DUBSHED X

DUBSHED X

X IS FOR 10

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis 

10 years... 10 freaking years; what’s the big deal you may ask – well, for many this may seem like nothing but for a country this small this is an achievement, and a milestone worth celebrating. Before all the local Facebook car pages, before all the car/social media clubs, before all the Youtube “influencers” there was a bunch of boys and girls that took on a massive challenge, gamble and financial risk to host what I would describe as the first proper modern-era car show in Northern Ireland. Fast forward 10 years and we’re looking at dozen car shows within the NI show season and all this is most likely down to the very first Dubshed. So before I get stuck into the article I would like to kick things off with a huge thanks to boys and girls at “GTINI” that for 10 years running have been doing a tremendous job.

#dubshed

DUB SHED – dubs in a shed…Over the 10 years “Dubshed” has changed a fair bit: from format, venue to the actual show’s ideology. What started off as 1-day VAG (Volkswagen, Audi Group) only event held at the Kings Hall in Belfast transformed into an all-weekend show welcoming all makes and models. Dubshed rapidly outgrew the original venue and reallocated to its current home at the “Eikon” exhibition centre in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

And whilst there may have been a lot of things that have changed over the years, one of them has not – the popularity and quality of the show. The show always acts as the season opener and never fails to attract thousands of people from across the island, UK and even Europe. The show has marked its place and rightfully gets noticed as one of the UK headliners.

#Foreverchanging

Over the years a great partnership was formed between the show hosts “GTINI” and social media club “ILB”. It’s the relationship between these two clubs that ultimately transformed the show into what it is today and why we love it so much. Nothing lasts forever and GTINI recognized that, so before the show had died of natural causes they decided to embrace the change. A few years ago ILB was given a green light to invite a few more friends; and so they did – cars, bikes, trikes, planes, boats (ok no boats). And it worked! GTINI’s Dubshed grew bigger, better and stronger with each year. 

Fast forward to 2019; the dub scene has become a lot quieter than it was, but the show has not. Fundamentally Dubshed had transformed into two shows: the main hall for the hardcore VAG fans was still occupied by the German’s finest, whilst the secondary Logan hall (actually the bigger hall) was open to all – from drift cars to classics, to modern supercars. What’s there not to like really??? We basically get 2 shows for the price of one – awesome! 

And of course there was the outdoor area that was occupied with cars from different eras, continents and styles.

#canwesustainit

Be it the financial instability of Brexit, repetitiveness or just a lack of interest, but it seems the car world has slowed down a bit here for a while and less builds have appeared compared to the previous years. Somehow though Dubshed still managed to pull out another rabbit of the hat and display yet again new and unseen cars. So yes, long live the dubshed, it knows how to survive. 

Very, very few people will be blown away by a financed modern VAG covered in stickers by the sponsored car cleaning company sitting on brand new alloys and air suspension anymore, but seeing a genuinely epic 5 year build most likely will. I do genuinely believe there was a great selection of high standard cars in both halls this year. 

When it comes to quality and car selection at Dusbshed I must admit I think the standards have increased each year. This may be a very personal opinion and many would disagree, but keeping it fair and reserving high quality builds only for indoor sports have forced a lot of people rethink the things they do to their cars over winter thus resulting in a much better display overall. 

Have you really been to a car show unless you bring home plenty of goodies? As usual the show featured a lot of trade stands including Anachem , Blok 51, Mynt, Arez Air/Intermotiv, Quantum44 etc. 

#RBCHOICE

As usual you will find a full list of show winners on the official GTINI site; however, I’ll talk about my favourite cars from the show. 

HONDA CRZ

I am sorry, but whaaaaaaaaaaaaat… This car just blew me away (well it always had, but now even more). To come and build a demo car like is just amazing. Blackwater Graphic’s Mugen inspired CRZ was always an eye candy, but now running a new livery, widebody kit, lovely Work Meister’s and full alcantara interior has turned it even into a more insane show stopper. Me likey. 

MERCEDES 250SE

What if you're Mr dapper, true gangsta and pure classy at the same time and want an all-rounder car? In that case you get this astonishing Merc 250SE. This car is so full of win even Kim Jon Un himself I believe would roll in this. I believe I called back three times just to stare at this beautiful car.

VW Golf MKII

When you build a car right it takes time; 5 years precisely for this beautiful VW Golf MKII. Matt’s MK2 may seem like any other MKII on BBS wheels, but when inspected closer you noticed a magnificent engine conversion (VR6 turbo), magnificent tweed interior with CAE shifter and other goodies as well as gorgeous BBS RS wheels. The attention to detail on this car is spectacular. Well done! 

BMW M2 and Hillman Imp

Paul brought along not one, but two spectacular cars: a modern BMW M2 on air suspension and beautiful set of BBS, versus a classic and heavily modified Hillman IMP. For me there is only one clear favourite – the gorgeous Hillman. 

BMW E30

I have never been a BMW man but there are a few models that really stand out for me – E30 is one of them. Aaron’s E30 318is is a great example of this classic that has been tastefully modified. A clean engine bay, airlift suspension, Image wheels, glorious blue paintwork and full cage inside make this E30 look very spectacular. 

NISSAN GTR R35

I am usually against motorsport cars being displayed on a car show, because despite the amazing engineering skills, most of the time the cars are bruised, damaged and not that appealing visually (unless it is something like Motorsport International, SEMA or other integrated shows), but this is not the case here. Steve “Baggsy” Biagoni’s Monster’s Nissan GTR R35 drift car is pretty much as capable on a track as it is show worthy for a display. The Monster is running a GM LSX boosted V8 engine producing eye watering 1200hp. 

VW JETTA/VENTO

A strange car to bring to a show if you own a paint shop – rusted out Jetta/Vento (depending on what part of planet you live in)… One may require tetanus shot following a ride in it, and the urine stains may transfer onto your clothing. However, following a closer inspection you notice there are some skills there after all – the amazing rear livery is not a vinyl afterall, and turns out everything about it is well planned and executed. And most importantly it got me stopped and talk about it. Job done, well played Paintworx! 

INTERMOTIV/AREZ AIR STAND

I don’t think there is any point talking about the cars found on the stand of Intermotiv/Arez Air display for they were truly amazing, so instead a simple thumbs up should do! The stand featured an amazing BMW, a super mean 350 Zeeee and a well executed Audi. Fair play gents, I genuinely enjoyed each and every one of these cars and think they would be prize worthy! 

#TOP3

For me these three cars represent what I love about cars, car shows and why I love what Dubshed has become. A stunning, beautifully restored BMW 2002 that is unmollested and would normally be only ever seen in classic shows. A funky, retro meets stance Jag that would be normally only seen overseas as nobody here would do it, and a heavily modified BMW that would feel at home at SEMA.  

#thedarkercloud

The work that goes behind the scenes is just ridiculous and seeing negative comments on social media after 8and even before the show makes my blood boil. It takes a lot more courage, hard work and a lot of financial commitment to host an event of this scale; the easy choice of just attending it and then talking badly on social platforms about it is just plain stupid. The same principle applies regarding the cars on display – the money, time and hard work put into all these cars is just unreal. Do I like every car there –hell no, do I think the show could be even better – hell yeah, but you know what – that is what makes us strive for better each year. Looking forward to the next X Dubsheds and cars in it. Well done GTINI!

BONUS IMAGES