Muscle cars run in the family, right?
Yes, it's in my blood. My father is a huge fan of American muscle cars and I have an elder brother who also loves them too.
So, naturally, the passion grew within me as well.
What attracts you to them?
I guess it is just the novelty of owninga piece of history. Ever since the Sixties when these cars arrived on the scene,they appealed to people because of their looks and power. Even the new ones today, they look and perform great. Who wouldn't want to be seen cruising in the new Camaro or Challenger?
In Iran, I restore muscle cars that were imported from the US before the 1979 revolution. A lot of these cars are over30 years old and in bad condition, so whatI am doing is giving them a new a lease of life and getting them back on the road.
Which ones leave you weak at the knees?
Trans Ams, especially the WS6. But my very first car was a BMW 328 E36.
Your Camaro looks in amazing shape. Tell us about it…
It's a fully original 1979 Z28. I've not done anything to either the interior or exterior. It is mint condition and has very low mileage.
I bought it three years ago from its first owner in Texas. It has all the original documents and it even has a window sticker from the factory. I believe this isone of the cleanest second-generation Camaros around.
This car was kept in the garage by the first owner for almost all of its life. I am just the second owner and my aim is to keep it in the condition it is in.
It has the stock 350 cubic-inch V8 engine which still has enough power to burn rubber.
How often do you drive it?
I start it every weekend and drive it around the block for a while to keep it running well.
Your 2002 Trans Am looks really tough…
This one is the ‘last of the breed'. It'sa WS6 Ram Air with a 5.7-litre LS1 engine mated to a six-speed manual. I always wanted a red WS6 in great condition and this is certainly one to keep.
I had two other F-bodies before this, butI didn't love them as much as this one.
It looks pretty quick. Is it?
It certainly is. Originally, it had 325bhp,but I added bigger cylinder heads, a new cam, a stage-three clutch, headers and some other stuff. Now it producesaround 425bhp.
This is the car I have always wanted.I found it five years ago in Ohio and I really am in love with it.
Like the Camaro, it is a proper head-turner. What reaction does it get from people?
People love it. You can't really miss a loud, red Trans Am roar by!
Who services your cars for you?
I do some of the jobs myself or I take them to my friend's garage, King of Custom, in Al Qusais. As for parts, I usually import whatever I need myself.
These cars are a part of my life, and fortunately, I have never had any major problems with them. But if they have any issues, I make sure to take care of them. I feel these cars have a soul, so I look after them with the passion and love they deserve.
And you have three more Pontiacs hidden away too…
Yes I have a 1968 Firebird, a 1979 Trans Am and a 1996 Trans Am. I have always wanted my own classic-car collection and I am well on the way to realising my dream.
Finally, what is your dream car?
A 1978 Y88 Gold Special Edition Pontiac Trans Am.
Bio
- Name Farhad Tabrizi
- Job Classic car restorer
- From Iran
- Wheels 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6
- In the UAE 14 years
