A SHOW featuring classic and iconic car brands dating back to the 1940s opened yesterday outside Darseen Café in Bahrain National Museum.
The event, which ends today, has been organised by the Bahrain Motor Club and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and features more than 30 vintage cars.
Some of the classic cars include a Plymouth Roadrunner 1972, a 1940s Hudson Six, 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet and a special fleet of Beetles of different eras.
“I love my car because it is exceedingly beautiful,” said Bahraini Abdulmohsin Mahdi, owner of the 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet.
“I bought this car from Canada for around BD18,000 in 2019, but due to the pandemic I finally received it last year.”
Mr Mahdi always had a passion for classic cars and would look them up on YouTube and in Bahrain when the opportunity arose.
“The original price on release of this vintage care was $4,500 (BD1,695).”
When asked about the pricing of other classic cars he spoke of the parked classic, a 1940s Hudson Six.
“That car would not sell for less than BD25,000 today with it being this clean and in good condition,” he said.
However, Mr Mahdi added, much of the cost of maintenance for such classic cars are not the parts themselves, but the spare parts shipment.
For example, he pointed out how his car’s fuel gauge sender would normally price around $30 (BD11.300), but it cost him $100 (BD37.700) due to shipment.
“The tyres, too, due to the shipment process I had to pay around BD120 each,” he said.
Mr Mahdi came into contact with both Bahrain Classics and Bahrain Motor Club, two groups that brings together classic car enthusiasts who have participated in this event.
“My father had those cars from the 50s, and he had the only car in the area.
“He was the only one who would go back and forth to Bapco with a car at the time.
“So I think my love of classic cars was an extension of that, and it has become a hobby now.”
Yesterday’s weather conditions did not stop car enthusiasts from visiting the show and being up and close with their favourite vintage vehicles.
The classic car show, that ends today, is open from 8am to 8pm.
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