The 2023 Trans Sport Show in Manila has drawn thousands of car enthusiasts to the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The four-day show featured a broad range of vehicles, from restored classics and high-powered supercars to off-road rigs, tuned classics and electrified conversions.
It provided a varied display that kept visitors engaged.
Overcoming significant challenges, including rising venue rental costs and the pandemic’s economic impact, the event’s organizer, Sophie de los Santos, created a captivating arena for both exhibitors and visitors.
The pandemic, while devastating for the show’s organization, presented an unexpected silver lining: a hiatus that allowed participants to prepare their project vehicles with even more dedication and attention to detail.
The show’s unique features were as diverse as they were impressive. A surge in interest in classic car restoration was evident, with a standout selection of meticulously maintained Japanese, British and American classics.
For the speed aficionados, a smattering of supercars, from Porsches to Lamborghinis, provided a showcase of high-performance engineering and design.
Various tuning shops brought out classic Japanese favorites for display and show competition. The 80’s favorites were there, such as the L-type and box-type Lancers, the TE-71 Corolla Levin, AE86 Corollas, AE92 Corollas and a lone Nissan Sentra coupe.
It’s refreshing to see the revival of classic Japanese steel like this.
The 90s were represented by various Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas and Mitsubishis like the Lancer Evolution and Galant.
Those looking for European steel wouldn’t be disappointed with the various tuned BMWs and Porsches on hand, not to mention supercar displays in the form of Ferrari Pistas and popular Lamborghinis such as the Aventador and Huracan.
European sports cars and supercars are a show favorite.
Vintage cars were also on display from the likes of Trans Sport Show veteran Alex Car Restoration, which brought out a black 1955 Ford Thunderbird and a pristine, showroom condition 1972 Datsun 240Z.
The Vintage Car Club of the Philippines and Alfred Autoworks also brought their classics; from an MG-A to a 1967 Ford Mustang, there was no shortage of heritage cars for people to enjoy.
The off-road contingent was well represented too from the likes of Area One Garage and Overland Kings, with a wealth of overlanding rigs on the show — 4×4 vehicles such as the Toyota Prado and Hilux transformed into mobile camping units, demonstrating the potential of off-road adventure.
4×4 trucks and overlanding rigs speak of the adventure-loving side of Filipino motorists.
Notably, the show wasn’t just about the vehicles — it was also a platform for parts suppliers, such as AC Delco, Bosch, Eneos, and the show sponsor, MOTUL, to showcase their products.
Motorsports vehicles, including the Philippine Autocross Championship Series-winning Honda Civic FD and Peewee Mendiola’s Corolla rally car, took their spot in the limelight, displaying the thrill of competitive driving.
Off to one corner was Mix The City’s mobile DJ booth, based on a Toyota Hi-Lux which provided tunes all day long on their side of the exhibition space.
The most intriguing exhibit, perhaps, was Engineer Norman Leyva’s display booth. Leyva, an inventor and pioneer in the DIY electrification of older cars, showcased his electrified creations, including a Volkswagen Super Beetle, an SW20 Toyota MR2, and a Triumph Spitfire.
This fusion of vintage charm and modern technology was a testament to the incredible creativity that makes this show a hub of innovation.
As De los Santos puts it, the Trans Sport Show is not just a car show; it’s an experience. An experience that encourages creativity, celebrates automotive passion, and leaves visitors with a story to tell for generations.
Looking to the future, De los Santos envisions the Trans Sport Show evolving with its participants, hoping to see more unique project vehicles and excellence in auto restoration.
As the 2023 event came to a close, one thing was clear: the Trans Sport Show remains an iconic motoring brand, showcasing the very best in the industry and fostering a unique car show experience for all who attend.
