Auto show revs up local enthusiasm with $200,000 cars and custom motorcycles

KIRKUK — More than 100 high-performance vehicles, off-road trucks, classic cars, and custom motorcycles drew crowds to Kirkuk Mall over the weekend for the city’s second “Auto Show,” a growing event organized by the Kirkuk branch of the Iraqi Motor Federation.

“This is the second Auto Show in Kirkuk and the first to be held in the mall,” said Mohammed Najad Rashid, head of the federation’s local branch. “More than 100 vehicles participated, including a wide variety of categories — classics, sports, drift, and off-road. Our goal is to support and develop motorsport culture in Kirkuk, and we hope authorities can provide designated areas and specific times for these activities so enthusiasts can practice safely and legally.”

The event featured over 70 cars and 30 motorcycles from across Iraq, with some vehicles valued above $200,000. Among the highlights was a rare Mercedes AMG GT-R showcased by Mustafa Mohammed Khalifa.

“I’ve participated in auto festivals in Sulaymaniyah before. My car is a one-of-a-kind model,” Khalifa said. “It was fully modified in Dubai during Auto Dubai 2024. It has 585 horsepower and 720 Nm of torque. Spare parts are not available in Iraq — I have to import them from Germany or Dubai. Even something like the antique air filter isn’t sold here. The total cost of the car exceeded $160,000.”

Motorcycle enthusiasts also had their moment. Amir Abu Rayan displayed a 2003 Golden CC bike in a distinctive purple-blue color. “I made both interior and exterior modifications, and it’s now valued at around $10,000,” he said. “This is my first time joining such an event, and the experience was very enjoyable.”

Participant Mohammed Khayyat showcased a fully customized vehicle styled to resemble a U.S. police cruiser. “I added everything needed for visual effect. It’s only for shows — I don’t drive it on public roads because that’s not allowed,” he said. “The car cost around $30,000.”

Khayyat, who owns another vehicle used solely for exhibitions and group meets, said interest in motorsport is rising among Iraq’s youth. “But we face challenges — there’s no local infrastructure, and we struggle to access parts. We always ask local authorities to give us a dedicated space for these shows, but so far, there’s been no response. We end up ordering parts from Baghdad or even from the U.S. through platforms like Amazon.”