Car enthusiasts return for 10-day action

dubai — A total of 80 vintage, super and custom-built cars, trucks and bikes took to the UAE roads at the fifth annual City ‘Overdrive’ at City Walk. The vehicles, uniquely modified and imported, will be on display until April 20.

The vehicles include uniquely custom-built cars, vintage models, supercars, monster trucks and modified bikes — such as the GTR RB 34, vintage Mini Cooper Rat Rods — that have previously not taken to the UAE’s tarmac.

Over the next few days, City Overdrive will also witness the debut of uniquely modified cars and imported vehicles. To be displayed along the stretch of Al Safa Street to Al Mustaqbal Street, a collection of 50 supercars, American muscle cars, 4x4s, monster trucks, bikes and trikes will also be on show.

Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the event, Iztok Franko, a marketing professional at Ramy Automobiles, said car modification is a niche market. “We are exhibiting a brand-new Jeep Wrangler that has been completely modified by Ramy,” said Franko.

“The modifications include the installation of bigger tyres (40-inch tyres), a new bumper and winch. The car was converted into a pick-up vehicle. We added some LED lights and automatic power steps, making it easier for people to go out of and into the vehicle. We added new upholstery with a carbon fibre look.”

The company also added some accessories like sand plates, and air tank, for inflating the tyre.

“Special custom work was done all over the body, and the car is now worth Dh237,00. The original price of the car is Dh140,000,” explained Franko.

According to the marketing professional, common vehicles for modifications include the Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser.

A pedal race circuit, where racer-enthusiasts of all ages can compete against each other to win the mini race; and a Formula DXB car display, which offers all car lovers that perfect Instagram moment, have also been set up.

For those looking for more action, visitors can get involved in the Race Room — a dedicated fun zone for virtual car racing.

A wide range of unique and custom-built vehicles and supercars are showcased at this year’s Overdrive, which will run until April 20. mini race circuits and a zone for virtual games have also been set up.

Photos by Neeraj Murali A visitor takes a photo of a vintage Jeep vehicle — a model that was used during world war II — on display at the fifth annual city Overdrive at city walk in Dubai. —