Sydney, 25 October 2010 – Luxury automobile manufacturer Bufori successfully participated in the 2010 Australian International Motor Show, held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from 15 to 24 October 2010, showcasing its distinctive Bufori MKIII La Joya to Australian motoring enthusiasts.
The company’s participation represented another chapter in its longstanding relationship with Australia, where the Bufori story began nearly a quarter of a century earlier. Founded in Sydney in 1986 by brothers Gerry, Anthony and George Khouri, Bufori has since evolved into an internationally recognised manufacturer of exclusive handcrafted luxury automobiles, with its manufacturing operations now based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
For the occasion, Bufori presented an elegant MKIII La Joya finished in a distinctive light metallic blue, complemented by a luxurious leather interior, polished stainless steel brightwork and the model’s characteristic flowing bodywork.
The automobile was exhibited within the Super Car Central showcase in Hall 6, alongside an impressive collection of exotic, luxury and high-performance vehicles from around the world.
Bufori MKIII La Joya showcased at AIMS 2010
The display provided Australian visitors with an opportunity to rediscover a brand that originated in their own country and appreciate how Bufori has evolved from its early handcrafted roadsters into a sophisticated luxury automobile manufacturer.
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 meticulous attention to detail.
The distinctive two-seater coupé features a lightweight composite body incorporating carbon fibre and Kevlar, a mid-mounted 2.7-litre V6 engine and an extensive range of contemporary comfort and convenience features.
Every 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 mass-produced automobiles, each Bufori can be extensively personalised according to its owner’s preferences, offering a wide selection of exterior colours, fine leathers, premium materials and bespoke appointments.
Gerry Khouri, Founder and Managing Director of Bufori, commented:
“Australia will always have a very special place in Bufori’s history. This is where everything began in 1986, when we set out to build automobiles that were different from anything else on the road.
It is particularly satisfying to return to Sydney and show how far the company has progressed. Today, our cars are designed, engineered and handcrafted in Malaysia, but the original philosophy remains unchanged. We still believe in creating distinctive automobiles with exceptional craftsmanship, individuality and attention to detail.
The La Joya represents everything we have learned over the years, and we are proud to bring it back to the country where the Bufori journey started.”
Bufori’s appearance at the 2010 exhibition followed its return to the Australian market at the Sydney Motor Show in 2007, subsequent participation in the 2008 exhibition and an appearance at Top Gear Live in Sydney in February 2009.
Bufori MKIII La Joya showcased at AIMS 2010
These activities reflected the company’s continuing commitment to Australia as an important market and an integral part of its heritage.
The 2010 Australian International Motor Show brought together leading international automobile manufacturers and specialist marques, presenting a broad selection of new vehicles, advanced technologies and exclusive performance cars.
For Bufori, participation in such a prominent event provided an opportunity to engage with existing enthusiasts, prospective customers and automotive industry representatives while reinforcing its distinctive position within the international luxury automobile market.
The exhibition also came during an important period in Bufori’s development. Earlier in the year, the company had unveiled its new flagship luxury saloon, the Bufori Geneva, at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland, demonstrating its ambition to expand beyond its established two-seater coupé range.
While the MKIII La Joya represented Bufori’s celebrated contemporary-classic design philosophy, the introduction of the Geneva signalled the company’s evolution towards a broader portfolio of exclusive luxury automobiles.
For Bufori, returning to Sydney was therefore particularly meaningful. Nearly 25 years after the company’s establishment in Australia, the marque continued to develop its international presence while remaining committed to the principles upon which it was founded.
The appearance of the MKIII La Joya at the Australian International Motor Show provided a fitting reminder of Bufori’s remarkable journey, from a small family venture in Sydney to a Malaysian-based luxury automobile manufacturer creating individually handcrafted motor cars for discerning customers around the world.
