THE 28th edition of the Motul Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show fired to life last Thursday, November 14, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Despite looming concerns about Typhoon Pepito potentially impacting attendance, passionate car enthusiasts flocked to the event, eager to witness the latest in automotive customization and modification.
Organized by Tradeshow International, the show ran until November 17, the day Pepito was supposed to hit land. But Manila was spared to the delight of car lovers.
Tuner and custom shops from across the Philippines chose the Manila Auto Salon as the stage to unveil their latest creations, with a stunning array of vehicles on display. A crowd favorite was a 1976 Volkswagen Beetle called a “Poorsche” wrapped onsite at the show by Vinyl Frog premium vehicle wraps with a Rothmans inspired livery which was used by Ayrton Senna in F1 and the latest Porsche Dakar edition owned by Justin Uy.
And there is show winning Toyota Supra Mk4 nicknamed “Poopra” owned by motoring scribe Botchi Santos. He called it the #ProjectCarFromHell and took 18 months to bring the 17-year old sports car back to life and show condition, eventually winning “Best Track Car” Award. The car was built by Unmarked Garage.
“Together, we have transformed a dream into reality, creating a #JGTC #Supra for the road, a testament to our collective efforts and shared vision. You all rock, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” Santos said in social media post.
There were meticulously restored 90’s era Corolla ‘Big Body’ by Sleek Auto Spa to a uniquely modified, off-road ready RWB Porsche dubbed “Murasaki Shikibu” by Angie King, the show floor was a testament to the skill and artistry of Filipino builders.
High-horsepower builds were a dominant theme this year. Attendees were treated to a diverse collection of turbocharged engines, including a highly anticipated Supra, Honda platforms by Rebstoration, and a host of popular tuner cars like Miatas and GR Yaris. Import Hookup, led by Keith Bryan Haw, made a strong impression with their display, featuring a BMW M4 art car designed by renowned artist Ronald Ventura, alongside a customized JCW Mini, Lamborghini, Porsche, G-Wagen, and a pristine white Ferrari 348.
The show wasn’t just about sports cars and tuned vehicles. Off-road enthusiasts were captivated by a custom Land Cruiser 80 by 199 Off-Road house, boasting a Toyota V8 engine swap, portal axles, and a lifted suspension. For those who prefer overlanding adventures, Overland Kings presented a luxurious Land Cruiser Prado outfitted with custom cargo space for golfing gear and even a built-in whiskey bar.
Beyond the impressive vehicle displays, the Manila Auto Salon also featured a bustling aftermarket section. Attendees could find everything from car care products and tools to lubricants, tires, and even die-cast models, making it a true haven for automotive enthusiasts, showcasing for the 28th time, the passion and creativity, impressive talent and dedication of local builders and modifiers.