Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
broken clouds
weather
OMAN
23°C / 23°C
EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

RO 40,000 offer for oldest car in Sultanate declined

865421
865421
minus
plus

By Lakshmi Kothaneth — MUSCAT: Dec. 11: A glistening yellow car with black fenders, slender wheels and upholstery that’s vintage stuff. Well, this 320CC four-cylinder Ford Model T is the oldest privately owned car in Oman that dates back to 1917. Eliyas al Zedjali is its proud owner. The car, which is in running condition, was a centre of attraction at the Motor Show Oman 2016 held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre last week. Before that, it was a big draw at another event organised by Classic Car Group of Oman in Nakhal.


The vehicle is a page from the history of automobile industry. Henry Ford was known for his “assembly line technique” of mass production, but he was also known for making vehicles that could be “afforded by anyone with a decent salary”.  The result was Ford Model T. It was introduced in 1908. Within days, orders were received for 15,000 cars. By 1927, Henry Ford saw the 15 millionth Model T leaving the factory. The model ran for two decades. The advantages, according to experts, were its interchangeable parts. The engine was capable of running on kerosene, gasoline and ethanol.


The structure of the vehicle was practical and well-designed. Three pedals and a lever next to the driver were used to control the gear transmission.


A close look at the Ford T reminds one of the days when drivers used to crank up the engine manually. A lot of wood was used for building a car.


Eliyas al Zedjali is a member of the Oman Classic Car Group. The group began with just six cars. Today they have a collection of 80 cars owned by members from all around Oman. In all, Al Zedjali owns 12 vintage vehicles.


“Our message is not to discard old cars. Maintain them and use them. Keep them going,” says Eliyas, whose collection also includes a 1927 Bugatti 35 B. Another of his beauties is a 1963 Cadillac.


865378

The Class Car Group members also own a 1953 Dodge Fago and 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, besides other models from the sixties and seventies.

Abdulsattar al Maimani, a member of the group, said, “We have members from Muscat, Sharqiyah, Dakhiliyah, Dhofar and other governorates. When Eliyas bought the car in America two years ago, it was written off as junk. The restoration was done by him in Mabela. Eliyas is an exceptional mechanic.”


At the latest motor show, a potential buyer offered RO 40,000 for the 1917 Ford Model T, but Eliyas declined.


“Another man approached the group to have the car for his daughter’s wedding. The answer has been yes. He wants the bride and the groom to be happy.”


There are, however, challenges for the Classic Car Group. Some of these precious vehicles can never be insured because they cannot be registered. “We cannot register them because of the safety measures as there are no seat belts and brakes are different,” said Al Maimani.


Another challenge is the insurance. The insurance, or Trans AM, is very high.


SHARE ARTICLE
arrow up
home icon