SYDNEY, 20 October 2008 – Luxury automobile manufacturer Bufori successfully participated in the 2008 Australian International Motor Show, held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from 9 to 19 October 2008, showcasing its distinctive Bufori MKIII La Joya to Australian motoring enthusiasts.
The company’s participation marked its second consecutive appearance at the prestigious exhibition, following its return to the Australian automotive market in 2007 after more than a decade of absence.
For Bufori, the occasion was particularly meaningful. Founded in Sydney in 1986 by brothers Gerry, Anthony and George Khouri, the company began as a small family venture dedicated to creating distinctive handcrafted automobiles. More than two decades later, Bufori had evolved into an internationally recognised manufacturer of exclusive luxury motor cars, with its manufacturing and research and development operations established in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
For the exhibition, Bufori presented an elegant MKIII La Joya finished in a rich metallic burgundy, complemented by a luxurious light-coloured leather interior, polished stainless steel brightwork and the model’s characteristic flowing bodywork.
Displayed within the Super Car Central showcase in Hall 1, the La Joya stood alongside an impressive collection of exotic, luxury and high-performance automobiles, offering visitors a distinctive interpretation of exclusive motoring.
The automobile’s elegant contemporary-classic styling, inspired by the luxury motor cars of the 1930s, provided a striking contrast to the modern sports cars and supercars featured at the exhibition.
Beyond its distinctive appearance, visitors had the opportunity to discover the craftsmanship and engineering behind the La Joya, including its luxurious handcrafted cabin, intricate detailing and carefully finished rear luggage compartment.
Bufori MKIII La Joya showcased at AIMS 2008
The Bufori MKIII La Joya, whose name means “The Jewel” in Spanish, combines timeless design with modern automotive engineering and advanced technology. Its lightweight composite body, incorporating carbon fibre and Kevlar, is complemented by a mid-mounted 2.7-litre V6 engine and a range of contemporary comfort, convenience and safety features.
Each La Joya is individually handcrafted at Bufori’s manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur, where skilled craftsmen and technicians undertake the intricate processes of composite fabrication, vehicle assembly, upholstery and interior finishing.
Unlike conventional mass-produced automobiles, every Bufori offers extensive opportunities for personalisation, allowing owners to select bespoke exterior colours, fine leather upholstery, interior materials and individual finishing details.
Gerry Khouri, Founder and Managing Director of Bufori, commented:
“Australia will always be very special to us because this is where Bufori began. When we started building cars in Sydney in 1986, our ambition was simply to create something different, an automobile that combined individuality, craftsmanship and the pleasure of motoring.
Today, we have a dedicated manufacturing operation in Malaysia, with a highly skilled team producing automobiles for customers around the world. Although the company has grown considerably, our philosophy remains exactly the same.
Returning to the Australian International Motor Show for the second consecutive year is particularly rewarding. It gives us an opportunity to reconnect with the country where our journey began and demonstrate how far Bufori has progressed.”
Bufori’s return to the Australian market in 2007 had introduced a new generation of motoring enthusiasts to the marque, which was originally known for its distinctive handcrafted roadsters.
Bufori MKIII La Joya showcased at AIMS 2008
The MKIII La Joya represented a significant evolution from those earlier models, offering a more sophisticated combination of engineering, performance, luxurious appointments and individual craftsmanship while retaining the timeless styling philosophy that had become synonymous with the Bufori name.
The 2008 Australian International Motor Show brought together leading international manufacturers, specialist automotive companies and motoring enthusiasts, providing Bufori with a valuable platform to strengthen brand awareness and establish relationships with prospective customers and industry representatives.
Australia remained an important market for the company, both because of its historical significance and the country’s established appreciation for exclusive, specialist and individually manufactured automobiles.
Bufori MKIII La Joya showcased at AIMS 2008
The exhibition also reflected Bufori’s broader international ambitions. Following appearances at major motor shows in New York, Frankfurt, Shanghai and Dubai, the company continued to expand its international presence while promoting the capabilities of Malaysian automotive engineering and craftsmanship.
For Bufori, its participation in the 2008 Australian International Motor Show represented more than another exhibition. It was a celebration of the company’s origins and a demonstration of its evolution from a small Australian family venture into an international manufacturer of distinctive handcrafted luxury automobiles.
