High-end Car Manufacturers Make Middle East Debut at Dubai International Motor Show

Borrowing looks from the classic 1967 Ford Mustang as well as the Dodge Challenger and Charger, it’s a hand built carbon fibre, aluminium composite bodied car powered by a modern 6.2-litre Supercharged V8 from General Motors.

“It takes about four to six months per car to build which is about 5,000 man hours. We’ve had some serious enquiries already but because it’s a bespoke product it takes a lot of time to manufacture,” brand ambassador, Ian James said.

“The reception has been amazing. We were a little apprehensive when we debuted it back home at the Detroit Auto Show and you never know how it’s going to go with the different culture here but so far, everyone seems to love it here.”

Based in Detroit, Michigan, Equus plans to produce no more than 15 examples at around dhs1.8million each.

At the other end of the spectrum is England’s Alvis Car Company which is building new cars using the same tooling and manufacturing technology from 1934.

Making its Middle East debut after being first shown in Essen, the Alvis range is priced from dhs1.4million to dhs2million depending on the three model choices.

“With this car we are looking for very few, but high-end customers so the Middle East was an obvious place to start,” Richard Joyce from Alvis said.

“Each model is built using the same ash frame and aluminum skin as was used back in the day and we remanufacture the engines to the original designs but with just enough modern technology to make it compliant for modern emission standards.

“What we are aiming to do is to give a 1930’s supercar driving experience so we didn’t want to make it too modern as we wanted to offer a driving experience most people have never had before. And we can provide them with a brand new, 1930’s car.”

Looking more like a classic James Bond car than a modern GT tourer, David Brown Automotive Limited has also shown its Speedback GT for the first time in the region.

A project of passion for company founder David Brown, the Speedback GT is hand built in the United Kingdom using 1960’s styling cues and body fabrication methods mixed with a modern day interior and drivetrain.

“David Brown is a classic car fanatic but hates the fact they break down and don’t have modern performance and all those luxuries we are used to now. So his idea was to embrace that British craftsmanship and heritage and construct a completely hand built car with modern performance, technology and interior,” Business Development Manager, Michelle Gay said.

“The interest at the show so far has been fantastic.The Speedback GT will always remain exclusive and we will never build more than 100 examples.” The Speedback GT is powered by a modern, Jaguar-sourced, 5-litre supercharged V8 engine and retails for dhs2.8 million plus tax.

The show will feature a jaw-dropping collection of the world’s latest super cars, motorbike and automotive manufacturers as well as specialist zones for tuning and customisation. A total of 15 halls will cover 85,000 square metres and have the latest in car designs, driving technology, tuning tips and custom gear.

For the first time, this year will see a new Motoring Nostalgia UAE Motoring Museum. A dedicated section for thousands of classic car fans who will get closer to historic classic and vintage models. The museum will showcase iconic cars through the generations from the 50s to the 80s which are symbols from their respective eras whether they are vintage, retro, sports or famous film stars, but most importantly, have made a significant contribution to the history of the automobile.

The 2015 Dubai International Motor Show is open from 11am to 10pm on November 11; 11am to 11pm on November 12 and 13; and from 11am to 10pm on November 14.

Prices are AED 65 for single-day entry, with children under 12 entering free. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.