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People get attached to classical items because they bring back memories of good old times. This applies to classic cars as they recall times when luxury cars roamed the roads in their elegant and distinctive colors, or were used by movie stars. Even now as they get displayed in the lobby of a luxury hotel, a shopping centre or a showroom, people move around them taking pictures, sending short videos through social media and feeling nostalgic to a past era, with a general conviction that the past was more beautiful than the present.
A car is a colorful world of dreams. We have always wished to drive a vintage Jaguar, a Rolls-Royce convertible or a sports car without considering that today’s car is more sophisticated and that today’s vehicles are turning to be smart vehicles living in a new age .. the future age.
The following is a glimpse on the most prominent car museums in the UAE that show classic cars and old models which still retain their attractive luster:
Heritage and Classic Cars Museum at Al Ain
Opened in 2014 at Ain Al Faida Resort – the Heritage and Classic Cars Museum at Al Ain offers more than 37 classic cars dating back to the early 20th century. These cars witnessed the period before and after the Union and were used by important figures in the history of the UAE. The museum tells the story of transportation progress in the UAE, with plenty of choices for all visitors, starting with experienced car enthusiasts, to those who are not fond of antique and classic cars.
The museum has seven sections, the heritage cars section that witnessed the period of the state establishment, and the classic cars section, which is more than 70 years old, some of which were owned by UAE sheikhs and dignitaries. The museum also comprises a Photo Gallery of the cars used in the UAE before and after the Union, especially in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and a library that includes a collection of books covering the types of classic cars, their forms, colors, models and purposes, as well as books on maintaining old cars.
There is a wide variety of brochures, pictures, posters and other souvenirs related to old cars and the heritage of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in old cars accessories and gifts section. The museum also has a training center on everything related to the automotive industry and maintenance.
Sharjah Classic Cars Museum
Sharjah Classic Cars Museum first opened its doors in 2008. It underwent remarkable renovations and was re-inaugurated in 2013. This museum is an ideal destination for classic cars lovers. It draws tourists and visitors from all around the world. It displays more than 100 classic cars manufactured in the early 20th century. The museum displays vintage classic cars of different brands dating back to the 20th century- the oldest car showcased in the museum dates back to 1915, in addition to classic motorcycles and bicycles.
The museum is divided into five sections; each represents a historical stage of development in the automotive industry. It also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the different types of car engines and how they function. In addition, the museum organizes interactive activities and experiments suitable for all ages
Brands showcased in the museum include Rolls Royce, Ford, Mercedes, Chevrolet, Bentley and many others. Visitors can read about the brilliant innovators who were behind the manufacturing of those glamorous cars, and admire the great efforts they exerted to offer humanity the greatest innovations that have contributed to the evolution of human civilization, as it provided mankind with the best means of transportation and travel.
The museum’s collection highlights include a 1915 Dodge model, the oldest car in Sharjah Classic Cars Museum – it is still very new and can be started manually and the filling of the car seats is natural fibers. There’s also a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, a total of 2,677 vehicles only were manufactured. This car belongs to His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi. Since then “Mercedes 600” was only made upon request, which means 25 cars only were produced yearly. The “Mercedes 600 Pullman” features unique specifications, including hydraulic seats adjustment, as well as windows and doors control. It’s worth mentioning that the car displayed in the museum is bulletproof.
Emirates National Auto Museum
Emirates National Auto Museum is one of the most important and famous museums located in the capital Abu Dhabi. Characterized by its distinctive design, this pyramid-shaped museum is considered one of the most important car museums in the world. It is the house of a vast collection of off-road vehicles and classic American cars, as well as the Mercedes rainbow collection and the world’s largest truck.
Bedford
The English Bedford was produced between 1930 and 1985, in the country town of Bedfordshire, where the name of the car was derived – in an area called Luton in Britain. The Bedford RL, mainly used for military purposes, is a British-made, six-cylinder truck with a maximum speed of 70 mph that was manufactured in 1969. Bedford company was established in 1931, and it manufactured a series of heavy vehicles including trucks, buses, fire trucks, military vehicles and light trucks. The last Bedford car was manufactured in 1985.
