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Introduction.
Dawn of a New Classic & Muscle Car Era in Malaysia

Motoring came of age after the Second World War as road travel became an
important aspect of life. With new found peace, automobile manufacturers
expanded the boundaries to cater for the growing needs of the motoring
enthusiast not only worldwide but also to Malaya, as it was called than.

The 1950s, 1960s and 1970s were notably the most fertile period of the
automobile industry, fondly referred to as the Golden Age of Motoring.
Cars and motorcycles of that era were known to have more character, style
and durability compared with the modern day car and motorcycle as safety,
environmental and fuel efficiency aspects were of little significance to
the driver and rider.

The automobile of the 1950s and 1960s had aviation design influence with
loads of chrome. The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the increased lust
for speed with the introduction of big cubic capacity sports cars, sports
sedans and sports bikes and the birth of the ‘muscle-car’ and super bike
era.

The hobby of preserving and collecting cars and motorcycles began to
evolve in the 1970s. The classification of the term vintage and classic
cars and motorcycles became apparent during this period. Under the
British rule in Malaya, many beautiful American, British and German
marques were shipped into the country for use by the rich and affluent
government staff and planters.

Classic cars and motorcycles are generally defined as vehicles above 25
years of age. The value attached to them is dependent entirely on its
desirability. A desirable machine is a car or motorcycle that has a
popular design, handles and performs well and that which has a good fan
base.

Bearing in mind that these luxury marques were sold in limited numbers
and as such, parts are scarce today although available at higher costs.
Automobiles that fall in this cate­gory are highly sought after by serious
collectors for both investment and rare collection purposes. Car makers
like Alfa, Ford, Opel, Fiat, Morris, MG, Triumph, Peugeot, Mini,
Volkswagen and Volvo produced some very practical and affordable
variants. Today, in Malaysia, it’s not surprising to find many spare
parts shops still carrying classic car parts without even realising that
they do so.

To enjoy classic motoring, buying the car or motorcycle is only one part
of this exciting hobby. Educating oneself on the marquee by investing in
literature or browsing through relevant sites on the Internet, learning
to do minor repairs, joining a club to network with other enthusiasts are
part of the enjoyment of classic motoring.

For those with more money than time and space to care and keep their
treasured classic cars and motorcycles, Nationwide Classics Autobank
Storage provides the only solution through the provision of professional
car and motorcycle storage facilities, car/motorcycle care programs, and
customized solutions for long or short term storage.

Nationwide Classics Autobank Facility is the 1st of its kind in Malaysia
to cater for every individual classic or modern car and motorcycle owner
who owns more vehicles than space to store them. Customers can include
expatriates, diplomats, overseas business people, serious car and
motorcycle fanatics, dedicated enthusiasts and people who simply wish
their cars and motorcycles to be secure and properly cared for.