Vintage cars exhibit draws crowds

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KARACHI:

A daylong exhibition of vintage cars at the Frere Hall in attracted large crowds of automobile enthusiasts , with the 101-year-old Rolls-Royce once owned by Lord Mountbatten and later by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah becoming the main attraction.

Organised by Pakistan's first online museum, the Antique Cars Museum, this event marked the museum's third annual exhibition.

Frere Hall's grandeur and historical significance provided the perfect backdrop for the display of 120 vintage cars, showcasing rare gems of automotive history. The exhibition, free and open to the public, drew enthusiasts and curious onlookers from all walks of life.

Among the featured vehicles, the oldest was 101 years old, while the most recent addition was a 30-year-old classic.

Speaking at the event, Shoaib Qureshi, founder of the Antique Cars Museum, stressed the cultural importance of preserving such vehicles. "Antique cars are an integral part of a country's art and heritage," he said. "Exhibitions like this not only project a positive image of Pakistan but also celebrate the passion of local collectors who preserve these treasures despite numerous challenges."

Qureshi regretted the absence of a dedicated classic car museum in Pakistan. He expressed his vision to establish the country's first physical antique car museum in Karachi. "We hope to secure support from the government or private sector to create a year-round space where people can admire these vehicles," he added.

The Antique Cars Museum was founded three years ago to bring globally rare and historic vehicles in Pakistan to one platform. "Through this initiative, we want to show the world that Pakistan is no less than any other country in preserving automotive history," Qureshi said.