2021 Manila Auto Salon

FEATURE

2021 Manila Auto Salon

The Queen of car shows is back!

When the pandemic hit the country in the first quarter of last year, no one thought that it would take roughly two years before things got any better. The events industry is one of the badly affected sectors in the country, which affected several happenings in the motoring industry.

Sure, the automotive industry was able to adapt to the new normal. For almost two years, new car models have been introduced through online events. But what we really miss are the tastefully built tuner cars showcased in one venue and could be ogled upon. Good thing, the Manila Auto Salon is back.

Making its comeback worthwhile, some of the biggest car shows in the Filipino car culture were held simultaneously. Last November 11 to 14, 2021, the Manila Auto Salon, Trans Sport Show, and Sport Truck Show happened at the SMX SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Getting bitten by the car bug at a very young age, I have been in countless car shows. But visiting my first car show after getting stuck indoors for almost two years was different. It felt new. It was like I was attending my first car show. I remember the excitement of seeing tuned cars once again. It took me back to the Megatrade Hall days of the Auto Salon.

As a JDM fan myself, I was able to indulge in some exquisite Japanese car builds in the country. Here are some bits of what was this year’s Manila Auto Salon. Of course, there were several GT-Rs. Two that stood out are the AMS Alpha-built 1400 horsepower GT-R and the Autoholic GT-R. The 2021 Manila Auto Salon is the first car show since the arrival of the most-awaited Toyota GR

Yaris in the Philippines. As expected, the GR Yaris made its first appearance in the prestigious car show. Two exhibits displayed units of the GR Yaris sporting modifications which made the hot hatch even more desirable. Like wine, 1990s Honda Civics get better with age. Several EKs and EFs made it to the show. One golden era Civic that caught people’s attention was the yellow K-swapped EK coupe which features quality aftermarket parts.

A handful of exotic sports cars also made the show even more stunning. A couple of McLarens, Porsches, Lamborghinis, and more were showcased for those with the exquisite taste. Aside from the tricked out rides, humongous off-roaders courtesy of the Sport Truck Show were also on display giving 4×4 fans a treat of seeing modified SUVs and trucks up close. Several Land Cruisers, Hilux, Rangers, and other purpose-built pickup and SUVs were showcased with various exhibits at the show. The recently launched Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series made its Manila Auto Salon Sport Truck Show debut in the form of an armored up specimen sporting a set of Black Rhino wheels.

The show welcomed not only tuner cars but auto brands as well. Nissan Philippines put up an exhibit and displayed two of the fun-to-drive models in their lineup, the Nissan 370Z Nismo and the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo. The Autohub Group also exhibited its Shelby product line and showcased a Ford Mustang GT which sports a complete catalog of Shelby aftermarket parts. Isuzu Philippines Corporation also made an appearance at the show with its all-new Isuzu D-Max rally truck displayed at the Philippine Rallycross Series exhibit. Fresh from its dirt time trial racing debut, the D-Max was showcased back-to-back with Debest Autofix’s 3SGE Beams-swapped BMW E36 rally car.

The past two years have been difficult for everyone. Though it took quite a while, still, it is great that we are finally here, car shows are here again. More than being an event where car enthusiasts were able to enjoy once again, this edition of the Manila Auto Salon meant much more. For car nuts, it is like we are finally nearing the end of the tunnel known as the coronavirus pandemic. Hopefully, we make it through. For now, let us hope for the best and enjoy the local car culture with utmost care and consideration for everyone’s health safety.