now taken home the top title three times. The award was created in honor of Jim Leslie, a former volunteer with World of Wheels, who passed away at the age of 38. The first award was presented at the 1996 show, and since then, the award has been given to only the most exceptional custom projects.

• Some of the vehicles that Heighton Auto Restorations has built have won top prestigious awards throughout North America, including the Grand National Roadster Show, Muscle Car Of The Year, and ISCA Restored Championship Finalist.
• Heighton has been competitive ever since he started entering competitions, and his team’s dedication to excellence has earned them a reputation as one of the top custom car builders in the industry.

The Judging Process

The Jim Leslie Memorial “Best in Show” Award is decided by judges who evaluate the top six qualifying vehicles in the show. These vehicles are judged in five areas: body/paint, interior, engine, undercarriage, and overall detail. Each area is evaluated as to difficulty, quality, and extent of each modification. “The judges pick what they feel are the top six qualifying vehicles in the show,” Heighton explained.