LONDON, ON – A great job by Jay Handsor of the Toronto Motorama team in hosting and curating the 2026 Sleds North, delivering an unforgettable weekend celebrating some of Canada’s most remarkable lead sleds and kustom cars.
Sleds North has earned its reputation as Canada’s only Kustom Car Invitational, bringing together an exclusive collection of handcrafted customs that represent decades of creativity, craftsmanship, and automotive history. After travelling to different venues over the years, the event has now found a fitting permanent home at the spectacular Plunkett Estate in London, Ontario. This year’s event took place Sept. 13, 2026.
Photos by Keith Kortun. Story continued below…
The setting could not have been more appropriate. The Plunkett Estate is home to an incredible Cadillac collection, displayed within a stunning recreation of the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel lobby, where Cadillac once unveiled its newest models to the world. The elegant surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for some of North America’s most celebrated custom automobiles.
“Kustoms at the Mansion” has quickly become a must-see event for anyone who appreciates the artistry behind the lead sled movement. Every vehicle on display tells a story, with many of these legendary customs having graced the covers of magazines, appeared at prestigious indoor shows, and inspired generations of builders. From perfectly chopped tops and sectioned bodies to handcrafted trim, intricate paintwork, and countless one-of-a-kind details, every car showcased the incredible skill and imagination of its creator.
Visitors could easily spend hours studying each vehicle, only to discover another custom touch or fabrication detail they had overlooked the first time around. It is this level of craftsmanship that makes traditional kustoms so captivating.
As an invitation-only feature display, Sleds North ensures that every featured vehicle represents the very best of the kustom culture. Outside the invitational area, owners of classic cars and hot rods were welcomed to participate, creating a relaxed atmosphere where enthusiasts could gather, share stories, and appreciate all forms of automotive history.
While the era of building traditional lead sleds may not be as prolific as it once was, their impact remains timeless. Whenever one of these beautifully crafted customs rolls into view, it immediately commands attention, reminding enthusiasts why this unique style continues to influence builders and captivate audiences decades later.
