If you happen to own a classic car and run into problems, you can always take it down for a check-up to the newly-opened Sharjah Classic Car Museum and Auto Club.
Located on the Sharjah airport road, the complex features a club house and a workshop where experts are at hand to help you with your queries on classic automobiles. Nearly 150 cars manufactured between 1917 and 1970 are on display. "This is the first-of-its-kind project in the Middle East," said Ahmad Al Jarwan, Director of the museum and a classic car collector.
The museum has signed a contract with a Luxembourg company in order to display some fantastic cars. "Most of the cars on display have a history behind them. Some are owned by private collectors," said Al Jarwan. The collection also includes cars owned by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
The fascinating collection includes cars and bikes such as an Indian, an Egyptian Ramses and a Ford Model T. The other interesting aspect about the museum is its auto club – membership costs Dh1,500 a year.
The club includes a library, a wi-fi zone and access to a workshop where cars can be maintained for a nominal charge.
"We are open to people who own a vintage car or are interested in them," said Al Jarwan. "We offer services such as facilitating purchases, exchange and recommendation of classic cars from all over the world."
The museum also helps register classic car number plates. "These plates come with special numbers and unique designs. Any UAE resident who has a classic car can avail of this service," said Al Jarwan.
Hobbies turn real
Sharjah Classic Car Museum Director Ahmad Al Jarwan's fascination for vintage cars began in the '80s when he started reconditioning old cars. He has a private museum with a collection of 19th century weapons, currencies, stamps, phones, clocks, pianos and more than 50 vintage cars.
