1966DartConvertible
Well-Known Member
"1966 Dodge Dart 270 Convertible
Even the name is captivating. The Dodge brand's place and contribution to the international automobile scene is unquestionable. It has a colourful history and has produced some of the world's best loved cars such as the iconic Dodge Charger, that continues to inspire us with its bold masculine looks.
It was indeed surprising to find a Dodge in Malaysia - in this case a Dodge Dart 270 when we met up with its young and dedicated owner, Syed Ibrahim Alsagoff recently at the Charity Vintage and Classic Show at the Royal Selangor Club. An extremely rare make, one of only two in the country. What made the car even more rare is that it was a Factory Right Hand Drive built in Windsor, Canada.
Model and Specifications - It is a 1966 Dodge Dart 270 Convertible. This means it is 45 years old but just look at the condition it is in. However, the car has some interesting story behind it.
His late grandfather personally imported the car in 1966 as a present for his mother's thirteenth birthday, yes thirteen! From then, his mom used the car occasionally on and off, till sometime in the early 1990s, when their then driver accidently put diesel fuel in the tank! To cut the story short, the car was towed home and was never used again till July 2010.
After sitting at home (albeit under a shade) for over 15 years, Syed asked his mom if he could turn the car into a business; restoring and eventually renting her out for weddings, photoshoot, movies, and etc.
Luckily for Syed, his mom said Yes, but with a condition... as long as the money comes his bank account! The icing on the cake was that this exact same car was used by the current DYMM Sultan Ibrahim of Johor during his wedding in 1983! (Scroll down here: www.weddingcar4u.blogspot.com)
Needless to say, 15 months and over Rm40,000 later, Syed is very proud of the results. But, for Syed, it is all a labour of love as he is truely passionate about restoring classic cars.
"I think i was born in the wrong decade", he jokes, much to the delight of the nosey crowd hovering around his car. "I have always loved old cars and wanted a way to restore a classic car to its original condition. All the parts are original and are sourced from around the world through the internet.", he continues as the engine instantly fires up with a single turn of the ignition key. Syed beams proudly as the engine idles smoothly, the engine rumbles ever so quietly and reassuringly, you can't even hear it.
The car is now in great shape. The layout is surprisingly simple and uncongested. The interior plush and comfortable. Everything works like it should, 45 years ago, including the powered convertible soft top. However, he says that the 2.8 litre capacity version is actually the smallest of the lot. The other engines offered for this model are 3.2L and 3.7L (6 cylinder) and 4.5L V8.
Now that the car project has been a total success story, Syed does not mind his car being used for weddings and events. "That's why i painted it white.", he explains. We are in no doubt that the bridal couple will be promised a ride of their life on their day to remember forever.
We would like to thank Syed for his time and commend him for introducing us to his beautiful Dodge Dart 270. Check out www.weddingcar4u.blogspot.com for more of his restoration tips and see what he is working on next!"
What do you think?
PS: Sorry for the "Queen's English" i.e. color is spelt "colour"
Cheers
Syed
Even the name is captivating. The Dodge brand's place and contribution to the international automobile scene is unquestionable. It has a colourful history and has produced some of the world's best loved cars such as the iconic Dodge Charger, that continues to inspire us with its bold masculine looks.
It was indeed surprising to find a Dodge in Malaysia - in this case a Dodge Dart 270 when we met up with its young and dedicated owner, Syed Ibrahim Alsagoff recently at the Charity Vintage and Classic Show at the Royal Selangor Club. An extremely rare make, one of only two in the country. What made the car even more rare is that it was a Factory Right Hand Drive built in Windsor, Canada.
Model and Specifications - It is a 1966 Dodge Dart 270 Convertible. This means it is 45 years old but just look at the condition it is in. However, the car has some interesting story behind it.
His late grandfather personally imported the car in 1966 as a present for his mother's thirteenth birthday, yes thirteen! From then, his mom used the car occasionally on and off, till sometime in the early 1990s, when their then driver accidently put diesel fuel in the tank! To cut the story short, the car was towed home and was never used again till July 2010.
After sitting at home (albeit under a shade) for over 15 years, Syed asked his mom if he could turn the car into a business; restoring and eventually renting her out for weddings, photoshoot, movies, and etc.
Luckily for Syed, his mom said Yes, but with a condition... as long as the money comes his bank account! The icing on the cake was that this exact same car was used by the current DYMM Sultan Ibrahim of Johor during his wedding in 1983! (Scroll down here: www.weddingcar4u.blogspot.com)
Needless to say, 15 months and over Rm40,000 later, Syed is very proud of the results. But, for Syed, it is all a labour of love as he is truely passionate about restoring classic cars.
"I think i was born in the wrong decade", he jokes, much to the delight of the nosey crowd hovering around his car. "I have always loved old cars and wanted a way to restore a classic car to its original condition. All the parts are original and are sourced from around the world through the internet.", he continues as the engine instantly fires up with a single turn of the ignition key. Syed beams proudly as the engine idles smoothly, the engine rumbles ever so quietly and reassuringly, you can't even hear it.
The car is now in great shape. The layout is surprisingly simple and uncongested. The interior plush and comfortable. Everything works like it should, 45 years ago, including the powered convertible soft top. However, he says that the 2.8 litre capacity version is actually the smallest of the lot. The other engines offered for this model are 3.2L and 3.7L (6 cylinder) and 4.5L V8.
Now that the car project has been a total success story, Syed does not mind his car being used for weddings and events. "That's why i painted it white.", he explains. We are in no doubt that the bridal couple will be promised a ride of their life on their day to remember forever.
We would like to thank Syed for his time and commend him for introducing us to his beautiful Dodge Dart 270. Check out www.weddingcar4u.blogspot.com for more of his restoration tips and see what he is working on next!"
What do you think?
PS: Sorry for the "Queen's English" i.e. color is spelt "colour"
Cheers
Syed
