It’s impossible to go to a stance-oriented show in 2024 and not see cars laid out on Air Lift Performance suspension.

In fact, I could say that for the past decade or more. What’s different in this day and age, however, is the sheer variety of cars with suspension that goes ‘pshhhh’ as they drop down to the floor.

Club de Ultrace 2024 was no exception, and with such a wide mix of vehicles on display, Alen and I thought it would be great to show you some of our favourite cars and Air Lift Performance suspension installs at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław this year.

Auto Finesse’s 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Step-Side

I’m an absolute sucker for a big ol’ slice of Americana, and there’s just something about automotive design in the jet age which resonates with me in particular. It’s funny how American automakers incorporated such sleek, aerospace-inspired design elements in such large, agricultural platforms.

Auto Finesse’s Chevy has undergone a complete restoration and an updated look since its previous pastel-green iteration. The side-exit exhaust and beautiful chrome aside, it’s the custom metalwork under the bed that impresses the most.

The stepped frame rails, bespoke suspension setup, and pie-cut exhaust on show make this truck for me. What an awesome cruiser.

Mica Dori’s Mercedes-Benz 190 E ‘Papi’

Another British exhibitor on display, and one you’ve seen in a previous spotlight in its first ‘all out’ form, was Mica Dori’s incredible Mercedes-Benz 190 E.

As if it wasn’t impressive enough already, Mica has turned her 190 E into an even more complete design package with just a few small touches. While the car originally sat on Work Carving Head wheels, Mica has looked towards its Euro roots and fitted a set of O.Z. Futuras.

Not one to leave things alone, Mica engraved the wheels to match the OM104 engine and all the engraved trims around the car. Even the brake discs have been engraved, which is wild. Add to that the now-engraved headlight glass and body-coloured mirrors and it’s no surprise that Mica walked away with a coveted Ultrace Top 16 accolade to add to the library of award stickers already gracing the 190 E’s windscreen.

Jonathan Cetrangolo’s Honda S2000

With a similar level of attention to detail but a different vibe, Jonathan Cetrangolo’s full carbon fibre-bodied Honda S2000 was drawing big crowds all weekend.

It’s easy to discount carbon builds as ‘Instagram cars’, but after seeing Jonathan’s S2000 in person, I can confirm that it doesn’t look out of place and is very impressive.

The carbon fibre obsession extends well past the exterior, into the interior, and even the engine bay and boot. Copper hard lines stand out against a carbon fibre air tank and floor, surrounded by quilted red suede trim. With the boot lid up, you can see how seriously the carbon-skinning has been taken, the composite material finding its way into the recess around the boot area.

The engine bay is a blend of styles with – you guessed it – more carbon fibre. Here it’s broken up by red accents, a gold dress-up kit, and an engraved rocker cover, strut brace, intake plenum, and radiator.

Johan Balsberg’s Volvo Amazon Two-Door Sedan

Johan Balsberg’s stunning Volvo Amazon – another previous Speedhunters feature car – takes a ‘less-is-more’ approach to its styling. Flawless metallic grey paintwork showcases the gentle curves around the body and in the pristine engine bay. Laid out on a set of BBS RF wheels running 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 twin dual-barrel carburettors. The red-painted block and cylinder head tie in the red ignition leads and red striping between the rocker cover fins.

The boot build is a monochrome affair, but neatly arranged and with an ash shade of wood as a base, which again ties in with the Volvo’s grey colour palette.

People often like to reduce a build to being ‘just another car on air suspension’ these days, but the truth is, like any car, it’s about the whole package. A perk of Air Lift Performance suspension is that it’s so versatile, you’ll find it applied to 1,001 different vehicle styles.

Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
mariochristou.world

Photography by Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa