Whether custom, exotic, old, new or the latest concept, every auto show is filled with cars that enthusiasts love to ogle. This year’s California International Auto Show was filled with exotics that were ignored by the media searching for the latest headline grabbing vehicle debut, and since these dream machines deserve some of the limelight, we’ve assembled a visual feast of the cars that didn’t make the front page.
Aston Martin DB9The
2006 Aston Martin DB9 not only looks fantastic but easily takes its place among the ranks of the exotics with its 450-horsepower V-12 engine.
Chevrolet AveoYeah, we’re joking. A Chevy Aveo is about as far from cool as stonewashed denim. Still, this custom one-off really caught our eye.
Chrysler 300 ConvertibleBuried in the basement of the Anaheim Convention Center were these two custom convertible Chrysler 300C’s. We hope Chrysler is already hard at work developing its own version.
‘66 Dodge Charger Even a car from the 60’s can draw a crowd at a modern day car event, as did this classic 1966 Dodge Charger Hemi.
Dodge Magnum Panel Wagon The
2006 Dodge Magnum seems to take a step back in time thanks to this custom job’s panel wagon appearance, yet it retains its distinctive modern profile.
Dodge ViperFrom any angle the
2006 Dodge Viper has an ominous presence.
Ford GT Heritage Edition This 2006 Ford GT wears the orange and aqua colors of the last LeMans-winning car from 1969, which was sponsored by JW Automotive/American Gulf Oil.
Hummer H2 SUT “Made for Barbie” was the theme of this Hummer H2 SUT. Hot pink with the “Barbie” name ghosted into the paint, only a bubbleheaded blonde would dare to be seen driving this billboard.
Lamborghini GallardoThis “entry-level” 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo is powered by a V-10 packing a whopping 493 horsepower.
Lamborghini Murcielago The 2006 Lamborghini Murcielago is a car that looks good in any color, and there were plenty of wild colors on display in Anaheim.
2006 Lotus EliseIt may be small, but the 2006 Lotus Elise can hang with the big boys thanks to amazing handling characteristics.
Nissan AzealThough a concept for now, the Nissan Azeal could be a production model soon. We feel the design would be a hit among small car buyers.
Spyker C12 If you seek exclusivity, the 500-horsepower, Audi-powered Spyker C12 may just be to your liking.
Spyker C12 Scissor-style doors accentuate the one-off look of the 2006 Spyker C12.
Scion xB Limo
Hummer limos may be all the rage, but we thought this Scion xB conversion would be a great way to get around. Chauffeured of course.
’56 Volvo P1900When it comes to rare, this 1956 Volvo P1900 Sport was likely the rarest car at the show, with approximately 68 built and only nine remaining in the U.S. The P1900 was part of Volvo’s display celebrating 50 years of sales in the U.S.
Photos courtesy of Ron Perry
