Luxury gold-plated sports car captivates attention at Sharjah jewelry event
In the United Arab Emirates, a 2014 Nissan GT-R, lavishly adorned with 24-karat gold and named 'Gold-Zilla', turned heads at the 55th Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show in Sharjah. This unique phenomenon, where a gold-plated automobile is less surprising than in other parts of the world, is a testament to the UAE's affinity for extravagance.
Designed by Kuhl Racing and Japanese artist Takahiko Izawa, the Gold-Zilla features intricate hand-engraving detailing on every inch of the vehicle – from the bonnet to the mirrors, doors, and even the rear. Over two thousand hours of meticulous work went into crafting this astonishing masterpiece, one of only two ever made, with the other in white gold.
Mohsen Dhaibani, deputy regional manager at Al Romaizan Gold and Jewellery in the UAE, shared insights about the gold-plated creation. The base vehicle, a 2014 Nissan GT-R, underwent significant modifications, enhancing both its appearance and performance. With a twin-turbo V6 engine and other custom components such as a wide-body kit, custom titanium exhaust, and aftermarket wheels, the Gold-Zilla remains a formidable performance machine, despite its golden exterior.
Stunning as it looks, the Gold-Zilla is not drivable. Mohsen explained that it is displayed only at exhibitions and select showrooms. Gold-plating extends even to the interiors, which boast gold-plated door handles and air vents, all crafted by hand. The value of the Gold-Zilla is estimated at over $1 million.
The 55th Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show was not limited to the spectacle of the Gold-Zilla. Over 500 exhibitors from 26 countries congregated at the Expo Centre Sharjah. This year's event was one of the largest and most diverse to date, featuring thousands of kilograms of gold in jewelry ranging from traditional Arabic to European, Indian, and global designs. The exhibition also showcased hundreds of unique and limited-edition watches, drawing keen interest from collectors and enthusiasts.
Sultan Mohammed Shattaf, the chief commercial officer at Expo Centre Sharjah, expressed pleasure at the event's success. He stated that the goal has always been to present a diverse collection of luxury jewelry and watches for both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) clients. Shattaf also pointed out that the exhibition catered to a wide range of tastes, offering pieces crafted from platinum, white gold, silver, and a variety of diamond jewellery.
In a world where luxury vehicles and extravagant gold jewellery often collide, the Gold-Zilla stands out as a marvel of craftsmanship and a striking embodiment of the UAE's love for the extraordinary. The car's appearance at the Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show brought together not only spectators eager to marvel at the 'Gold-Zilla' but also a vast array of magnificent jewels and timepieces from around the world.
- In the world of finance and business, the value of the Gold-Zilla, a gold-plated automobile, is estimated at over $1 million, showcasing the UAE's affinity for luxury and extravagance.
- Thousands of kilograms of gold in jewelry ranging from traditional Arabic to global designs were featured at the 55th Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show, catering to a wide range of tastes.
- The UAE's love for the extraordinary was evident at the show, as over 500 exhibitors from 26 countries gathered to display unique and limited-edition watches, alongside the spectacle of the gold-plated Gold-Zilla.
- In the realm of lifestyle and home-and-garden, the Gold-Zilla features extensive hand-engraving detailing and gold-plated interiors, reflecting an exquisite level of craftsmanship.
- Beyond cars and jewelry, the 55th Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show also showcased the latest news from the world of sports, entertainment, general-news, and finance, offering a diverse and comprehensive view of global trends.
