Keeping up with the Classics
I believe classic cars are a part of Nepal’s history and need to be protecte
KATHMANDU: Classic cars are priceless; they are artefacts of history and nostalgia, reminding us of a simpler time when automobiles were not just a commonplace convenience, but rather an exciting new possibility. Cars manufactured post 1930 and before 1977 are generally categorised as ‘classics’, though this definition varies among connoisseurs, with some preferring to refer to all cars manufactured before World War II as ‘vintage’. Regardless of the label, these classy dated models continue to hold near fanatic appeal for car enthusiasts.
Their difficult upkeep means there aren’t many classic cars left in Nepal; not everyone appreciates their sentimental or collectible value. Amongst the few still protecting these valuable pieces is Raj B Shah, Managing Director of Himalayan Distillery. He gives The Himalayan Times a glimpse into his wide collection, presently large enough to be called a museum. From the 1928 Ford Model A Standard Phaeton to the 1972 Daimler DS420 Vanden Plas, he has them all. Here are some excerpts from his interview:
You are one of the nation’s most prolific car collectors; why did you start collecting cars?
From early childhood, I loved cars. I still recall how I used to love sitting on my mum’s lap while she drove. I also grew up witnessing my grandfather and father’s interest in cars; at different times they had the Vauxhall, Vanguard, Studebaker, Opel, Mustang 1965 Fastback, Ford Fairlane, Ford Taunus , DeSoto, several Toyotas, Volkswagens and even a Willys jeep. As a teenager, I used to enjoy helping my drivers clean and polish the cars until they were spotless. After getting married to my wife— Rahisha, I was even more fascinated by cars because her younger brother, Grishma Lal Shrestha, is like a walking talking encyclopaedia when it comes to classic cars.
What’s parked in your garage at the moment?
The classic cars in my garage are—1928 Ford Model A Standard Phaeton 35-A, 1932 Ford Standard Fordor B 160, 1943 Ford Prefect E93A, 1950 Singer AB Roadster, 1953 Austin 36 A40 Somerset, 1955 Austin Princess DM4 Vanden Plas, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 sedan W121.010, 1960 Chrysler New Yorker, 1964 Mercedes-Benz 190D w110 series 1, 1964 Volvo 122S Amazon 4 cylinder, 1966 Silver Mercedes-Benz 230 w110.011 Kombi, 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe 65A and the 1972 Daimler DS420 Vanden Plas.
You have over 13 classic cars, how did you manage to collect them?
I have always had a passion for puzzles. Being patient and putting things together to bring them back to life has always been very rewarding for me. I collect them not because of their potential value; I collect and bring them back to life. I believe that they are a part of Nepal’s history and need to be protected.
Some of the cars are from my grandfather’s time but most of them I have taken years to collect from various elite families who had forgotten them in their garages. For many of the cars, it took over three to four years to convince the owners to let me have them and bring them back to life; I have given my word to the previous owners that if ever their grandchildren wish to use them for their weddings, I would happily keep them ready.
Can you take your classic cars out on the road?
I’ve paid taxes on all my cars and they are all in running condition, but since they are very old, some of them are reliably unreliable.
How difficult is it to maintain a classic?
Taking care of classic cars is by no means an easy task; it is a continuous effort and doesn’t come for free. All the cars I own have taken years to fix and still require constant attention to keep them in running condition. Thanks to the internet, you can now find parts which were impossible to find before. You need lots of covered space for the cars and their parts. Each one is started up twice a week and they are driven on the roads twice a month religiously. I have a full-time mechanic who lives in my home and is always on call.
How do you think the classics compare with their modern counterparts?
In the olden days cars were made to last for a long time. They were made for beauty and not just for practicality. They did not make them to last for just five years like the current models built of plastic.
What is the status of classic cars in Nepal?
There is a scarcity of classics in the country. There are less than 50 of them left In Nepal. In almost every country across the world, classic cars are a big deal and they are protected by the government.
Do you prefer to drive yourself or use a chauffeur?
When driving the classics, I prefer to drive myself expect for the limos which are supposed to be chauffeur driven.
Classic cars you would love to own?
The kings of classic cars for me are the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster and the 1931 Duesenberg Model J.
