Heighton Auto Restorations has done it again. The Beiseker business took home the Jim Leslie Memorial "Best in Show" Award at the 2025 World of Wheels, making it the third time they've earned that distinction.
World of Wheels took place in Calgary at BMO Centre from March 28 to 30 - a longstanding annual event, currently in it's 56th year, that showcases hot rods, custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
It's exactly what Chris Heighton specializes in - which is why he's been a mainstay at the show since 1982 and become one of its title sponsors.
What won him the top title this go-round was a silver and white 1959 Corvette Restomod, owned by Garnet and Darlene Hansen.
"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 it is a prestigious award for Albertans only. "It has gained recognition and has become the most sought-after award at the Calgary World Of Wheels show."
World of Wheels is a franchise that takes place across many North American cities including Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Winnipeg to name a few. Calgary's is the biggest show of it's kind in Western Canada sanctioned by the International Show Car Association (ISCA).
The award is named after Jim Leslie, a former volunteer with World of Wheels, who used to greet classic car owners as they headed into the show.
"His passion for the classic auto, plus his unforgettable personality, warmed the hearts of all who met him," Heighton explained. "Jim passed away at the age 38, leaving a huge void. Tom Williams of championship auto shows and Autorama of Detroit, created the Jim Leslie Memorial Award to honour Jim’s life with the first award being presented at the1996 show."
Though Heighton sees hundreds of different vehicles from across North America roll through his shop, World of Wheels is reserved for only the most special and unique custom projects he and his team tackle and wish to highlight to the public.
"We as a car builder have been lucky enough to have received the award three times," Heighton said. "The first time in 2019 with a restored 1963 Corvette. The second time in 2020 with a full custom 1955 Ford truck. This year the award went to a beautiful 1959 Corvette we named 'Elegance' that we just completed."
To date there have been 27 recipients of the award. Heighton said he's been competitive ever since he started entering competitions.
"Some of the vehicles that we have built have won many top prestigious awards throughout North America," Heighton highlighted. "Some of the top awards also include sweepstakes awards at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona California, Muscle Car Of The Year finalist in Del Mar California, ISCA Restored Championship Finalist in 2018, and the ISCA Street Machine Competition Champion 2022 in Cincinnati."
Decided on by judges with several hundred vendors in contention, "Elegance" earned Heighton $5,000 and a trophy.
"Judges pick what they feel are the top six qualifying vehicles in the show," he said. "The top six cars receive 'Six Shooter' awards. The vehicle is judged in five areas. Body/paint, interior, engine, undercarriage, and overall detail like cleanliness and safety. Each area is evaluated as to difficulty, quality, and extent of each modification."
His 1971 Datsun 240Z additionally received a "Six Shooter" award, First in its Class, Outstanding Restored, and Outstanding Display at the show. Heighton's 1930 Model A also nabbed First in Its Class and Outstanding Interior Restored awards.
"For the future, we would like to possibly take the Corvette to a couple of the larger shows in the U.S. to showcase our work," Heighton added. "We also have a couple of larger projects in the shop that we will be debuting for the next show season locally and in the U.S."
Until then, Heighton Auto Restorations has their own upcoming local show - the 19th Annual Beiseker Show and Shine - which takes place on Saturday, June 14th.
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