Fast and Furious at the MIAS Custom Car Competition
Manila Intertional Auto Show (MIAS) 2026 opens its doors on April 9-12 at the World Trade Center (WTC). In addition, MIAS will once again feature a multitude of cars at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC). The PTTC will be seamlessly connected to MIAS Main Hall and East Wing tent exhibitions via airconditioned walkway.
The highlight of the PTTC will be the MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition, presented by Petron. Now in its 21st year, MIAS has grown into a sprawling 22,500-square-meter showcase of innovation, stretching across the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the returning Philippine Trade Training Center. The theme “Powering Mobility” is evident everywhere—from EV charging infrastructure to hybrid crossovers—but inside the custom and classic car arena, the story shifts from the future to a raucous and reverent celebration of the past, reimagined through Filipino craftsmanship.
Show visitors can expect rare and exotic vehicles such as the Porsche 911 RWB, the rarely-seen Porsche 944 Turbo S, Chevrolet Corvette, R34 Skyline GT-R, Honda NSX, classic Land Cruiser and Defender D90. A Willys Jeepney will be on display. Autoplus Sports will also showcase the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Supra.
PTTC will also host the much-awaited Miss MIAS pageant, presented by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Showgoers can vote for their favorite booth models. Visitors can also try their skill at the racing simulator with a chance to bag prizes.
Here, chrome and paint gleam not just as decoration but as dedication. Each vehicle on display carries a narrative shaped by countless hours in garages, where builders obsess over every curve, every bolt, every stitch of upholstery. The competition is not merely about aesthetics; it is a testament to ingenuity—where vintage silhouettes meet modern engineering, and where heritage is preserved not in static display, but in motion and reinvention.
Complementing the high-tech showcases of electrified brands surrounding it, the Petron Custom and Classic Car Competition thrives on individuality. No two builds are alike. Some honor their origins with meticulous restorations, bringing decades-old machines back to showroom condition. Others take bold creative liberties—transforming classic shells into contemporary masterpieces with upgraded engines, suspension systems, and bespoke interiors. Together, they form a living gallery of automotive artistry.
The competition also underscores a uniquely Filipino perspective on car culture. In a country where resources can be limited, builders rely on creativity and resourcefulness, often fabricating parts by hand or repurposing materials in unexpected ways. The result is a lineup that feels deeply personal—cars that are not just owned, but lived with, modified, and loved over time.
Set against the broader narrative of an industry adapting to global challenges and shifting toward sustainability, the competition serves as a grounding force. It reminds visitors that while mobility continues to evolve, the emotional connection between people and machines remains constant.
As visitors move between the futuristic displays and the nostalgic charm of these custom builds, one thing becomes clear: MIAS is not just about what’s next. Through the MIAS-Petron Custom and Classic Car Competition, it is also about honoring where the journey began—and the passionate individuals who continue to keep that legacy alive.
