In the west end of Toronto there’s a family-run, used car dealer called Nexcar that looks like a kitschy automotive museum that happens to sell cars. And it’s worth the drive to check it out because it’s one of the most unique places in the city to buy a ride.
The great thing about this place is that it’s a 27,000 sq. ft. indoor showroom; no wandering through the frozen tundra that is a Toronto used car lot in winter. No, this place is quite comfortable, with 120+ used cars all fully detailed and ready for you to climb into. Test driving is a different story. It would take hours to Jenga the cars around, so test-pilots are not welcome here.
The business was started in 2008, but a decade a go the business relocated to 1235 Finch Ave West which was an old grocery store back in the day. This gave the family a veritable airplane hangar to show off the cars. There’s a few private offices on the side of the building, but mostly it’s one massive room.
And the boss has absolutely packed the showroom with automotive memorabilia with a a couple of classic VW Beetles and a Meyers Manx dune buggy as the centerpieces.
The decor inside the Nexcar dealership looks kind of like the Times Square 50’s style diner, or Route 66 retro gas station out there in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Tin signs advertising long gone oil companies and radial tire brands. There’s even some decorative old payphones and pedal cars that could be from the 60s, but are more likely inexpensive reproductions (since they look so new).
From there it gets weirder; grille shells, racing trophies; gosh who would ever sell those! There’s even an old Lexus covered in dinosaur bones kind of stuck in the corner.
How does a business come to collect so much junk / auto-art? On display there’s hundreds of scale models from race cars to tractor trailers. There’s a hood from a stock car, autographed by a local race car driver. Pedal cars, hub caps, and license plates must have taken years to accumulate. It’s obviously a labour of love for this family.
So if you’re looking for an off-lease Honda Civic, a low-mileage Mercedes coupe, or a big black Escalade and you’re in the area of Keele St and Find Ave West, check out Nexcar. Even if you’re just wandering around kicking tires, you won’t be the only one!
Love his vision!
A labor of love … or a sickness!
Wow, I am so sad I missed this place while living near Toronto.