Set against the backdrop of today’s latest and greatest in the automobile market, the MIAS-Petron Custom & Classic Car Competition was held simultaneously with this year’s Manila International Auto Show. The competition is an annual ritual for car aficionados and car shops, the latter going through the painstaking process of either restoring or modifying desirable vehicles to showcase their ingenuity, creativity, and vision.
For the past couple of years the show has seen an ever growing resurgence of older vehicles, whether restored or modified, alongside newer models that demonstrate what’s possible with today’s cars in the field of customization.
Miguel Arle, one of the organizers of the competition had this to say about this year’s crop. “This year's entries came prepared, even the new players prepared like a pro. As the MIAS Custom & Classic Car Competition passes every year, competitors level-up their work. As their work levels up, new benchmarks are set and makes the competition even harder.”
Most of the competition cars were positioned right outside the World Trade Center’s doors, propped up and posed to greet every visitor. As this year’s MIAS was held at two venues, some of the competition cars were located at the SMX Convention Center, ensuring visitors of either venue can check out the amazing builds.
The coveted title of Best of Show was claimed by Autoplus with their stunning 1972 Nissan Skyline "Hakosuka", capturing the hearts of judges and spectators alike. The Russ Swift Choice Award went to Bugeye's 1972 Volkswagen Beetle 1302S, with its timeless appeal and charm. Royal88's meticulous craftsmanship earned them the Best in Paint award for their 1986 Mitsubishi Lancer, with Autogenix's sleek 1995 Honda Civic EG6 securing the Runner-Up spot in the same category. Mark Ang's impeccably presented 1977 Range Rover County took home the Best Interior Display award, while Mike Peña's meticulously restored 1966 Toyota Corolla claimed the Runner-Up position in the same category. Autoplus showcased their engineering prowess once again with the Best Engine Display award for their 1972 Nissan Skyline, while Autobath's 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback earned the Runner-Up spot with its impressive engine presentation. All-in-all, Autoplus’ Best-of-Show winning 1972 Skyline won 2 additional awards, Best Retro 70’s and Best 2-Door, making the meticulously built automotive legend a 4-trophy winner.
The Skyline stood out for being exceptionally beautiful and for being a rare piece of automotive history rarely seen on our shores. It's exciting to see how car competitors will prepare to match its level when the show rolls around next year.
Here’s a complete list of major and minor awardees from this year’s MIAS-Petron Classic & Custom Car Competition.
MAJOR AWARDS:
Best Of Show
#23 1972 Nissan Skyline by Autoplus
Russ Swift Choice Award
#2 1972 Volkswagen Beetle 1302S by Bugeye
Best In Paint
#4 1986 Mitsubishi Lancer by Royal88
Best In Paint (Runner-Up)
#5 1995 Honda Civic EG6 by Autogenix
Best Interior Display
#30 1977 Range Rover County. Owned by Mark Ang
Best Interior Display (Runner-Up)
#13 1966 Toyota Corolla. Owned by Mike Peña
Best Engine Display
#23 1972 Nissan Skyline by Autoplus
Best Engine Display (Runner-Up)
#3 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback by Autobath
MINOR AWARDS:
Best Golden Era 60's
#44 1966 Corvette Stingray by Shelby Auto Station
Best Retro 70's
#23 1972 Nissan Skyline by Autoplus
Best Old School 80's
#4 1986 Mitsubishi Lancer By Royal88
Best Contemporary 90's
#5 1995 Honda Civic EG6 by Autogenix
Best Millennium
#7 Nissan GTR by Autogenix
Best Extreme Modified
#3 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback by Autobath
Best Modified
#6 1999 Honda Civic EK9 by Autogenix
Best Extreme
#28 Toyota FJ Cruiser 6x6. Entry from Concept One Wheels
Best Stock
#43 Mercedes Benz 280SL by JSH Autoworks / Dirty's Out Detailers
Best Craftsmanship
#18 Jaguar D-Type. Owned by Ian Hernandez
Best Body Kit
#8 2022 Toyota GR Yaris by Autoholic Garage
Best Pick-Up
#42 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-up. Entry from Yokohama Tires
Best 4x4 Overland
#37 Toyota Land Cruiser LC79 by Overland Kings
Best 4x4 Offroad
#11 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Entry from Concept One Wheels
Best SUV
#30 1977 Range Rover County. Owned by Mark Ang
Best 4 Door
#4 1986 Mitsubishi Lancer by Royal88
Best 2 Door
#23 1972 Nissan Skyline by Autoplus
Best Van
#15 Toyota Lite Ace by Atoy Customs