FYI: The trend of automobiles with advanced Air Lift Performance suspensions continues to dominate the stance-focused shows of 2024, showcasing a remarkable variety of stunning vehicles.
The Allure of Air Lift Performance at Ultrace 2024
It is nearly impossible to attend a stance-focused show in 2024 without witnessing a vehicle sporting an Air Lift Performance suspension. As the air suspension market has evolved over the past decade, a tremendous diversity of cars now feature suspensions that produce that signature "whoosh" sound when they drop to the ground.
At the Club de Ultrace 2024, held at Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław, a breathtaking array of vehicles with Air Lift Performance suspensions was on display. Here, we delve into some standout builds that captured our attention.
Auto Finesse’s 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Stepside
Auto Finesse presented a beautifully restored 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Stepside. The timeless jet-age design elements melded seamlessly into this agricultural classic, capturing the essence of American automotive culture. The truck, originally pastel green, was reborn with a new aesthetic, featuring a custom side-exit exhaust and exquisite chrome detailing.
What truly set it apart was the intricate custom metalwork and suspension setup beneath the truck bed, showcasing stepped frame rails, a unique suspension system, and a meticulously crafted pie-cut exhaust. The combination of these elements made the Chevy a remarkable cruiser.
Mica Dori’s Mercedes-Benz 190 E ‘Papi’
Mica Dori’s 190 E was another crowd-pleaser from the UK. Already renowned for its performance, the Mercedes underwent further enhancements, now flaunting OZ Futuras wheels that nodded to its European roots. Mica’s attention to detail extended to sculpting the wheels to complement the OM104 engine and the sleek bodywork.
The results spoke for themselves, as the 190 E earned the prestigious Ultrace Top 16 honor, adding to its already impressive array of accolades. This meticulous craftsmanship extended to sculpted brake discs, headlight glass, and color-matched mirrors, making the 190 E a visual and performance masterpiece.
Jonathan Chetrangolo’s Honda S2000
Jonathan Chetrangolo’s Honda S2000 boasted a full carbon fiber body, attracting considerable attention throughout the Ultrace event. Contrary to the typical "Instagram car" label, this build exuded quality and meticulous detail.
The carbon fiber was extensively used inside, outside, and in the engine bay, with copper hard lines accenting the carbon fiber air tank and floor. The trunk revealed a quilted red suede trim, complementing the carbon’s serious aesthetics. The engine bay was a blend of carbon fiber, red accents, gold dress-up kits, and engraved components, all contributing to a stunning visual amalgam.
Johan Balsberg’s Volvo Amazon 2-Door Sedan
Johan Balsberg’s Volvo Amazon, a Speedhunters alumnus, showcased a minimalist yet impactful design. The flawless metallic grey paint accentuated the car’s classic curves, and the BBS RF wheels with a stepped lip kit added a contemporary twist to the retro style.
Under the hood lay a restored B20 engine with twin dual-barrel carburetors, adorned with red highlights that matched other engine bay components. The trunk was equally impressive, with a neatly arranged grey woodgrain base harmonizing the overall color scheme.
Conclusion
The recurring theme at Ultrace 2024 was the versatility and elegance of Air Lift Performance suspensions. These suspensions are more than just a functional upgrade; they create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing whole that complements each vehicle’s unique style. Whether it’s an American classic, a European icon, or a JDM marvel, Air Lift Performance enables each build to achieve a perfect stance and remarkable road presence.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
