Sydney, 9 February 2009 – Malaysian luxury automobile manufacturer Bufori successfully participated in Top Gear Live 2009, held at Sydney’s Acer Arena from 5 to 8 February, showcasing two examples of its distinctive Bufori MKIII La Joya to Australian motoring enthusiasts.
The event marked the Australian debut of the international Top Gear Live World Tour, bringing the excitement of the acclaimed BBC television programme to Sydney. Featuring popular presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, together with the mysterious racing driver The Stig, the four-day event combined spectacular live automotive performances with an exhibition of luxury, exotic and high-performance automobiles.
Bufori MKIII La Joya showcase at Top Gear Live Sydney 2009
For the occasion, Bufori presented two handcrafted MKIII La Joya coupés within the event’s Prestige & Performance Gallery, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the company’s distinctive contemporary-classic styling, luxurious appointments and meticulous craftsmanship.
The display included an elegant champagne-gold La Joya alongside a darker burgundy-toned example, highlighting the extensive personalisation possibilities available to Bufori customers.
The automobiles attracted interest from visitors, many of whom took the opportunity to admire their distinctive design, explore the handcrafted interiors and learn more about the Malaysian manufacturer.
Beyond the exhibition, a specially branded Bufori MKIII La Joya was also used to promote Top Gear Live on the streets of Sydney in the lead-up to the event.
Bufori MKIII La Joya showcase at Top Gear Live Sydney 2009
Finished in an eye-catching combination of burgundy and silver, the automobile carried prominent Top Gear Live and Shell V-Power branding, transforming the distinctive luxury coupé into a mobile advertisement for the motoring spectacular.
With its unmistakable styling inspired by the grand touring automobiles of the 1930s, the La Joya provided a particularly fitting promotional vehicle, attracting attention while reinforcing the event’s celebration of extraordinary automobiles.
Bufori’s involvement in the promotional activities and exhibition reflected its association with the international Top Gear Live World Tour, which subsequently continued to other major cities, including Hong Kong.
Gerry Khouri, Founder and Managing Director of Bufori, commented:
“Top Gear is one of the most recognised names in motoring, and we are delighted to be part of its first live event in Australia. It brings together people who are genuinely passionate about cars, making it an ideal opportunity to introduce them to the Bufori philosophy.
We are particularly pleased that one of our La Joya cars was selected to help promote the event around Sydney. It is a car that naturally attracts attention wherever it goes, and seeing it on the streets of the city where Bufori was founded is something very special for us.
Although our manufacturing operations are now based in Malaysia, our Australian heritage remains an important part of our identity. Participating in an event of this calibre in Sydney is another opportunity to demonstrate how far the company has progressed.”
The Bufori MKIII La Joya, whose name means “The Jewel” in Spanish, combines the timeless elegance of luxury automobiles from the 1930s with modern automotive engineering, advanced technology and traditional coachbuilding craftsmanship.
The distinctive two-seater coupé features a lightweight composite body incorporating carbon fibre and Kevlar, a mid-mounted 2.7-litre V6 engine and a range of contemporary comfort, convenience and luxury features.
Top Gear Live 2009 banner
Every La Joya is individually handcrafted at Bufori’s manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where skilled craftsmen undertake the intricate processes of composite fabrication, vehicle assembly, upholstery and interior finishing.
Unlike conventional mass-produced automobiles, each Bufori can be extensively personalised according to its owner’s preferences, from exterior colours and fine leather upholstery to bespoke interior appointments and finishing details.
The company’s participation at Top Gear Live was particularly meaningful given Bufori’s Australian origins. Founded in Sydney in 1986 by brothers Gerry, Anthony and George Khouri, Bufori subsequently established its manufacturing operations in Kuala Lumpur, developing into an internationally recognised manufacturer of exclusive handcrafted luxury motor cars.
Having previously participated in the Australian International Motor Shows in 2007 and 2008, Bufori’s appearance at Top Gear Live provided another opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the Australian market while reaching a broader audience of motoring enthusiasts.
Top Gear Live 2009 show Sydney.
Unlike a conventional motor show, Top Gear Live combined automotive entertainment, spectacular driving performances and an exhibition of exceptional vehicles, creating a distinctive environment in which Bufori could showcase its automobiles alongside some of the world’s most prestigious automotive marques.
The Sydney event featured ten live performances over four days, offering visitors both the excitement of the arena show and the opportunity to explore an extensive collection of luxury, sports and specialist automobiles.
For Bufori, its successful participation in Top Gear Live Sydney 2009, together with the promotional appearance of the La Joya on the city’s streets, represented another memorable chapter in the company’s international journey.
More than two decades after its establishment in Sydney, Bufori continued to demonstrate its commitment to creating distinctive handcrafted luxury automobiles while proudly celebrating its Australian heritage and Malaysian manufacturing expertise.
