Gearhead Heaven (or Petrolhead Paradise)

The other day I went to the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show (ADIMS). This event happens every two years which surprises me considering the car crazy culture in the UAE. I figured it would be an annual event. The show was held in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

I have always been an incurable Gearhead (US) or Petrolhead (rest of the world). At 3 years of age I could discern different makes and models of cars. It is a native ability which unfortunately is not a lucrative one.

Seems there is there is always something going on at the ADNEC but this was my first time there. I have to say I was very impressed with the facility. Easy access and parking in the garage. The venue was squeaky clean and the attendants and security personnel were pleasant and helpful.

 One of the first things I noticed was this:

A pool,table fashioned after a 1965 Mustang

This is a creation of a company called Classic Pride from Dubai. I have to admire their vision. This was nicely done and they do a lot of other stuff with classic car themes.

All the major automobile brands had a display in addition to some local vendors and customizers.

For A-L

And many others.

One of the most interesting cars was in the Mazda area. This vehicle was shrouded for a few hours and when it was unveiled, this is what emerged:

In my opinion, easily the star of the show. While it it a concept car and most likely will never see production it still is a good example of creative design.

Hyundai had an interesting car on display also. They have come a long way from the econobox they have been known for in the past.

Abu Dhabi's Finest were well represented also.

And then there are the dreamers....Yes that is $800,000.00

Nothing beats Detroit heavy iron. They may be crude but you can't beat the Bang for the Buck!!!!

As far as pure style goes, this is my favorite:

For a cruiser, this Jaguar would be my choice, but the guy picking his nose in the background kind of ruins it for me:

I saw this woman sitting in the black Ferrari convertible and I tried to get her to do a friendly wave. She responded as if I asked her to take her pants off. I shot the photo anyway. I had a media badge on too! Bitch!!

Speaking of which, most of the women hired to showcase the cars were acting badly. Sure, I was there early and there were not a lot of folks around at that time but I saw most of the models sitting around, drinking coffee and yawning. They were not promoting the cars at all. If it was me as their boss, I would have sent them packing! Bad attitudes and indifference don't sell cars!

These ladies were cool though!

Anyway, there was some activities outside, namely the white Prado obstacle course. You would think there would be nothing left to prove as most are seen doing 200KMH+ in the fast lane but here ya go! They can actually go slow too!

And then was the Go Cart track. The concessionaire made a big deal about changing into a race suit like you are an F1 contender. I have to admit that it looked like fun but at 150 DH a pop, I had to decline. The carts sounded like they had Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engines in them but the track was tight and suitable for the speed.

All in all it was a fun afternoon. I love things automotive and this scratched my itch. The facility is top notch and things were run well. However, I am left wondering why there were not more people there and why this event is held only every two years in this otherwise car-crazy country.