While most people visiting the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) are eager to see the production passenger vehicles that will soon roam Philippine roads, there are also cars gracing the prestigious automobile expo that are considered exotic to Filipino car enthusiasts.

We at Autocar PH took exception to these cars and we are presenting them to you since we don’t often see them on Philippine roads. Here are the exotic cars that made an appearance at 2018 MIAS.

Disclaimer: list below is in random order and is not ranked.

BMW M Series
Proving that the most powerful letter in the world is “M”, the BMW M series was wonderfully represented in this year’s MIAS. The rare and only BMW E26 M1 in the Philippines is displayed at the BMW booth along with the one of 400 BMW M4 DTM Champion Package and the BMW M2. Petron Philippines also exhibited a stunning BMW M3 Competition.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Although it seems like a car show already when you see one on the road, a Lamborghini will still turn heads, even in a real car show. Spotted at the Royal Purple exhibit booth is a gray Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. Despite being displayed in a less prominent area of the hall, the 700 horsepower beast still gets a lot of attention from visitors. I mean, who wouldn’t take a photo of a Lamborghini, right?

McLaren 570GT
Displayed at the Alex Restoration exhibit is this McLaren 570GT. These days, a Ferrari, Porsche or Lamborghini roaming the streets of Manila is quite an ordinary thing (if you can call it that). But a McLaren is new to the eyes of most Filipino car enthusiasts. The British exotic in its iconic McLaren orange finish welcomes visitors before seeing Manila’s most tricked out rides.

Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe
For people who appreciate luxury cars, seeing a Rolls Royce is a sure treat. What more a custom Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe. Displayed at the Alex Restoration’s exhibit together with the equally exotic McLaren 570GT, this Rolls Royce shows class while still being fun with its custom blue paint job and 24” rims.

Chevrolet Corvette
The iconic American supercar came as a custom foil wrapped C4 -body Chevrolet Corvette that joined the custom car competition. Also, a newer generation C7-body Corvette that has been modified with wider fender-flares, custom bumper and hood graced the DRIFT Exhaust booth together with an equally stunning Ford Mustang GT.

Porsche GT3 RS
Though a GT racing spec car that is more suitable on the road, it is still a rarity to see one in metal running the local streets. Lucky for Porsche 911 GT fans, this red Porsche 911 GT3 RS is available for your viewing pleasure at the XPEL exhibit. You’d realize how clean looking the GT3 RS looks without the side decals.

Ford Mustang
Probably one of the first cars that come to mind when a Filipino car enthusiast hears the word “American Muscle Car”, the Ford Mustang made quite an appearance in this year’s MIAS. Aside from the custom rides displayed in aftermarket brands’ exhibit booths, Ford Philippines also introduced the latest Mustang which now includes a convertible version. Ford Philippines displayed not one but four of the latest ‘Stangs and based on observation, foot traffic there is always high!

Honda Civic Type R
With currently only a hundred pieces roaming the Philippine roads, the Honda Civic Type R is a true unicorn! If you’re a Honda fan, you’re in for a treat as three of the 100 Civic Type R in the country are in showcase at 2018 MIAS. Two of which are in JSK’s exhibit and another one is displayed at the Philippine Aluminum Wheels, Inc. ROTA exhibit booth.

Ford F150 Raptor
With the announcement that its little brother, the Ford Ranger Raptor, is coming to the Philippines, it’s still kind of lonesome to note that this awesome performance truck was never sold in the country. Luckily, this mean-looking black Ford F150 Raptor, customized for the great outdoors, is on display at the Thule exhibit.

Mercedes Benz G 500
Though Mercedes G Wagons are locally available and you might have seen a few on the road, the one on this list is no ordinary G Wagon, it’s the beefier Mercedes Benz G 500. To give a better perspective, it’s a G Wagon on steroids: astounding height, humongous wheel set, larger carbon fiber fenders, carbon fiber windscreen and twin shock absorbers on each corner! It’s not just a G Wagon on lift kit but a true to the core off-road vehicle and Motul Philippines brought not only one but five of these Benz off-road monsters all in different color. Man, I so love their display!

Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat 500 is a little Italian wonder that is so pleasing to the eyes. It’s small, practical and one hell of a cutie for a car. Seeing one on local roads is near to impossible as Fiat was never sold locally. Fortunately, one is currently on display at the competition area and it’s the performance version – Fiat 500 Abarth. Small but nimble and a seriously faster version of the Fiat 500. One rare sighting!

We might have missed a few more on this list, so feel free to share the unicorns you saw at the 2018 MIAS by sharing your photos in the comment section of the post.