BRUTE FORCE: A 2013 Ford Mustang.
Both the U.S. and the UAE have a special affinity for powerful machines
Published: Tue 4 Jul 2017, 10:59 AM
Last updated: Tue 4 Jul 2017, 4:07 PM
American muscle cars are gorgeous machines known to be big, loud and ultra-powerful. During the 60s, American automakers became competitive with their muscle car offerings and brands such as Ford, Chevy, and Chrysler would roll out their latest stylish inventions frequently. These are usually a sleek and attractive two-door, rear-wheel-drive, small to mid-size cars with large, powerful eight-valve (V8) engines. Its characteristics include a massive engine/block up front.
Rahul Gehani, founder of Dubai-based car club Gumball 7 highlights, "Think of a muscle car as a male model on the ramp; a normal car is a fashion model on the ramp, while a muscle car is a body builder that punches through all the other models. It is a set-up for primarily one thing: Power."
Muscle cars began to pervade American culture, not only on the streets and in drive-ins, but in movies, comic books (the stunning Batmobile) and music videos as well. Thanks to the immense popularity of the Fast and Furious films, American muscle cars came back into the spotlight, as an extension of the characters in the movie. Today, these machines continue to hold an allure that transcends generations.
The UAE has hardcore motorheads, who have invested in these vehicles and often take to the roads such as Al Wasl Road and 2nd of December Street to flex their muscle!
Muscle car enthusiasts can also join a number of car clubs in Dubai such as Supercars Majlis, The Ninth Degree Car Club and Gumball 7, among others. Here car lovers can meet and socialise with fellow enthusiasts and even rev their engines for a thrilling drive around town.
Certain muscle cars can also be designated as classic cars after a certain period of time, if they have enough historical interest to be a collectible that is worth preserving and restoring rather than scrapping.
Gehani says, "A car can become a classic due to it being a first edition of a limited produce or a limited edition of a mass produce. These are usually rare to find, hence the nature of the term and the price that goes with it."
Classic muscle cars, such as the Dodge Charger R/T, Ford Mustang, Plymouth GTX, and Pontiac GTO, have gone on to become collector's items today.
One event that has captivated the imagination of car aficionados in the UAE is the annual Emirates Classic Car Festival held at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. Here classic car enthusiasts get together to see an amazing collection of vehicles. The event also sheds light on the history of evolution of the global automobile industry. The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development and the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) support the festival and last year's edition saw the restoration of a 1926 Ford Model T Coupe.
Furthermore, Nostalgia Classic Cars has launched its first showroom in Alserkal Avenue in Dubai, which is set to be a playground for both collectors and enthusiasts. The showroom has a collection of more than 100 classic cars, includes a restoration and maintenance department for classic cars and sells famous models.
Check out the Emirates National Auto Museum
Located in Abu Dhabi, this museum houses around 200 cars belonging to Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. There are a number of off-road vehicles on display including classic American cars. The largest truck in the world, the Dodge Power Wagon - which is eight times the original size - is also on display. The wagon is an exact replica down to the minutest detail although it has a few modifications such as the tailgate opens up like a patio. There is also a staircase that leads up to the front door. INFO: The museum is open everyday from 9am to 6pm, www.enam.ae
- deepa@khaleejtimes.com
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