Risenation’s latest event, Allstars, marked their second major show of the year, following the 2024 Hall of Fame in March.
This time, they ventured into Maastricht, Netherlands – a location just 15 minutes from the German and Belgian borders. This made it ideal for attendees from neighbouring countries and even the UK.
If you’ve ever tried capturing clean and clear photos at a car show, you’ll know the struggle. A large crowd and tightly packed lines of cars make show photography a real challenge. Even at a venue as big 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 some show vendors, I managed to get through the MECC doors an hour before it opened to the public. This extra time allowed me to explore Allstars before the crowds arrived.
And with around 500 cars spread across three halls, I needed every minute I could get.
The high ceilings, LED lighting, black walls, and slightly reflective floors, posed some other photography challenges. The low light created a moody atmosphere that made bright cars – like this purple Mk4 Toyota Supra and gold Toyota bB – really stand out.
Elevated display stages have become a show staple these days. However, sometimes it’s a tight fit. Case in point: the first four-door LTO BMW E36 build.
The surrounding vendor area offered intriguing finds, including a pop-up tattoo studio. The owner of a wide-bodied F430 was even getting a prancing horse immortalised on his leg.
Another highlight was the collection of skate decks featuring cars from various makes and models, both with and without iconic race liveries.
And check out this hand-painted Liberty Walk-kitted Nissan GT-R.
At their merch stand, Risenation showcased their own wide-bodied Peugeot 205. This build, with its air suspension and large forged wheels, combines retro-futuristic flair with a hint of Group B 205 T16. Some thought the car was built around a ’90s Dimma kit, but the custom bodywork was actually inspired by a Khyzyl Saleem render.
While big camber builds were once a rare sight in Europe, they’re increasingly popping up at shows. Although more about style than function, this bright red Mk4 Golf GTI exemplifies 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, received well-deserved attention. Although overshadowed by its RS Cosworth sibling, this base model looked stunning.
Speaking of oddballs, this bright yellow C4 Chevrolet Corvette was hard to miss. Once a rarity in the European show scene, a few C4s have been built recently and are now making their rounds.
The 86 platform hasn’t been as popular here as in most other regions due to its high cost, so you rarely see high-calibre builds. This stunning example features a mix of two body kits, colour-matched carbon fibre, and detailed custom wheels.
One of my absolute favourites at Allstars was this race-themed Mk1 Golf. Its show-quality paintwork, centre-lock BBS Motorsport wheels, and intricately detailed Frankenstein engine with ITBs were impressive.
Another standout was this VW Scirocco, sitting low on 14-inch wheels. The wheels’ mesh design and beefy tyres exemplify the ‘less is more’ philosophy, resulting in a timeless look that’s hard to beat.
Though I couldn’t capture all of the 500 cars on display, I hope this glimpse into Risenation Allstars 2024 gave you a taste of what the event has to offer.
If there are any cars in the coverage that you’d like me to track down for a feature, let me know in the comments.
Collin Tiemens
Instagram: collinclicksphotos
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