Iconic British cars on display in Pasig City

The distinctive lines of the E-Type Jaguar are gracing the streets of Metro Manila.

This 1963 twin-seater sports car is the star of the first Great British Auto Show held on May 31 at Capitol Commons in Pasig City.

The one-day event, organized by the British Embassy Manila, UK Trade and Investment and its partners, is showcasing some of the most well-loved and iconic British automotive brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini, Morgan and MG.

More than 40 British car owners—with both classic and modern vehicles—are taking part.

It’s a great chance to showcase their pride and joy to the public.

Filipino businessman Jorge See is here with his 1953 Jaguar XK120, which he spent four years restoring to its former glory.

“This is the car that started all the sports car,” he says.

See says he had to replace some of the original parts to make the car more suitable for a tropical country like the Philippines.

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad enjoyed seeing all of the British cars on display.

He says the presence of British car brands in the Philippines has been increasing in recent years—a trend he expects to continue, as brands like Aston Martin and Lotus are set to establish outlets in the near future.

“What we’ve done this time for the first time ever by any country is with the embassy working together the dealers and with the enthusiast who buys these cars, own these cars, have been looking after the last 20, 30 years to bring them to one place and actually have the British experience here in the Philippines where a pre-owned car, cherished car is as valuable as a brand new one,” says Ahmad.

Ahmad is enjoying getting a chance to get up close and have a look at some of the vintage British sports cars.

“Many people think that the British car industry is the car industry of the ’60s but your viewers will be interested to know we make more cars today that we ever made in our entire history,” he says.

The United Kingdom is considered a global center of excellence for the automotive industry—being home to seven mainstream vehicle manufacturers and having a significant role in eight out of the 11 Formula 1 teams.

Visitors were able to see the brand new show-room cars that offer the latest technology and innovation.

Filipino car enthusiast RJ Villaruel, aged 45, visited the show with his family.

“I like the lines basically with the British cars they are quite smooth, very sharp, very sporty specially the two-doors or the sports car types,” he says.

The event was a hit with children too.

There was a young boy who got behind the wheel of an old Morris that is probably older than his father.

The one day event was free to the public. TVJ