Art and History Appreciation 101

1960s Ford Mustangs should be among the hot contenders.

The Manila International Auto Show will once again showcase some of the country’s most desirable classic and modified cars. This year, the country’s leading fuel brand Petron will be presenting the MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition, to be showcased at the Philippine Trade Training Center, adjacent to the World Trade Center Manila, from March 29 to April 1.

Recent winners of the MIAS competition include a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback entered by Alex Restoration.

Owned by director Edgar Mortiz, the Mustang was 2010’s Best of Show. For 2011, the winner was a classic Mercedes-Benz 190SL.

The trophy for Best of Show will once again be awarded, along with over a dozen category trophies 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. The tinsmiths, paintshop experts, mural artists, engine rebuilders and leather craftsmen employed by the local restoration and customization industries deliver world-class results. The owners of these automobiles, particularly the classic cars, help preserve the Philippines’ automotive traditions and provenance by allowing new generations to appreciate them.

The cars that will be displayed at the Petron-MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition represent months or even years of patient restoration. 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.

CHEVY Corvettes from the 50s are also competing.

Past winner Alex Isip of Alex Car Restoration, a veteran with close to 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 promises car enthusiasts a close look at both classics and highly modified cars that are sure to bring out the smiles and the snapshots.