Meet UAE citizen with collection of over 60 rare, classic cars dating back to 1937

Sparked by his father's enthusiasm for unique automobiles from way back in the 1970s, Ibrahim Al Shamsi's passion for cars is deeply rooted in his family's history.

"I remember the excitement when friends would come over to see my father's unique cars," he said. "It became a source of pride and inspiration."

Today, Al Shamsi, who lives in Ras Al Khaimah, boasts an impressive collection of more than 60 classic vehicles, a testament to his lifelong passion.

Growing up, Al Shamsi's love for classic vehicles flourished while playing Gran Turismo, a car video game. His collection features predominantly Japanese and European vehicles, with a few American cars mixed in. When asked about the total value of his collection, the Emirati preferred not to disclose the figure.

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The standout piece in his collection is a 1937 Chevrolet Deluxe, an American car gifted to him by a friend in Japan. The collection showcases multiple generations of cars, including distinguished European and Japanese models like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Continental Turbo R, among many other unique vehicles in various colours and designs.

From Japan to Brazil

To sustain his passion, Al Shamsi has built strong connections across the globe. From Japan to Brazil, he has cultivated relationships that help him locate rare vehicles and parts. His frequent travels, with 29 trips to Japan alone, have deepened his understanding of the global car community and introduced him to like-minded enthusiasts. "This hobby has introduced me to many wonderful people from different countries," Al Shamsi said. "It's something I'm truly proud of because it's not just about cars; it's about building relationships."

During a memorable trip in 2011, Al Shamsi was in Japan to negotiate the purchase of a 1971 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Just as they finalised the deal, a powerful earthquake struck the country, disrupting communications and leaving Al Shamsi stranded. Concerns about the nearby Fukushima nuclear reactor compounded the chaos. He reached out to the UAE embassy for help to fly back home amid the commotion.

After his return home, he didn't give up on obtaining the classic car. He managed to complete the deal while in the UAE, due to the unforeseen circumstances. A few months later, he made another trip to Japan to get the car home. The Skyline is now one of Al Shamsi's signature cars, and to him, it symbolises resilience and the extraordinary challenges he overcame to fulfil and get the car he wanted.

Al Shamsi's approach to classic cars extends beyond admiration to meticulous restoration. His philosophy is simple: return vehicles to their original condition. Whether sourcing discontinued parts or using modern technologies, Ibrahim makes every effort to ensure the details match the factory specifications. "Classic cars present challenges that modern vehicles don't, which is why I find them so rewarding," he explained. "It's about reviving a piece of history and making it feel alive again."

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