Cultivating Cool
The Shelby Cobra bursting from the facade of Urban Headlights is from an era a bit before owner Bruce Urban’s time.
Drew Myers Photography Inc.
Still, the replica of the ’65 classic sports car hints at the nostalgia that led him to open the Airdrie shop. It certainly wasn’t for need of revenue; besides ownership of the Edmonton Rush lacrosse club, Urban’s empire includes the Western RV Country, All Star RV, and Field of RV Dreams dealerships. Headlights is Urban’s “hobby” shop, reconnecting him with a youth spent selling second-hand vehicles. “When I hit 40 years old, I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to have that used car lot I always wanted,’” says Urban (much, he admits, to his wife’s chagrin). Consider the place a curiosity shop for the moneyed male, stocked not only with used automobiles but boats, custom-built motorbikes and even a replica Batmobile to boost what Urban refers to as the “cool effect” that Shelby is meant to cultivate. – Scott Messenger
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