King Midas Mufflers organises car show for movie opening

Mel Cooke, STAR Writer

It is not the first time that Paul Cole of King Midas Mufflers will be organising a car show to raise the curtain on a movie in the Furious (better known as Fast and Furious) franchise. Fast, flashy vehicles, sometimes similar to models on the big screen inside the Carib 5, Cross Roads, St Andrew, have been a regular curtain-rasiser to the main action.

However, with the death of tthe movie franchise's star Paul Walker in a traffic accident on November 20, 2013, in California, USA, today's opening of Furious 7 will have a markedly different atmosphere from previous premieres. And, as there is a mixture of celebration and send-off, Cole is asking persons to wear something black in honour of Walker.

"We are saddened by it... He will be missed. This is the last one with him," Cole said, noting Walker's consistent, outstanding presence in the Furious movies. "He is one of the biggest stars. Everybody is going to miss him."

As Furious 7 opens today, the car-based get-together outside Carib 5 will run from 5 p.m to when the movie starts. Cole expects to have a Nissan Skyline R34, a Honda Euro 4 and a mint condition 1991 Honda Civic, among many other cars. The Swift Tune, which has a leaning towards the Subaru, and Skunk Nation outfits will have vehicles on show and King Midas will also have project cars on display.

"I think the turnout will be very good," Cole said, emphasising the interactive element of the event. "People will be able to talk to the drivers/owners and get tips on how to modify their cars. It is not going to be a stand-off event. Any mistakes that the owners made, they will be able to tell others so that they do not fall into the same situation."

He also said that owners will be able to pass on information about the best prices and job quality they have accessed. "The best business promotion is referral," Cole pointed out.