The Sharjah Classic Cars Festival 2025 closed its second edition, drawing enthusiasts and experts from the UAE and the region over five days of vintage craftsmanship and automotive nostalgia.
Sharjah Old Cars Club
Organised by the Sharjah Old Cars Club (SOCC) under the theme “Where the Story Begins,” the festival showcased over 400 classic cars, each with its history and heritage. Beyond the gleaming exteriors and polished engines, the event hosted nine thought-provoking panel discussions, during which 21 experts explored classic automobiles’ cultural and technological evolution.
On the concluding day, SOCC announced a new initiative to convert one of its classic vehicles to run on electric power while maintaining its original authenticity. The project will be undertaken in collaboration with an expert and officially unveiled during the upcoming edition. The inspiring project aligns with the club’s commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements and exploring the future of classic cars amid the transition to sustainable energy.
During the closing ceremony, SOCC announced the Sharjah Classic Cars Awards winners and added a new Elite Cars category for the first time as the fifth category to its existing categories. The latest addition recognises vehicles that combine rarity, historical significance, market value, and overall condition.
Elite Cars Award
The Elite Cars Award was presented to a BMW M1 (1978), a Cadillac Eldorado (1953) and a two Mercedes SL300 Gullwing (1955). The Oldest Participating Car Award went to a Ford Model A (1928), owned by Tariq Al Noori, while the The Oldest Participating Motorcycle Award was given to Motorworld by V. Sheysnov (1947).
For the Best Factory-Condition Classic Car Award, the Dodge Charger RT (1969), owned by Ahmed Rashid Al Tamimi, won first place. The Chevrolet Corvette C2 (1964), owned by Abdullah Noor Al-Din, took second place. The third place went to MG TD (1953) owned by Hamad Al Zaabi.
The People’s Choice Award went to Ziad Hassona for his Packard 1941.
Shaping the future of the classic car sector
Dr. Ali Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud, President of SOCC, described the festival’s second edition as a significant success, reinforcing its status as a leading platform for classic car enthusiasts from the UAE and the wider Arab region. The event facilitated valuable networking and knowledge exchange among owners and collectors, further strengthening Sharjah’s reputation as a leading hub for classic cars on regional and international levels.
He said: “The festival served as an important forum for discussions among sector institutions across the UAE and region. Through expert-led panels and discussions, it shaped a strategic roadmap for the industry by addressing key challenges and exploring sustainable solutions to preserve this historical heritage for future generations.”
Will electricity take over classic cars?
The concluding panel discussion, titled Will Electricity Take Over Classic Cars?, featured Salman Hussain, Co-founder of Fuse, a company specialising in converting petrol cars to electric, and Saeed Matar Al-Blooshi, a seasoned classic car expert.
The discussion explored whether electrification enhances or diminishes the essence of classic cars, its impact on market value, and appeal to enthusiasts.
Al-Blooshi highlighted the practicality of electric conversions, citing lower maintenance and extended lifespan while noting that preferences vary between preserving petrol engines and adopting sustainable solutions. Hussain echoed this view, stressing the importance of retaining classic aesthetics while integrating modern EV technology. They also discussed cost variations, with DIY conversions starting at Dhs 35,000 and full conversions being costly, depending on specifications.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
