JSK wins back-to-back at the Petron-MIAS 2013 Custom and Classic Car Competition

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) once again showcased some of the country’s most desirable classic and modified cars. For the third time in a row, the country’s leading fuel brand Petron presented the Petron-MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition, which was held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, adjacent to the World Trade Center Manila, from April 4 to 7, 2013. 

Last year’s “Best of Show” winner at MIAS was an entry by JSK shop owner Johnson Tan, a fully customized 2008 Honda Civic FD. This year, JSK once again won the coveted “Best of Show” title aside from bagging the “Best Bodykit” and “Best Asian 2-door modified” trophies as well as getting the runner up titles in “Best in Paint” and “Best Engine Display.”

Several other category awards and trophies were also given 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. From tinsmiths, paint shop experts, mural artists, engine rebuilders and leather craftsmen, each entry is a result of months of hard work employed by the local restoration and customization shops who deliver world-class results.

The owners of these automobiles, particularly the classic cars, help preserve the Philippines’ automotive heritage and provenance by allowing future generations to appreciate them. 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. This year, over 80 cars entered into the competition and past winner and now competition judge Alex Isip of Alex Car Restoration, a veteran with over 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 gave visitors and car enthusiasts a close look at both classics and highly modified cars that brought out a lot of smiles and Facebook snapshots.  Among the more interesting entries this year were the 1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic that still came with all the era correct accessories and it has been well preserved for over 20 years since it last entered into a car competition. The car is now owned by celebrity Maverick Relova. Other crowd favorites were a 1990s Ferrari Testarossa and a resto-modified 1966 Mustang GT350 by Ian Sosa that came with a brand new Boss 302 crate engine that won “Best 2-door American modified,” “Best Golden Era 1960s” and the “Russ Swift Choice” awards. MIAS is organized by Worldbex Services International.