Classic & Vintage Cars Concours at Dataran Merdeka Attracts Thousands
Classic & Vintage Cars Concours, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, 13 March 2005 – The Kuala Lumpur Grand Prix City program today added another event to its exciting build up to the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix event due to take place on 20 March 2005.
The Dataran Merdeka was lined up with more than 150 Classic and Vintage cars taking part in the Classic and Vintage Car Concours. Organised by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council, Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Petronas and Sepang International Circuit, this is part of a month long program to transform Kuala Lumpur into a vibrant city celebrating the F1 with extravaganza and festivities to woo more local and foreign tourists to visit the city during the F1 month. Brooklands Motors, the local importers and distributors of MG and Rover, was present as sponsors of the event.
All types of beautifully crafted cars, some in immaculate condition despite their age, and some that have undergone careful and expensive reconstruction and refurbishment, were on display at the Concours. Thousands of the Malaysian rakyat, including many motoring enthusiasts made it a point to get up on this beautiful Sunday morning to come to the Concours. Even Mother Nature was kind, providing a light overcast that kept the sun at bay, yet providing enough light for photography.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, YB. Tan Sri Hj. Mohd Isa b. Dato’ Hj. Abdul Samad, Minister of Federal Territory, said, “The roots of motor racing in Malaysia are strong. The first Malaysian motor sport event was staged as early as the 1949 Johore Grand Prix at the Esplanade Circuit. Later on, the Malaysian fns kept meeting on a regular basis through different events organized by the Malaysian Motor Sports Club before the first round of the Formula 1 World Championship was held in Sepang in 1999. I am proud to offer this exceptional display to support the Formula One Grand Prix.”
Our cameras were clicking away like crazy, and we have put up some of the pictures here for your pleasure. Among the highlights are an Aston Lagonda 1934, a very rare car, unique to the Asian region, a 1973 Ferari Dino in pristine condition, and a right hand drive Porsche 356, possibly the only one in this region. Other beautiful cars are MG’s and other sports cars that go back many decades.
