It’s impossible to go to an auto show in 2024 that focuses on stance and not see cars equipped with Air Lift Performance suspension.
Actually I could say that for the last ten years or more. What is different today is the huge variety of cars with suspension that ‘psssst’ as they fall to the ground.
Ultrace Club 2024 was no exception and with such a wide variety of vehicles on display, Alen and I thought it would be a good idea to show you some of our favourite cars and Air Lift Performance suspensions at this year’s Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław.
The 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Step-Side from Auto Finesse
I’m a total sucker for a big slice of Americana, and there’s just something about jet-age car design that particularly appeals to me. It’s funny how American automakers have incorporated such sleek, aerospace-inspired design elements into such big, agricultural platforms.
Auto Finesse’s Chevy has undergone a complete restoration and a refreshed look since its previous pastel green version. Side exhaust and beautiful chrome aside, it’s the custom metalwork under the bed that really impresses.
The stepped frame rails, custom suspension and pie shaped exhaust on display make this truck for me. What a great cruiser.
Mica Dori’s Mercedes-Benz 190 E ‘Papi’
Another British exhibitor present, and one you’ve seen it in a previous spotlight in its first ‘all out’ formwas the incredible Mercedes-Benz 190 E of Mica Dori.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Mica has transformed their 190 E into an even more complete design package with a few minor modifications. Although the car originally sat on Work Carving Head wheels, Mica has focused on its European roots and fitted a set of OZ Futuras.
Not one to leave things alone, Mica engraved the wheels to match the OM104 engine and all the engraved trim around the car. Even the brake discs are engraved, which is wild. Add to that the now engraved headlight lens and body-coloured mirrors and it’s no surprise that Mica walked away with a coveted Ultrace Top 16 award to add to the library of price stickers already adorning the 190 E’s windscreen.
Jonathan Cetrangolo’s Honda S2000
With a similar level of attention to detail but a different look, Jonathan Cetrangolo’s all-carbon fiber Honda S2000 drew crowds all weekend.
It’s easy to downplay carbon emissions as ‘Instagram ‘Cars’, but having seen Jonathan’s S2000 in the flesh I can confirm that it looks the part and is very impressive.
The obsession with carbon fiber extends far beyond the exterior, into the interior, even into the engine bay and trunk. Hard copper lines stand out against a carbon fiber air tank and floor, surrounded by quilted red suede trim. With the trunk lid up, you can see just how seriously the carbon skin has been taken, the composite material finding its way into the recess around the trunk.
The engine bay is a mix of styles with – you guessed it – more carbon fiber. Here it’s broken up by red accents, a gold dress-up kit and an engraved valve cover, strut brace, intake plenum and radiator.
Johan Balsberg’s Volvo Amazon two-door sedan
Johan Balsberg’s stunning Volvo Amazon – another earlier Speedhunters feature car – takes a ‘less-is-more’ approach to its styling. Immaculate metallic grey paintwork showcases the soft curves around the bodywork and into the pristine engine bay. Fitted with a set of BBS RF wheels with a step-up lip kit, this Amazon is a fantastic modern take on retro styling.
Under the hood, the restored, stroked and polished B20 engine breathes through two double carburetors. The red painted block and cylinder head connect the red ignition cables and red stripes between the fins of the valve cover.
The trunk is monochrome, but neatly divided and has an ash wood base, which in turn matches the Volvo’s grey colour palette.
Nowadays people often want to reduce a build to ‘just a car with air suspension’, but the truth is that, like any car, it’s about the whole package. One advantage of Airlift performance The reason this suspension is so versatile is that you will find it on 1,001 different types of vehicles.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
mariochristou.world
Photographed by Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazeta