Emirati family exhibit classic cars in N-Day spirit

Adnan Okasha, Staff Reporter

A Ras Al Khaimah Emirati family are remarkably celebrating the 53rd Eid Al Etihad by exhibiting a fleet of classic cars including 28 vehicles from their private collection, which the family have acquired over the past decades, in front of their house, opposite the main road.

The collection incorporates traditional cars of various models coming from several countries, one of which is dating back to about 80 years.

The family of Abdullah Bin Saifan Al Shamsi have a collective hobby of searching for cars of the good old days, acquiring them, taking care of them and participating with them in special events.

They focus their efforts on the unique types of international vehicles, some of which are famous for being identical copies owned by famous celebrities and public figures including kings and heads of state. Most of these vehicles are models from the fifties and sixties of the past century.

The oldest car he and his sons currently own is 87 years old, dating back to 1937, Abdullah Bin Saifan said, stressing that Eid Al Etihad is a dear occasion to hearts and is a good opportunity to return a small part of the favour to the country.

Bin Saifan added that he started his hobby 35 years ago, specifically in 1989, when he started keeping his personal cars, which he exchanged with modern ones.

That was the beginning but then he started searching for the oldest cars in the world and acquiring the rare types of them, he said, adding that this hobby was passed on to his three sons.

Bin Saifan explained that the family has transformed the square opposite their house into a permanent and special museum or showroom for classic cars, adding that one of the most prominent cars owned by the family is the Rolls Royce Phantom, which was owned by the Dutch royal family and kept in the Dutch National Museum for about 30 years.

He pointed out that the family’s focus was on acquiring cars that were part of the history of countries of the world in addition to distinctive cars with limited editions.