May 1999


Text By Tamago and Redline
Photos By Redline
MOTION Magazine
Review and Perspectives
Redline: Let's face it: the Philippines is not one of the best venues in the world to have a motor show.  There are only a handful of local assemblers and distributors, our convention venues are relatively puny, and the Philippine market for cars is miniscule compared to the U.S., Japanese or even other Asian markets.

Still, it does us good that we do have several motor shows during the year.  What better time to hold one than in summer?  Following the spirit of the season, the organizers of the TransSportShow had an inspired idea. Assemble some of the most desirable convertibles, spyders, cabriolets, targas-in short, anything that can go topless!

Tamago: True, true, this year, the organizers TRIED to make the TransSportShow a bit different from the usual, boring, souped-up show that this was in years back.  Hence, we had some wonderful cars this year which are the true exotic and sportscar (Hallelujah!) However, the show is pridominantly a kind of tuned car / car care bazaar, where 90% of the cars in the show parade the use of this and that wax and at the same time, sell them in nearby stalls. These guys may have paid to be part of the show (or at least sponsored it,) but the organizers could have done something to make it less obvious.

One thing that's lacking in the TransSportShow is the overall internalization of the show because car owners won't even let you sit inside their cars to take a peek!  Cheesy-looking plastic red chains prevent you from getting any closer to admire the...umm...uhh...paintwork?
Philippine enthusiasts are hungry for a good motor show.  Give them almost anything and expect enthusiastic attendance.  This year's show was almost worth going to. An Aston Martin DB7showing why it has to have such a long hood!  Underneath is a supercharged 3.3 inline-6 engine. It costs a mere $135,000. Now pay attention, 007: you should have remained loyal to Aston.
Not just any F355 but an F355 F1.  Shifting like Schumacher is easy in this car equipped with a true semi-automatic transmission.  Just pull on the paddles behind the steering wheel to shift.  No clutch, no hassle, all the power and speed you can desire. If Britain has its British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and Germany its DTM we also have our own series, the PTCC.  Its cars are not as awe-inspiring but quick nonetheless. This is a heavily-modified Corolla from that series.