Under the Hood of a very Canadian tribute car

A car so Canadian, it's the colour of the most popular coffee order in Canada. 

Affectionately known as 'Double Double', this car takes inspiration from Canada's most successful coffee and donut franchise, Tim Hortons. 

Vic Gauvin's 1949 Ford two-door is a sight to behold, with its Desoto grill, custom paint and wild body modifications, and completed Tim Hortons theme and styling. Even the interior is designed to resemble everything Timmies, from the red steering wheel to the dark roast-esque wood burl wrap on both the inside and exterior panels. 

This car is no stranger to admiring eyes, as it has caught the attention of even American automotive enthusiasts.

Right on the glove box, a shining badge of admiration. 

"It was featured on an American hot rod show, My Classic Car TV," said Gauvin. "Dennis Gage, the host, signed the glove box with 'Nice Ride!'".

The car itself was assembled as it stands today in 2013. Steve Affleck of Manitoba built the car as a tribute to Tim Hortons, bringing in a double double to his paint shop and telling them that was the colour he wanted. Lo and behold 11 years later, the paint still looks ready to serve with a side of Tim Bits. 

Vic Gauvin stands with the Double Double. 

The body itself is a combination of several different vehicles that have been combined into something truly unique. In addition to the chopped 54 Desoto front grill, the door handles and the window drip rails have been shaved, while the taillights and rear quarter panels, along with the side rear pop-out windows, are from a 69 Volkswagen Type 3 notchback. It also has custom bumper modifications, including fender skirts and a continental kit. This has all been massaged together to blend with the smooth body contours. 

The merging of different cars means there is not a single other car like it in the entire world. A one-of-a-kind 'shoe box' Ford. 

While all cosmetics are nice, the ride itself is perhaps even better. Set with airbags, the body height can be adjusted with a cab-mounted controller. Whether the driver wants to rest easy low on the ground for shows or lift up for highway cruising, it's all at the tip of the finger. 

Gauvin had the car as low as it could go before the side rail exhaust hit the ground. 

Gauvin found this car after it had already left Affleck's ownership. he purchased it from a collector who had the car stored in Calgary, Alberta. Gauvin was made aware of the car by word-of-mouth, capturing his interest fairly quick. 

"I went up there, met the fellow, we worked out a deal for it," said Gauvin. "There was a connection with the seller right away as he was another car guy. We worked out a deal and I went up on Saturday and brought it back."

Under the hood, old school meets new school. The 1949 Ford 276 cubic inch flathead V-8 Stroker engine features high compression heads and a six-pack carburetor setup. The headers are hooked up to the custom lake pipes along the side. The five-speed manual Tremec transmission and a Ford nine-inch rear differential with a four-link rear suspension help to deliver that power to the wheels in a smooth, comfortable fashion. The front steering and suspension are from a Ford Mustang Two, which is a classic swap to modernize the ride and feel of the drive. 

The 'moonshine' jar is cosmetic, housing the windshield wiper fluid. 

"(The car drives) beautifully," said Gauvin. "You put it in that fifth gear away she goes. You have to set the air suspension just for the road. If you have it completely all the way up it will be a little bit stiff. If you have it set down too low things are going to drag. There's that happy medium. You can sort of personalize all that, so it's great."

While Gauvin is very much in love with the car, his heart already belongs to another. His 57 Chevy is his one true automotive love, and he plans to maintain that with no replacements. While the Double Double is a fun piece, he has already made peace with the fact it won't be with him forever. 

"To build a car like that and finish it off like is well over $120,000," said Gauvin. "If somebody was serious about buying it, I'm going to ask for around $60,000, but I am open to offers."

Gauvin still has the car for now, enjoying every moment he gets to drink in the Double Double.