Sometimes, you just need a little reminder about the good side of things. After a week of never-ending car gremlins and being ferried about everywhere, I’d just about had it with these motoring monstrosities and was ready to apply for a bus pass.
Then, I took a trip to a charity motor show held at St Christopher’s School’s campus in Saar and it reminded me that these four-wheeled wonders really aren’t that bad after all. I even felt something resembling love for a few models, and the fact that so many were on display to raise money for a good cause was even better.
This event was organised by parents of pupils at the school, and was held to raise money for local charities supporting orphaned children and those with autism and Down Syndrome.
The organisers certainly pulled no punches by placing a fluorescent green 1992 Mini Cooper right next to the entrance, which had me scrabbling round for my sunglasses … despite me already wearing a pair.
The car, owned by Mahmood Shahabi, was so perfectly polished and maintained that it could have been brand new. Also on display was his burnt orange Chevrolet Camaro from 1971, which was evidently his most prized possession judging by the plethora of trophies and certificates littered on a mat in front of the bonnet.
Mahmood said: “I only bought the Mini last year. It was white originally but I thought it needed freshening up, so what better colour than green? I also changed many other things and replaced old parts.
“For example, the Camaro used to be a drag car before I bought it many years ago. I then transformed it into a normal street car which I occasionally drive, although not in the summer months as I removed the air conditioning to avoid a tangle of hoses. They ruin the look of the car when I bring it to shows!
“I love modifying cars, I have many projects ongoing at once and it’s very rewarding for me personally to see the finished product, and also when I see people’s admiring faces afterwards.”
Scampering around the vast car park with the energetic beats of a DJ pounding in my ears, the vast diversity of vehicles on offer was the most pleasing aspect. It wasn’t just restricted to the established ‘luxury’ models, but it had classic cars, 4x4s, small two-seaters, muscle beasts, and even motorcycles too.
In fact, my favourite vehicle at the show was a simply stunning white and chrome bike decorated with flashes of neon pink and an array of skull motifs. It really was a work of art, and almost made me want to get into the seat of one of these death machines.
Organiser Nancy Albahara was similarly delighted with how the day’s events panned out. She explained: “It’s the first charity motor show event we’ve done in Bahrain, and judging by the success, I’d say it won’t be the last! Not only are participants showing off their cars, but they’re supporting local causes.
“The response has been fantastic, I’ve never seen so many people here! I wasn’t expecting so many classical cars so that’s a nice surprise and a bit different. I want to thank everybody that came and the people who volunteered to help out.”
