| James Kon |
A PEARL white vintage 1971 Volkswagen Beetle with a Californian beach look outshined more than 100 vintage, classic and retro vehicles at the Nostalgia Autoshow and Gathering event to win the ‘Best of the Best’ award.
The Nostalgia Autoshow and Gathering, organised by the Nostalgic Motor Vehicles Association, attracted some 118 cars, which included participation from Sabah, Sarawak and also motorbike owners.
The official launching ceremony was attended by Haji Mohammad Sunadi bin Haji Buntar, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The vintage vehicles were showcased along Dermaga Diraja, Jalan McArthur and Jalan Sultan to enliven the atmosphere of Bandar Seri Begawan.
Abdul Rahman bin Haji Mohd Hassan, who owns the aforementioned award-winning car, said, “I am really happy to have won… after coming second (with the same vehicle) last year.”
He further shared that the car was an inheritance from his late father car.
“It means a lot to me,” he added.
“I remember that I was in the back seat when my dad was driving the car.”
To give it that unique ‘Californian look’, he decorated the 1971 Volkswagen Beetle with a surfboard and stickers.
Vintage car owner, Abdul Rahman bin Haji Mohd Hassan receiving his award from Mohammad Riff Rahimie bin Alipin, President of the Nostalgic Motor Vehicles Association.
Haji Mohammad Sunadi bin Haji Buntar, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a group photo following the event’s launch.
Vintage vehicles showcased along Dermaga Diraja, Jalan McArthur and Jalan Sultan to enliven the capital’s atmosphere.
A display of colourful Vespa bikes . -PHOTOS: JAMES KON
With its simple engine, he said that the car is very easy to maintain and he could go online to get any spare or original parts that he needed.
“Once I was even offered to switch this car with a buyer’s Jaguar, but I could not bring myself to sell because it has high sentimental value.”
The prizes were given away by Mohammad Riff Rahimie bin Alipin, President of the Nostalgic Motor Vehicles Association.
The aim of hosting this event was to create awareness on vintage, retro and classic vehicles as well as to foster friendships amongst their owners.
Meanwhile, Nelson Clement, President of the Sabah Old School Cars Owner Club, highlighted in an interview, “This marks the third time that we have taken part in such an event in Brunei.
“We have around 16 cars here, with two that drove all the way from Tawau.”
When asked about the passion of owning and maintaining a vintage car, he replied, “It is a growing hobby in Malaysia.
“I can see that is it growing bigger among the young working groups between 20 and 30 years of age because they want something different.”
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