One thing that I miss from my childhood is the Melbourne Motor Show. For a young car enthusiast, it was the best thing in the world but since then, not many major car events have taken place in what we call “Jeff’s Shed” – known today as MCEC or perhaps more simply, the Convention Centre. I actually went here a little while ago for the Euro Vs JDM show but that didn’t really deliver what I wanted. I think it was a case of wasted potential, and the response form the community was far from glowing so when I heard that the Black Label Invitational had decided to choose Jeff’s Shed as the location for it’s fourth edition, I was very excited. The events that I attended in 2022 and 2023 had some truly excellent cars, so my expectations were high coming into the 2024 show. Moving to such a prestigious venue is naturally going to elevate my expectations for the event, however I’m delighted to say that it delivered. I have never seen such a fantastic line up of tastefully modified cars before. Let me present to you the absolute quality of Black Label IV.
First up we have this wonderful replica of Keiichi Tsuchiya’s AE86 owned by Manny. Seeing such an iconic vehicle at a show that’s primarily dedicated to the best of JDM was incredible. This was the car that helped introduce the world to drifting and touge racing, creating a cultural phenomenon that’s become a cornerstone in today’s car scene. Alongside it’s starring role in the famous anime Initial D, this little rear-drive Toyota embedded itself into the psyche of car enthusiasts all over. It represents soo much for soo many people, laying the foundation for The Fast And The Furious, Gran Turismo and Need For Speed Underground. Combined, all these things created an entire legion of JDM fans and a modifying culture that persists to this day. I guess I’m tripping over myself but I just LOVE this car. It’s honest, simple and well-built with all the handling you could ever need to tackle tight roads. Manny wasn’t born an enthusiast like me, but after seeing Tsuchiya and his AE86 on the Japanese show “Hot Version” during a long stay in hospital, he became obsessed and the rest is history. It’s wholesome to see a car dedicated to someone’s hero.
Last time I saw the car known as Dibzer, it was in a different state and definitely not ready for a show like Black Label. I was quite surprised to see this car all cleaned up with a chrome engine cover for the inline-6 and a turbocharger strapped to the side. The E36 M3 has become a cult car and for some, it’s the perfect incarnation of the recipe adopted by the original M3 in 1989. Of course, the one I prefer is the E46 but it would be wrong for me to look down upon a car of this caliber. This quality piece of German engineering is hard to resist and turning things up a notch for a big show is the perfect way to make an impact. I sat there for a few minutes admiring the engine bay because it’s nothing short of mechanical art. BMW has always prided itself on making characterful and sporty engines, so it’s only right to make that the centerpiece of your build.
Ford Australia’s “Barra” motor has become synonymous with our home-grown tuning scene, being the foundation for some truly mad Ford Falcons that produce some serious power. The lump in the front of this BF Falcon really stood out because it’s BIG and has a lot of intricate piping attached. It’s clear to me that a lot of work has been done to this engine. What is it with straight sixes and big power? They seem to go hand in and hand and Ford’s efforts in the early 2000’s have helped to make this engine a true workhorse that can really haul arse. I also like the wheel and colour choice because it isn’t over the top or a complete eyesore. A Falcon with stupid wheels, a crap colour and a tacky bodykit is rubbish compared to this.
Let’s not forget about the impressive turn out of Porsches at this year’s edition of Black Label. I feel like we were starved of them in 2023, so seeing such a strong selection was definitely a highlight. The most interesting Porsche that showed up was this: the GT3 RS MR. As I’ve said before, Manthey Racing is a professional race team from Germany that races Porsches and provides factory-approved upgrade packages for customers who want a little more from their machine. It’s not a massive upgrade over the standard car but it’s enough to make a difference on the track. I hope it gets thrashed on a regular basis.
You’ve seen speakers and screens in the back of a car, but have you ever seen a waterfall? This Toyota Crown does and people were dumbfounded as to how it worked soo seamlessly. I don’t know if it’s smart, silly or stupid, but either way, you’re going to get a lot of attention from the attendees. The rear lights were also flashing in a funny way, sweeping across the cluster like those stacking games that you’ll find at an arcade. However, I’m not done with the surprises just yet. At the front, you’ll find 2 superchargers attached to what I’m pretty sure is a 1UZ V8 in the engine bay. This car takes the VIP style and turns it up to 11.
This Kenmeri Skyline is just perfect – the right wheels, the right fitment, the right wheel arch extensions and the right colour. It’s not the craziest or the most extreme build, but it’s period correct with all the bits and pieces you need to emulate that 70’s style. I sometimes feel as though subtlety is a lost art, but when I see something like this, my faith is immediately restored. If you’re going to go through all the trouble of restoring and modifying this car, you might as well do it right so the people around you know that you respect the car you’re dealing with. Kenmeris were not produced in great numbers – whether this actually came to the country as a genuine article I don’t know – but then again I don’t care. It looks legitimate to me.
Have a look at this EG Civic. Isn’t it great? This cutesy racer has a fantastic retro livery that I’m pretty sure was put on a proper competition-prepared Civic in the early 90’s. Despite not having a Type R variant, the car was a formidable weapon amongst other front-wheel drive vehicles. The Mugen and Idemitsu colours combine for an appealing design that anyone with a creative mind will be drawn to. I love race car liveries and when they’re done right, they show a clear identity that adds to the story of the team and/or driver behind the wheel. You don’t normally see cars with racing liveries at Black Label, so seeing this Civic made me very happy indeed.
No matter what you do, it’s hard to ignore the BMW M4 because it’s still a fantastic performance coupe – despite the extra heft. This car has been controversial for number of reasons, but what isn’t controversial is the superb handling that seems to defy physics. James Martin (JayEmm On Cars), one of my favourite car reviewers on YouTube, said it was “frustratingly good”, which is the best backhanded compliment I’ve ever heard to describe this vehicle. So, why have I featured this example? Well the dark blue paint works as it’s one of BMW’s corporate colours, the gold wheels provide contrast with their forged spokes and carbon fibre is put in all the right places to enhance the look. I’m not the biggest fan of carbon fibre trim pieces but I really like them on this car.
Bolt-on widebody kits are quite popular nowadays because you don’t have to do a huge amount of work to put them on, but every once in a while you see an expertly crafted set of flared wheelarches like those on this S13 Silvia. I kept looking around the car to try and understand how it was built, and I came to a startling conclusion: the entire body of the car had been redone, as if it was fabricated from the factory. The lack of visible bolts and join lines make the car look as though it was formed out of a single piece of metal, contributing to a stunningly clean modification that accentuates and enhances the original design. In addition, the fitment of the white five spoke wheels is absolutely perfect, topping off a delectable treat that’s impossible to resist. Not even Gordon Ramsay will turn his nose up at this.
I can’t tell if this car started as a Mitsubishi Evo 8 or Evo 9 but it doesn’t really matter because they’re pretty much the same. This one caught my attention because it’s red and has a Voltex bodykit, similar to a model car that I have. However, that one has a big wing on the back with a WRC-inspired livery. Still, seeing a car with this kit AND the correct wheel fitment in full scale is soo satisfying to see. If I was going to modify an Evo 8/9, this is how I’d do it. As a standard package, the car doesn’t look that aggressive but with this bodykit, you’ll never be played for a fool. I’ve been a big fan of the Evo for many years, and I drove the 8 MR variant in Gran Turismo 4 repeatedly because I liked it that much. It was a solid choice on and off the pavement, but this one is strictly for the pavement. My connection is more than skin deep with this ride.
I could bang on all day about this show but I have to draw the line somewhere unfortunately. Anyway, I was thrilled to see such an incredible selection of cars from all over the country turning up IN FORCE to the car culture mecca that is Melbourne. The motor show may be dead but the magic is not, and all the feelings that I had as a 7 year old came back again. Car culture is safe down here in the whacky upside-down land.
DevMacCars 