After a major snowstorm hit Montreal, most residents were doing what they always do when winter takes over the city: digging out their cars, checking street signs twice, and making sure they would not wake up to a fine on their windshield. Snow removal in Montreal is a serious operation. Temporary no parking zones are enforced quickly, tow trucks stand by, and police patrol the streets to make sure nothing blocks the plows from doing their job. The atmosphere during these cleanups is rarely relaxed. It is a coordinated effort that depends on cooperation, timing, and strict rule enforcement. In the middle of all that routine winter urgency, one man decided to look at the snow not as a burden, but as a blank canvas waiting to be shaped into something unexpected.

According to CBS affiliate WGCL-TV and reports from CBS Los Angeles, 33 year old machinist Simon Laprise used the heavy snowfall to build a full size replica of a DeLorean DMC-12 entirely out of snow and positioned it in a snow removal zone. The car, made famous by the “Back to the Future” movie franchise, was sculpted so convincingly that police officers on patrol believed it was a real vehicle illegally parked during active snow clearing. What began as a creative way to pass time during a storm quickly escalated into a viral moment, largely because of how realistic the sculpture looked and how police responded when they realized they had been tricked.

Turning a Snowstorm Into a Statement

Montreal winters are long and demanding, and residents are used to adapting quickly when the snow begins to pile up. Streets narrow, sidewalks disappear under thick layers of ice, and vehicles can become unrecognizable under heavy accumulation. Snow removal operations are carefully scheduled, and officers monitor restricted zones closely to prevent delays. Laprise understood that context perfectly. He knew that during active clearing, a car left in the wrong spot would immediately draw attention from authorities who are trained to act quickly and decisively.

Instead of building something simple or decorative, Laprise chose to invest real time and effort into constructing something that would blend seamlessly into the winter landscape. Using packed snow, he shaped the outline of a DeLorean with remarkable precision. The sculpture was life size, proportionate, and detailed enough to convince anyone glancing at it from a short distance that there was a real vehicle buried underneath. The angles were sharp, the body lines were clean, and the overall structure mirrored the distinctive silhouette of the iconic sports car.

What truly made the illusion powerful was the added realism. Laprise placed real windshield wipers onto the snow sculpture, a small detail that dramatically increased its credibility. During a snowstorm, it is common to see cars partially covered, with only small features visible above the snow. By including authentic elements, he created a scene that looked entirely plausible within its surroundings. Anyone driving by would have assumed it was simply another car that had not been moved in time.

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Why the DeLorean Made It Even Better

The DeLorean DMC-12 holds a special place in pop culture history because of its starring role in the “Back to the Future” films. Even decades after the movies were released, the car’s futuristic design remains instantly recognizable. Its flat panels, sharp corners, and distinctive shape make it stand out on any street. By choosing that particular model, Laprise ensured that the sculpture would catch attention while still looking believable in a snowy neighborhood setting.

The design of the DeLorean also made it structurally suitable for snow sculpting. Its angular body allowed Laprise to carve strong lines that would hold their shape in cold temperatures. The squared front end, defined side panels, and recognizable profile helped create a convincing replica without the need for complex curves that might collapse. Every visible detail reinforced the illusion that this was a real vehicle sitting where it should not be.

There is also an element of poetic humor in the choice. The DeLorean is famously associated with time travel, yet this version would only exist for a single winter night. It appeared suddenly during a storm, drew attention from authorities, and then disappeared just as quickly. The symbolism added another layer of charm to an already clever prank.

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Police Took the Bait

During snow removal operations, officers patrol affected areas to identify vehicles that could interfere with plows. When police noticed what appeared to be a car parked directly in a restricted zone, they reacted exactly as expected. From their perspective, it was a routine violation that needed to be handled promptly to keep operations running smoothly.

Reports state that one officer was so convinced by the realism of the sculpture that he called for a second patrol car to assist in checking out the DeLorean. With flashing lights illuminating the snow covered structure, the situation looked serious and procedural. Anyone observing from a nearby window would have assumed a standard parking enforcement scenario was unfolding.

As officers approached and examined the vehicle more closely, the reality became clear. There was no metal body, no tires, no engine beneath the snow. The entire structure was carefully packed and sculpted snow, shaped with skill and patience. Instead of responding with frustration, the officers reportedly found the situation amusing once they realized how convincingly they had been fooled.

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The Parking Ticket That Was Not Real

Rather than issuing a real citation, the officers chose to respond with humor. According to CBS Los Angeles, Laprise was given a fake parking ticket that read, “You made our night hahahahaha :)” The message turned what could have been an ordinary enforcement action into a shared moment of laughter between police and a local resident.

In another account, officers left a handwritten note on the sculpture that read “you made our night,” acknowledging the effort and creativity behind the prank. That simple sentence became one of the most widely shared elements of the story. It reflected not only amusement, but also discretion and perspective.

The decision to react playfully changed the tone entirely. Instead of conflict or penalties, the interaction ended with mutual appreciation. That response helped transform a local prank into an international feel good story.

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The Internet Could Not Get Enough

When photos of the snow DeLorean and the officers’ note began circulating online, the reaction was immediate. Millions of people shared the images, praising Laprise for his craftsmanship and applauding the officers for their lighthearted response. In a digital landscape often filled with outrage and controversy, the story stood out because it was harmless, creative, and genuinely funny.

Viewers were impressed by the level of detail required to create such a realistic sculpture. Building a life size car from snow is not a quick or easy task. It requires physical effort, careful shaping, and a clear understanding of proportion. The fact that it was convincing enough to prompt a second patrol car only added to the admiration.

Equally important was the tone of the exchange. The officers’ willingness to laugh rather than escalate demonstrated how small decisions can shape public perception. Their response amplified the positive impact of the prank and contributed to why the story resonated so widely.

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Gone by Morning

Like most snow sculptures, the DeLorean was temporary. The following day, Montreal sanitation workers and snowplows cleared the street as part of routine operations. The sculpture was removed along with the rest of the storm’s aftermath, leaving no physical trace behind.

Its disappearance made the moment feel even more unique. For one evening, it fooled trained officers and entertained countless onlookers. By morning, it had vanished, preserved only in photographs and online posts.

All that remained were the images and the note that read, “You made our night hahahahaha :)” The temporary nature of the artwork made the memory stronger, reminding people that not all meaningful moments are meant to last.

A Reminder Hidden in the Snow

At its heart, this story is about creativity, perspective, and the power of humor in everyday life. A heavy snowstorm that could have been seen purely as an inconvenience became the foundation for something imaginative. Laprise used his skills to turn snow into a convincing replica of a famous car, transforming an ordinary street into a stage for an unexpected moment.

The officers, in turn, demonstrated how discretion and humor can strengthen community interactions. By choosing laughter over enforcement in a harmless situation, they contributed to a story that spread for positive reasons rather than negative ones.

In a time when many viral headlines center on tension or outrage, this simple prank offered something different. A car made of snow fooled police during a Montreal winter, and their response showed that sometimes the best stories are the ones where everyone gets to laugh.

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