Welcome to my world of car-spotting. I believe each photograph tells a story, some more than others. Here, I will be showing you some of my most memorable car spots with the circumstances surrounding each one.
Name – McLaren P1 GTR
Location – Dubai Autodrome, Dubai
Back story – This is the only McLaren P1 GTR I have ever seen! This was at a track day organized by one of the most prominent car clubs in Dubai. There were so many supercars and hypercars in attendance, but this was undoubtedly the start of the show. It didn’t just put up an appearance. No, this 986-bhp hypercar also went for a few laps around the Dubai Autodrome circuit. Only about 60 units of the P1 GTR were made, each priced at about $2 million (though that value has only increased today).
Name – Ford GT
Location – Dubai Autodrome, Dubai
Back Story – All set for the track. This beautifully specced Ford GT was spotted at the race track on several occasions. I have huge respect for the owner who never hesitated to drive the car hard on the track, even though it had the optional (and expensive) carbon-fibre wheel options, which could easily get damaged. I snapped this picture just after the car dropped into Track Mode.
Name – Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Location – Ferrari Showroom, Calgary
Back Story – If my friend is to be believed, this was the first SF90 Stradale delivered in Calgary. He worked at the city’s Ferrari dealership at the time, and when he told me about the special arrival, I just knew I had to be there. It was my first time seeing the SF90 Stradale in person, and I’ll admit, it looks way better in person.
Name – Lamborghini Murcielago
Location – Els Golf Club, Dubai
Back Story – A lot of times, I take random car pictures only to later realize how significant it was. This is the Lamborghini Murcielago 40th Anniversary Edition, one of only 50 units made. I spotted it at a car event that took place right on a golf course. I was on my way to snap a Bugatti when I saw it parked off to one side. I only took a few pictures out of habit before continuing on my way. It was during later research that I realized I had stumbled on a rare gem. I have never seen another one since then.
Name – Porsche legends
Location – Dubai Autodrome, Dubai
Back Story – On this day, I happened to stumble on a Porsche photoshoot of some sort. There was a very interesting mix of both modern and classic Porsche vehicles, and I sneakily took some pictures. I recognized a few of the faces at the shoot, and so I waited out of respect until they had shared the images on social media before I also posted them on my Instagram page. I remember that day was my first time seeing the Porsche Taycan up close (not pictured here, though).
Name – Lamborghini Sian FKP 37
Location – Cardel Theatre, Calgary
Back Story – This is the same one I spotted in Edmonton. A couple of weeks after that first sighting, it popped up again at a local meet in Calgary, 300 km away! No idea if it made the journey on its four wheels or if it was shipped over. In any case, it was really nice to see the hybrid monster again. I was lucky to capture this image before the car was mobbed by an army of photographers.
Name – Ferrari F12 TDF
Location – Al Manara Street, Dubai
Back Story – The F12 TDF (tour de France) is the hard-core, more track-focused variant of the F12 Berlinetta. You won’t find too many of these out and about today. Ferrari only made 799 units, with each powered by a 769hp 6.3-litre V12 engine. This yellow example is owned by a nice Saudi dude who is also a big watch collector.
Name – Bugatti Veyron
Location – Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Back Story – The chrome finish made it difficult to get a nice shot. However, I was not going to pass up the chance to capture a Veyron sighting. Also, it was my first sighting of this particular one. It was parked up front at the entrance of the popular Mall of the Emirates – one of my favourite stomping grounds.
Name – Lamborghini Aventador Roadster 50th Anniversary Edition
Location – Zuma Restaurant, DIFC, Dubai
Back Story – I found this in the underground parking of a very exclusive restaurant during one of my countless visits. This one is special because it was unveiled in 2013 as part of Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Only 100 units of the roadster versions were made alongside another 100 coupe examples. I hung around until the owner returned to his car and zoomed off, triggering a few car alarms within the enclosed space.
Name – Lamborghini Veneno Roadster
Location – Al Ain Class Motors, Dubai
Back Story – This beauty was under a cover for several months. I remember visiting the Al Ain Class Motors showroom many times in the hopes of catching a glimpse. One day, my persistence paid off, and I spent almost an hour gawking at the insane Lamborghini creation. Only 9 Veneno Roadsters were ever built, and this is quite possibly, the only example in completely exposed carbon fibre.
Tolu Akinshete
