Risenation’s final event, Allstars, marked their second major show of the year, following the Hall of Fame 2024 in march.
This time they ventured to Maastricht, the Netherlands – a location just 15 minutes from the German and Belgian borders. This made it ideal for participants from neighbouring countries and even the UK.
If you’ve ever tried to take clean and clear photos at a car show, you know how hard it is. Large crowds and tightly packed rows of cars make show photography a real challenge. Even at a venue as large as the Maastricht Exhibition & Conference Centre, it’s a problem. But there is a way around it.
The early bird catches the worm – or in this case, clean shots. With the help of a few show vendors, I managed to get through the MECC doors an hour before the public opened. This extra time gave me the opportunity to explore Allstars before the crowds arrived.
And with about 500 cars spread across three halls, I needed every minute I could get.
The high ceilings, LED lighting, black walls and light-reflecting floors presented another challenge for photography. The dim light created an atmospheric atmosphere that made bright cars – like this purple Mk4 Toyota Supra and gold Toyota bB – really stand out.
Raised display stages have become a permanent fixture of a show these days. Sometimes, however, it is cramped. A good example is the construction of the first four-door LTO BMW E36.
The surrounding sales area offered intriguing finds, including a pop-up tattoo studio. The owner of a wide-bodied F430 even had a rearing horse immortalized on his leg.
Another highlight was the collection of skate decks featuring cars from different brands and models, both with and without iconic racing colors.
And check out this hand-painted Liberty Walk kit of the Nissan GT-R.
At their merchandise stand, Risenation showed off their own wide-bodied Peugeot 205. This build, with its air suspension and large forged wheels, combines retro-futuristic flair with a hint of the Group B 205 T16. Some thought the car was built around a Dimma kit from the 90s, but the custom bodywork was actually inspired by a Khyzyl Saleem render.
While high camber builds were once a rarity in Europe, they are increasingly popping up at shows. While it’s more about style than function, this bright red Mk4 Golf GTI is an example of the trend. The amount of work that goes into such a build is impressive.
It’s always cool to see lesser-loved models, like this Ford Sierra, get the attention they deserve. Although overshadowed by its RS Cosworth sibling, this base model looked stunning.
Speaking of odd ducks, this bright yellow C4 Chevrolet Corvette was hard to miss. Once a rarity on the European show scene, there have been a few C4s built recently and are now doing the rounds.
The 86 platform isn’t as popular here as in most other regions due to its high cost, so you rarely see high caliber builds. This stunning example features a mix of two body kits, color-matched carbon fiber, and detailed custom wheels.
One of my absolute favorites at Allstars was this race-themed Mk1 Golf. Its show-quality paint job, center-lock BBS Motorsport wheels and detailed Frankenstein engine with ITBs were impressive.
Another standout was this VW Scirocco, which sat low on 14-inch wheels. The mesh design of the wheels and the chunky tires are exemplary of the ‘less is more’ philosophy, resulting in a timeless look that is hard to beat.
While I wasn’t able to photograph all 500 cars on display, I hope this glimpse into Risenation Allstars 2024 has given you a taste of what the event has to offer.
If there are any cars in the coverage that you think I should look up for an article, please let me know in the comments.
Collin Tiemens
Instagram: collinclicksphotos