Exciting news has recently been announced that the world’s premier automotive specialty products trade event, SEMA, will be held alongside the Middle East Motor Tuning Show from March 14th -16th at the Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE. More than 60 American brands will be on hand to introduce their products to (more…)
My apologies for the little break in posting over the past few days. I have been traveling and decided to take a hiatus from the blog for sanity-related purposes. But the final ‘highlights’ post from my 2012 Kuwait Concours d’Elegance experience has arrived, so kick back and check out a few of history’s fastest tire-shredders.
Rightfully themed “Passion for Speed”, the 2012 Kuwait Concours had numerous race cars on display. The two images above are of the dramatic Bentley Speed 8 Le Mans race car. I couldn’t believe how low this car was to the ground!
The showstopper for me was this gorgeous Ferrari 250GT Breadvan.
I must be a lucky man because I can’t believe I have gotten so close to not one, but two, of Ayrton Senna’s F1 cars in the (more…)
Carrying on from my last post of the ‘Oldies’ highlights from the 2012 Kuwait Concours d’Elegance, I’d like to share with you some of the GT – Gran Turismo / Grand Touring – models present at the show. First up, this beautifully understated Aston Martin DB2/4 MKI from Kuwait.
This ‘gullwinged’ 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Racing car.
A 1958 Chevrolet Corvette from Kuwait. (more…)
The 2012 Kuwait Concours d’Elegance wrapped up this weekend with many exquisite pieces of automotive art displayed for the crowds of gawking visitors. Every year, I take my time strolling through the exhibits, enjoying the cars from a past I was not part of.
So over the next couple of posts, I’d like to share with you some of the cars which I came across. For this particular post, I’m going to focus on the ‘oldies’ which were present at the Concours. First up is this 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost which was visiting from Pakistan.
A 1926 Duesenberg Model A from the USA.
A 1927 Ford Model T from a Kuwaiti (more…)
The first production model of Aston Martin’s V12 Zagato will debut at the 3rd Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance on 15-18 February. The V12 Zagato has the knock-out punch to match it’s go-fast looks with a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510bhp and 420lb-ft of torque under its hood.
The unveiling in Kuwait is going to be special because (more…)
Nowadays, most companies need to assess whether it’s worth showing their cars at motor shows. When the world economy first tanked, automakers pulled the plug on many events such as the Tokyo Motor Show, Detroit and other cities; Frankfurt and Geneva still remained strong. Forward a few years later and there isn’t as much apprehension, however, automakers still must make a case in order to fly their cars, staff, etc., across seas.
This year’s Dubai International Motor Show saw its record year in attendance. But what does that mean for car manufacturers? (more…)
Bugatti presented three special models of its Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show to honor the Middle East market. By doing so, Bugatti wants its exclusive clientele in the Middle East to see how “creativity and inspiration can be successfully driven to individualized luxury”. The first model has a bright yellow body, a black carbon underside and black wheels.
The interior follows suit with the seats finished in yellow leather with black stitching. The middle console is in black carbon, while the dashboard, steering wheel and gearshift are covered in black leather with yellow stitching.
The second model comes in blue carbon and polished anodized aluminium. The rims, the grills and (more…)
Hi all! I know it’s been a few days since my last post, but I’ve been traveling and will continue to do so for the next week. I figured a good way to kick things off again would be to highlight some of the new concepts that popped up at the Frankfurt Auto Show, along with the reasons why I believe they are relevant. So, here we go:
Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric
429hp and a ridiculous 2,360lb-ft of torque, this car is the Brabus way of saying “we will not fall behind”. The battery packs send power to the electric motors fitted at each wheel, hence the 4WD moniker.
Why is it significant? Brabus is one of the most respected tuners in the world. By showcasing a fully electric rocket, they’re saying that regardless of the changes in the automotive industry, they’re not going anywhere.
Maserati Kubang
Leveraging its partnership with Chrysler, and mostly Jeep in this case, Maserati finally has a way into the SUV market with the Kubang.
Why is it significant? The Kubang will help elevate Maserati’s sales, possibly taking the brand into homes where it didn’t stand a chance.
Volvo Concept You
With the design of this concept, Volvo has finally decided that playing it safe wasn’t an option any longer.
Why is it significant? As Saab continues to struggle, Volvo shows (more…)
The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) – an international trade association of different manufacturers, distributors, retailers, custom-car builders, car clubs, race teams and more, and also host of the largest aftermarket trade show in the world. What does this mean for UAE car aficianados? You might not be getting hassled for having a modified car in the near future.
The MOU basically states that a set of guidelines and regulations would be developed to allow owners of properly and safely modified cars to (more…)
The 2011 Kuwait Concours d’Elegance has come and gone, and left in its wake some wonderful memories forever cemented in my head. One that really stands out is this magnificent and eccentric car you’re looking at. It is indeed very special and very rare. How rare? Let’s just say it’s the only one in the world… numero 1 of 1.
This Lamborghini Miura Roadster was a one-off car built by Marcello Gandini and Bertone, introduced to the world at the 1968 Brussels Auto Salon. The only reason it never saw official production was due to concerns from Ferruccio Lamborghini that the roof was an integral part of the car and its structural rigidity. He also felt that without the roof, the Miura wouldn’t be a GT anymore because of how loud it would be for the passengers.
Apart from the removal of the roof, other modifications to the car included a larger air intake and spoiler, different taillights, and a roll-over hoop. To my surprise, when I (more…)
If you haven’t watched Chasing Classic Cars on the Discovery Channel, then shame on you! You’re missing out on a half-hour of historic car education like no other. Host Wayne Carini, who is a Ferrari specialist and master restorer, travels the road in search of lost and forgotten rare automobiles. The great thing about the show is his attempts aren’t always successful, like when he tried to buy a 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante, but lost at the auction block.
Mr. Carini and crew (Jim & Hannah) scoping out Mr. Nael Al Zayani’s (Kuwait Ferrari Dealer) 1985 Ferrari 308 GTS at the La Bella Italia Parade
Mr. Carini tends to find these rare pieces of automotive history in unlikely places. I’m guessing that to his American audience, Kuwait will definitely be one of those unexpected destinations.
Mr. Carini at the Classic Car Parade – 2011 Kuwait Concours d’Elegance
So, I went in search of Mr. Carini to ask a few quick questions for Brake Banzeen, but I had to catch him first.
Just when I was about to give up and walk back to my car, I turned a corner and found him standing next to this exquisite Aston Martin DB5. Phew! It was time to bring out the notepad and ask a few: (more…)
The Kuwait Concours d’Elegance classic car parade took place at Marina Crescent yesterday. There’s nothing like seeing these rare cars in motion, with the sights and sounds teleporting us back in time.
There was a pleasant crowd on hand, clapping and cheering on every car since these machines are all superstars in their own right.
A brief background was given when each car was (more…)
No country is more passionate about anything than Italy. They can make cheese sound like a work of art. So, it’s only natural that they create some of the most beautiful looking automotive pieces in the world. Hence, “La Bella Italia”, which was made up of the Al Zayani Motors Ferrari parade along with other Italian makes scattered throughout the parking area.
Ferrari Enzo. One of 400 cars ever to be produced.
Not only was it nice to be surrounded by Prancing Horses, but I got to meet some very special individuals as well. I got to have a chat with Wayne Carini, from Chasing Classic Cars (broadcast on the Discovery Channel in the Middle East), who is a living legend when it comes to finding and securing rare cars. A great guy and an honor to have him and his wonderful team in Kuwait. I’m hoping to get a short interview with him if possible before he leaves.
I even got the chance to speak with Valentino Balboni, legendary Lamborghini test driver who recently retired after spending 40 years with (more…)
More classic car action from the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance which took place today. I obviously cannot post all the cars here, but that should be more of an incentive for you to go out and see the show for yourself. The Concours is taking place at Marina Mall and Crescent everyday until the 6th of February. So now… here are more cars for you!
1934 Mercedes-Benz 380 K Kombinationswagen – flown in from Germany.
1952 Fiat Ghia 1400 Coupe ‘B Junior’ – flown in from Italy.
1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe – flown in from Germany.
1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Fixed Head Coupe – flown in from Japan.
1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 Zagato Double Bubble (my favorite one from the show) – flown in from (more…)
Well ladies and gents, it’s that time of year again when rare, vintage and priceless cars come rolling into our shores. Welcome back Kuwait Concours d’Elegance!
1913 Bugatti T22 3-seater – flown in from Italy.
Today was a gorgeous day at Marina Crescent, a bit chilly with slight winds, and sunny to the extreme. As always, the fixed installations at the Concours will be the classic cars section (near Starbucks) which plays host to some priceless vintage automobiles. In the center of Marina Crescent, you have the Presidential / Royal vehicles which belong to numerous rulers from the region. There is also a muscle car display which is closer to the Marina Hotel side. Inside Marina Mall, there are the famed cars of Hollywood, where a certain 007′s Aston Martin resides. So here are some rides to whet your appetite from the classic car installation of the event. Enjoy!
1913 Peugeot Phaeton 139 A – flown in from France.
1923 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8 Torpedo Sport – produced and flown in from Italy.
1926 Hispano-Suiza T49 Tourer – produced and flown in from (more…)
Your Thoughts!