The Manila International Auto Show 2025 wasn’t just a celebration of 20 years of Mobility and launching new vehicles that will be available to the public but also the cutting-edge tech and sleek EVs and new generation of automobiles. But in the Custom Classic Competition there were builds that are a part of the golden era of Japanese motoring, brought to life by three stunning retro builds that didn’t just turn heads—they told stories. Restored, reengineered, and reignited by passionate local builders, these icons were more than showpieces—they were living, roaring tributes to the past.
Let’s rewind and ride.
1977 Mitsubishi Lancer L-Type – Rally Heritage, Reborn by: Lancer Autobath by 3JL
You don’t just stumble upon a Lancer like this. This is the legend—the rally-bred L-Type once thrashed through the Sierra Madre 500 under the hands of racing icon Mario Mamon. Now, it’s been resurrected with reverence and edge by Lancer Autobath by 3JL, who clearly understood the assignment: restore the soul, not just the shell.
Up front, a pair of Cibie fog lights instantly sets the tone—functional and iconic, they’re not just there for show. Positioned to cut through the thickest Sierra Madre rally mist, they pay tribute to the Lancer’s motorsport pedigree. Beneath the body, 13-inch Minilite wheels wrapped in rally-spec rubber sit snugly under subtly rolled fenders, giving the car a squat, ready-for-battle stance that looks just as at home on a dirt stage as it does on the show floor.
Inside, stepping into the cabin feels like stepping back in time. The interior has been stripped down and purpose-built for the stage, featuring a full roll cage for safety and structure, a period-correct Halda rally trip meter mounted proudly on the dash, and a no-frills layout that echoes the spartan, function-over-form aesthetic of 1970s rally machines.
Every detail inside speaks to the car’s rally DNA, untouched by unnecessary modern touches, and preserved in a way that feels authentic rather than curated.
Under the hood, the legend continues. The original 4G33 engine has been transformed into a high-compression powerhouse, now breathing through a set of twin Weber carburetors. It’s a setup that nods to vintage tuning culture while injecting a dose of modern performance—raw, mechanical, and alive. This isn’t just a showpiece. It’s a machine rebuilt to run, roar, and relive its glory days, one gravel stage at a time.
This isn’t a resto-mod. It’s a rally resurrection.
1991 Honda Civic EF Hatch – The Refined Street Fighter by: Rolling Right Restoration and South Street Detailing
If ever a car wore its JDM roots and street cred with the same pride, it’s this deep green Civic EF. An icon of the ’90s reimagined for 2025, this build by Rolling Right Restoration with final touches from South Street Detailing balances clean showcar energy with a raw, unfiltered street racing soul.
Slammed on a pristine set of 17-inch Leon Hardiritt wheels, this Civic EF Hatch doesn’t need to shout to be seen—it exudes quiet confidence with every angle. The fitment is flawless, the stance aggressive yet composed, giving the car an unmistakable street presence that stops people in their tracks without a hint of try-hard energy. It’s the kind of build that rewards a second, third, and fourth look.
Beneath the hood lies a B16B Type R engine swap, taken straight from the pinnacle of Honda’s naturally aspirated engineering. With a screaming VTEC kick and razor-sharp throttle response, this hatch isn’t just for show—it’s built to move. Every blip of the throttle is a reminder that this car was made to be driven, not just admired.
Step inside and you’re transported back to the golden era of ‘90s tuner culture. The interior remains remarkably faithful to the factory layout, preserving the original seats and trims, yet subtly upgraded with a Momo Prototipo steering wheel—a nod to motorsport heritage that blends seamlessly into the cabin. And yes, there’s still that distinct, nostalgic Honda scent—a sensory throwback for longtime fans.
The final stroke of brilliance is the paint: a deep, jewel-like Emerald Green that shimmers under the show lights. It’s rich, elegant, and utterly unique—changing hue depending on the angle and lighting, like a rare gem nestled in the chaos of the auto show. This EF Hatch isn’t just a clean build—it’s a rolling tribute to the precision, pride, and passion that defined an era.
This Civic doesn’t chase trends—it defines them.
Toyota Corolla Wagon – The Family Car That Grew Fangs by: Steve’s Detailing and Car Care
What happens when you take the unassuming Corolla wagon and hand it to a mad genius with track dreams and a nostalgic heart? You get this. A sleeper in every sense, this custom-blue beauty by Steve’s Detailing and Car Care is both a nod to its utilitarian past and a rocket ship aimed at the future.
Rolling on 17-inch Contra wheels, this Corolla wagon immediately shakes off any lingering image of its humble origins. The wheels give it a confident stance—aggressive without overcompensating, purposeful yet playful. The fitment hugs the fenders just right, giving the wagon a lowered, track-ready posture that hints at the surprises lurking beneath its vintage sheet metal. It’s a stance that brings swagger to practicality, turning heads with every roll.
Pop the hood, and you’ll find a gem of an engine: the revered 4AGE Blacktop. Known for its high-revving nature and razor-sharp throttle response, this powerplant injects serious performance into what was once a modest family hauler. The engine sings at higher RPMs, delivering not just speed but the kind of analog driving thrill that makes every shift feel like a celebration of old-school Toyota engineering. Revs come fast, power delivery is smooth and linear, and the fun factor? Off the charts.
To keep all that energy in check, the builders didn’t cut corners—enter the Wilwood big brake kit. With larger, more capable calipers and rotors, stopping power is sharp and confidence inspiring. Whether it’s carving through twisty backroads or surprising modern sport compacts at a weekend track day, this wagon is more than ready for the challenge. Braking isn’t just an afterthought—it’s part of the experience.
Yet, despite all these upgrades, the soul of the original Corolla wagon remains intact. In a charming nod to its roots, the interior still features the original child seats, complete with the period-correct Toyota chiller and even the dog net—yes, really.
It’s this juxtaposition that makes the build so compelling: a car that’s equal parts speed machine and family time capsule. Because sometimes, the coolest sleepers are the ones that still bring the kids to school, cool the drinks, and have room for the dog.
From Euro bumpers to Recaros, it’s quirky, quick, and unapologetically cool.
While EVs hummed quietly in the background and cars wowed with tech are the main thing at MIAS, these three machines on display at the Custom and Class Competition are louder as they come with history, heart, and a clear message:
You don’t always have to look forward to feel the future. Sometimes, it’s waiting for you in the rearview mirror—restored, refined, and ready to run.
Catch these legends and the stories they carry at the Manila International Auto Show 2025, World Trade Center, Pasay City.