Nostalgic classic, vintage, and contemporary cars at Trans Sport Show 2012

Car shows come in all sorts and sizes. There are car shows that you go to to see the latest car releases, and shows you check out to keep abreast of what’s new in car customizing and tuning. And then there’s the car show you find yourself drawn to for some nostalgia.   The 21st Phoenix Trans Sport Show that opened Wednesday falls under the last kind, paying tribute to automotive history over the years. Classic, vintage, and contemporary cars are given equal spotlight, and it is always interesting what automobiles are being showcased every time.   And the show does not disappoint this year.   Spotted at the SM Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, venue of this year’s Trans Sport Show, are cute cars such as the sunny yellow 1963 Sunbeam Alpine, a sporty two-seater open car some dude must have driven along Quezon Avenue with a long-haired girl by his side to eat some mami at Ma Mon Luk or chicken barbeque at the old Aristocrat on Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard). There too was a shiny blue 1966 Karmann Ghia, a cream 1937 Chevrolet, even a red 1956 Ford F100 truck, which may all have been driven by dads who worked hard during weekdays and took the family out to Luneta on weekends.   Gleaming and stately was a 1942 Packard 180 limousine, the official car of the late President Jose P. Laurel no less, restored to its 1940s glory. One can only imagine what roads it took at the time it was in use, when the Japanese lorded it over Manila during World War II.   An old and new Mini Cooper were there, too, and you can see how the car has evolved into something more practical these days, even better now than in Mr. Bean’s era.   Prime space was given to the MGB cars to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MGB’s introduction to the market. Done by British carmaker Morris Garage (MG), the MGB is said to be “the world’s most popular sports car.”   Actor Dominic Ochoa, a member of the MG Owners Club, lent his cream 1969 MGB GT for display this year at the Trans Sport Show, and shared with enthusiasts his taste for British cars such as this one.   “I’m more into British cars—Mini Cooper, Land Rover, English Ford Escort. They have very good heritage when it comes to vintage cars. They make classic cars and the craftsmanship is there,” he said.   Ochoa added that he uses his MGB rather than just store it away. He also has a Mini Cooper which he had customized to make it suitable for vintage car racing. But for everyday use, he drives a diesel pickup truck. “I’m a very practical guy,” he said.   Among the newer cars in this year’s Trans Sport Show are a couple of Mercedes Benzes, a C180 and an E300, both customized by German car tuning company Carlsson. Clearly, these aren’t your ordinary Chedeng.   Intimidating in silver is a huge 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser. A row of Honda Jazzes, meanwhile, catches one’s attention as the cars are all lined up: a yellow 2009, a blue 2011, and a red 2009. Take your pick.   These are just some of the cars in this year’s Trans Sport Show vying for the Best of Show Awards in the Contemporary and Nostalgic categories, the winners of which will be named on Sunday, April 22.   Organizers have also thrown in a bonus for this year’s show: a free talk on Collecting Vintage Cars by collector Andy Sta. Maria on Saturday, April 21, at 4 p.m. Together with a panel from the Manila Sports Car Club, Vintage Car Club, and Porsche Club, Sta. Maria will answer questions such as what is a vintage car, what’s a good collection, and where to buy one.   Although it’s a little car show compared to the others, the Trans Sport Show is one event car enthusiasts keep going to. Nostalgia beckons, and it feels good being there. – YA/GMA News   The 21st Phoenix Trans Sport Show runs from April 18 to 22 at SM Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. For more information, visit the Trans Sport show official Facebook page. Admission fees are P80 (adults); P60 (seniors); and P40 (children).