The Petron-MIAS custom and classic car competition heats up
THE country's leading fuel brand Petron was once again the presentor in the MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition, held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, adjacent to the World Trade Center Manila, last weekend.
Judges for the prestigious show car competition noted an increase in the number of entries as well as quality of the show cars. The 2014 Best of Show Award went to a VW Type 181 Kubelwagen or also known as "The Thing" with an entry by Rico Dimacali of MacSport. Aside from the top award, there were over a dozen category awards for both classic and customized cars.
The Petron-MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition is an annual tribute to the craftsmen and artisans who work in the restoration and customization trade. From tinsmiths, paint shop experts, mural artists, engine rebuilders and leather craftsmen, each entry is a result of months of hard work employed by the local restoration and customization shops who deliver world- class results.
The owners of these automobiles, particularly classic cars, help preserve the Philippines' automotive heritage and provenance by allowing future generations to appreciate them. For many car owners, regardless of the value of the prizes that come with winning, simply being acknowledged by their peers is a reward in itself.
Past winner and now competition judge Alex Isip of Alex Car Restoration, a car show veteran with over two decades of experience, has related previously that it is indeed a tough job to compete and consistently excel in car competitions.
This year's lineup gave car enthusiasts a close look at both classics and highly modified cars that brought out a lot of smiles and snapshots. There was an endless stream of car enthusiasts who lined up for photographs for their Tweets and Facebook posts.
Among the notable cars to watch out for are the 1980s Pontiac Trans Am that has been transformed into KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) of the Knight Rider TV series fame, a rare and collectible Mercedes-Benz 190SL, a turn-of-the-century steam powered De Laton, and a plethora of custom and classic cars all vying for the best of show award.