Car shows in Durban are a dime a dozen. Every weekend, you're sure to find a car related gathering somewhere, whether it be in a far-flung parking lot, or outside the local bunny chow joint (don't know what a bunny chow is? Google it).
This past weekend saw one of the biggest car shows of the year take place at a large shopping centre, with festivities planned for virtually the entire 48 hours. That's fine and dandy, but the problem with local car shows is a certain lack of variety. The "slammed / stance" scene is enormous, so every show is sure to be filled to the brim with otherwise boring hatchbacks fitted with dodgy lowering kits. And if that's your poison, then that's fine.
However, I prefer my cars to be a little more...exotic. And luckily, a friend of mine was there exhibiting an incredible display of automotive art from his company that would fit my bill perfectly. After asking nicely, he was more than happy to let me get up close and personal with all the cars on offer and snap away to my hearts content. He even started a few of them for extra aural satisfaction. Nice guy hey?
Anyway, this is what I returned with. Sit back and relax, because there's plenty of car goodness below.
2018 Porsche 911 GT2RS
Up until just last week, this car was the fastest production car around the infamous Nürburgring, being ousted from the top spot by the upcoming Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. However, the GT2RS still holds a very soft spot in my heart - there's just something undeniably amazing about it. I mean, 700hp going straight to the rear wheels? Madness.
This particular example is rumored to be only one of two currently on the roads of South Africa. Being less than a few weeks old, the owner has only racked up just over 500km on the odometer, but I was assured that this car would be hitting the track once the engine has been properly run in. I can't wait.
And did I mention it has the Weissach package? This package costs a fair penny more, but reduces the cars weight by a further 18kg
Downforce is a serious business on the GT2RS
The rest of the interior is remarkably standard Porsche - but don't forget the huge rollcage just out of frame. Oh, and the speedometer that goes to 400km/h.
Not exactly my best photo of the bunch, but it works well to show off the massive amount of (genuine) carbon on this track-orientated monster.
Can you guess I'm a huge fan of the GT2RS?
Yeah, you're probably getting bored of me waxing lyrical about it. But that's ok - I understand. Let's keep moving on to look at some of the other exotic machinery on display.
2015 McLaren 650S Spider
Ah yes, good old McLaren. After producing the F1, they sort of just vanished for many years, but then came back with a vengeance by releasing the MP4-12C. This particular model is the successor to the MP4-12C, and still shares roughly 25% of the parts.
To be honest, Woking's finest has never really appealed to me. I like the P1 (which we don't get in South Africa), yet still reserve a certain amount of respect for the rest of their work. Personal preference and all that.
But seeing the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) markings were pretty cool. This car also had an Akrapovic exhaust system fitted.
And an interior photo...because why not?
2017 Ferrari 488 Spider
From the get-go, it should be fairly obvious this is no standard 488. This one has been extensively modified (cosmetically, at least), with a smattering of aftermarket additions - some of which cost enough to buy you a regular hatchback.
It's worth noting that there were a bunch of other Ferrari's on display, including a maroon red 488, as well as the mighty F12. However, since this was a "custom" car show, I decided to investigate the custom one of Maranello's offerings.
I shudder to think how expensive that front carbon splitter must cost, since it's inevitably going to be replaced after an encounter with one of South Africa's notoriously huge speedbumps.
At least you can drop the top and look good while getting it replaced. Silver linings and all that...
2017 Porsche 911 GT3 (X2)
I've decided to include these two cars as one because they're essentially the same car - just in different colours. Both even have the exact same Akrapovic exhaust system, with the only major noticeable difference being the enormous wing on the white GT3 (as if the standard wing wasn't big enough already).
Can't see the wing? Ok, just admire the front view for a bit...then scroll down.
Yeah. Surprise.
The interior of the black GT3 featured some pretty cool artwork dedicated to racing legend Ayrton Senna.
Whereas the white GT3 featured a serious amount of Akrapovic branding. I've checked - the owner is in no way affiliated with them, other than having one of their systems on the car. Gives it a nice "race car" look though.
2013 Nissan R35 GTR
I didn't venture much outside of the undercover show area, only doing a quick lap around the parking lot. Not much caught my attention, but I did have to stop and admire one of my all-time favourites: the Nissan GTR. This particular model was sporting a striking deep blue paintwork, sitting on a set of debatable rims. Once again, each to their own...I'll mind my own business over here.
And that wraps up my show experience.
| Camera | Canon 6D |
| Lens | Canon 24-105 f4 L Series / Rokinon 24mm f1.4 |
| Processing | Lightroom CC |
| Location | Durban, South Africa |