Manila's Finest: 2023 Motul Manila Auto Salon x Sport Truck Show

Some of the builds and rigs you'll see at the SMX Convention Center

The automotive aftermarket scene takes center stage this time as Tradeshow International, Inc. and Motul Infiniteserv International have officially opened the 2023 Motul Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Much like the previous editions of the Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show, there's a wide variety of vehicles on display that's guaranteed to suit every car enthusiast's preference. You'll find a lot of interesting and inspiring automotive builds across the four halls of the SMX Convention Center - ranging from vintage classics, 90s JDM legends to high-end exotics and purposely-built 4x4 rigs.

Luxuriant Group showed off their aftermarket lineup with their Sailun Tire, RoadX Tires, Giti Tires, and Sata tool brands along with their GWM vehicles like the Ora 03 EV, Tank 300, Haval H6, Jolion, and the Cannon pick-up truck which made their first appearance in the annual event.

One of the biggest booths you'll see at the show belongs to event partner Motul, who has showcased some of the sickest builds coming from the returning Angie King of Car Porn Racing.

Together with a couple of Porsche 911s, a Skyline drift truck, and the Corvette “Black Manta”, the RWB Victoria is present on the Motul booth, sporting an aero kit optimized for time attack battles along with the four-rotor, twin-turbo powered RX7 drift car.

Motul also has its latest products on display, along with a pair of sim racing rigs for the visitors where they can enjoy and win exciting prizes.

Meanwhile, Import Hookup, Second Skin Industries, and Alex Car Restoration has an interesting mix of racing, art, and ultra-luxury at their booth. Speaking of racing, they have the Ferrari 458 GT3 and Mercedes SLS-AMG GT3 on display. There's also a trio of Porsches at their booth, and all are sporting unique graphics made by Ronald Ventura.

On the other side of the Import Hookup booth, reigning Best of Show winner Keith Bryan Haw pulled out some showstoppers - a Rolls-Royce Ghost, Ferrari 458, Mclaren 765LT, and Mercedes S-Class.

The Motul Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show wouldn't be complete without having Japanese contemporary tuner cars. Modern Japanese performance icons like the Nissan GT-R, Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and Toyota's GR models like the Supra, 86, and Yaris are all found in various booths around the SMX Convention Center.

Notably, there are much less 90s JDM legends on display for this year's edition, but nevertheless, you can still see a few examples of EK and EG Civics, as well as a hatchback and sedan version of the Corolla “Lovelife” on display. For those who love vintage classics, there's a Datsun 240Z, along with an Austin Mini and a Toyota Sprinter Levin.

Moving on to 4x4s, there's plenty to feast your eyes on depending on the build direction that you would want to take on. If you like your 4x4s purpose-built for off-road racing and heavy trail use, you can check out what 199 Off Road House has done with the Batman-themed 6X6 Toyota FJ Cruiser. They also have a 3-door Nissan Patrol Y60, as well as a Suzuki Jimny on display.

The Black Rhino booth likewise has some interesting off-road builds for the Defender 110 and pick-ups like the Toyota Hilux, but perhaps their most striking display is the yellow Toyota FJ Cruiser that's designed for extreme off-road competition.

For those who like their 4x4s nicely tricked out for the daily drive, Ridemax and Autobot brought in modern PPVs like the Terra, Fortuner, and Everest along with their pickup counterparts to show visitors what possible builds they can do to their rides.

When it comes to going outdoors and going camping, however, Atoy Customs and Overland Kings have got you covered. Atoy Customs displayed some camper vans that you can tow with your 4x4 pick-up or SUV, and they've also explored what you can do with the Toyota Liteace as they turned it into a fully functional RV.

Overland Kings basically turned their booth into a mini campsite that also displays their latest merchandise such as caps, stickers, and shirts. Surrounding the mini campsite are Joel Pedro's very own Land Cruiser 70 that's equipped with a rooftop tent and a power station at the back, Chef JP Anglo's Toyota Hilux GR-S with a mobile kitchen, a Toyota Tundra and an overland-ready Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

Rugged Rigs had a trick up their sleeves rolling in a built Jeep Wrangler with a 492 HEMI under the hood along with other well-built trucks.

Perhaps, the most notable change is that the number of detailers showcasing their products and services has grown from previous years. For those who like to keep their cars looking spot-free, there are plenty of detailing products from various car care brands to choose from. Some are even doing product demonstrations done by professional detailers to see the proper way of maintaining your car's look.

Meanwhile, there are also a lot of automotive products and services from various retail stores and aftermarket brands that you can check out at the show. Some exhibitors are even selling their products at discounted prizes with lots of freebies.

While it's great to look at what's happening at the 2023 Motul Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show from your screens, nothing beats going to SMX and seeing the finest builds, the quality products, and of course, the pretty models in person.

The 2023 Motul Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show runs from November 16 to 19, 2023. Gates are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.