Ibrahim Al Shamsi’s love for classic cars runs deep, influenced by his father’s passion for unique automobiles dating back to the 1970s. Growing up, Al Shamsi witnessed the excitement of friends visiting to see his father’s prized cars, which sparked his own lifelong interest.
Now residing in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Shamsi has amassed a remarkable collection of over 60 classic cars, predominantly featuring Japanese and European models, alongside a few American ones. One of the standout vehicles is a 1937 Chevrolet Deluxe, a rare American classic gifted to him by a friend in Japan.
While Al Shamsi prefers not to disclose the total value of his collection, it includes prestigious models like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, and Continental Turbo R, showcasing multiple generations of classic automobiles in various colors and designs.
From Japan to Brazil: Building Global Connections
Al Shamsi’s passion is fueled by his global connections, having developed relationships across countries like Japan and Brazil to source rare cars and parts. His extensive travels, including 29 trips to Japan, have helped him become deeply embedded in the international car community.
One memorable experience occurred in 2011 when Al Shamsi was in Japan to purchase a 1971 Nissan Skyline GT-R. A powerful earthquake struck as he was finalizing the deal, leaving him stranded amidst the chaos. Despite the challenges, including fears about the nearby Fukushima nuclear reactor, Al Shamsi eventually managed to secure the car. The Skyline is now one of his signature cars and symbolizes his resilience in overcoming obstacles to fulfill his passion.
Restoration and Community Building
Al Shamsi’s commitment to classic cars extends beyond collecting; he is dedicated to their restoration. His philosophy centers on returning cars to their original condition, whether by sourcing discontinued parts or utilizing modern technologies to ensure authenticity. He views classic cars as a rewarding challenge, as their restoration brings history back to life.
Looking forward, Al Shamsi is working on fostering a community of car enthusiasts through the RAK Cars Café. Inspired by similar ventures in Dubai, this initiative aims to bring together collectors for weekly gatherings to display cars, share knowledge, and collaborate. Al Shamsi envisions these meetups as a space for people to learn from each other and nurture the passion for classic vehicles.
Passing on the Legacy
For Al Shamsi, the true joy of owning classic cars lies in using them, not just preserving them. He often takes his six favorite cars for drives, sharing the experience with his young son to instill in him the same appreciation for automobiles. Al Shamsi believes that cars are meant to be driven, not locked away in garages.
With the UAE emerging as a hub for automotive culture, Al Shamsi is optimistic about the future of the industry. He hopes to inspire the next generation of enthusiasts to recognize the educational and investment opportunities that classic cars offer.
“The UAE is becoming a global leader in the automotive scene,” Al Shamsi said. “I want to see this hobby continue to thrive for years to come.”
