From GTRs to V12 royalty: Looking back at Curated Cars by Rahimoto and C&C

Bangladesh is no stranger to car meets, but over the past few years—especially post Covid-19—the scene started to fade. The buzz died down, the excitement to see something new waned, and petrolheads found themselves with little to look forward to. That is, until two individuals—Mustavi Irtiza Bashar and Waiz Rahim—stepped up and reignited the flame. This past Thursday and Friday, they hosted what turned out to be one of the most vibrant car meets Dhaka has seen in recent years.

The event was held at Aloki in Tejgaon, running across two days packed with machines that even the most seasoned enthusiasts would double-take at. The name of the event said it all—this was a curated experience. From rows of Porsches and GTRs to vintage gems like Volkswagens and Jaguars, the lineup had something for every kind of car lover. One of the cleanest Beetles in the country made an appearance, as did both the Jaguar E-Type and S-Type, holding their own among the modern-day powerhouses.

PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

But the real showstopper? A Toyota Century. The only one in the country. This is a car that holds legendary status in Japan—the only V12-powered production car from the Land of the Rising Sun—and its presence here makes it just as legendary for Bangladesh. With its analogue charm, subtle tech, and that iconic phoenix badge, the Century doesn't just look the part—it feels it. Less eye candy, more soul food.

PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

Adding to the thrill were appearances from the McLaren Artura, Lexus LC500, a stunning '68 Mustang, and the forever-iconic MK4 Supra. There were tuner legends as well—Honda Type Rs, a few Mitsubishi Evolutions—and even some official manufacturer presence. BYD Bangladesh set up a booth showcasing their EV lineup, while Ford brought their lineup of Rangers and Everest. BMW Bangladesh on the other hand, gave attendees a close look at their flagship i7 electric sedan.

PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

Of course, what made the event special wasn't just the cars. The second floor was bustling with food stalls, serving everything from quick bites to comfort meals, ensuring there was something for everyone—gearheads and casual visitors alike.

Behind this resurgence of car culture are two names that now carry weight in the community. Mustavi Irtiza Bashar has played a pivotal role with his Cars & Conversation series, a show that bridges the gap between car culture and storytelling. By highlighting the machines and the people behind them, he's nurtured a scene that values both horsepower and human connection.

The Toyota Century is the only Japanese vehicle offered with a V12 engine and is the only unit residing in the country. PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

Waiz Rahim, on the other hand, has supported the scene through Rahimoto Express—a reliable, affordable, and friendly auto-service workshop that doubles as a one-stop solution for tyres, offering trusted brands like Dunlop and DoubleStar. Their combined passion and contribution have brought new energy to a community that was overdue for a comeback.

This Nissan GT-R R35 was one of the four units displayed at the event. PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

All in all, it was a solid car meet—well curated, filled with amazing people, great food, and most importantly, cars that sparked genuine conversations. For Dhaka's car enthusiasts, last weekend wasn't just another event—it was a reminder that the culture is alive, well, and worth celebrating.