For others, cars are a passion, a symbol of status, a reflection of style, and even a source of joy and freedom, offering a deep connection to the road.
It’s quite clear which of those categories entrepreneur Rukshan Munesinghe falls into. Since 2011, he’s been running MY Classic Cars (MCC), which specialises in importing and trading classic cars and bikes.
The Klang-based company also frequently organises car shows and car rallies, as well as rents out classic cars for corporate events, weddings, movie productions and more.
“It’s a business of passion. I grew up with a deep love of cars. Classic cars just have more character than modern cars,” Munesinghe told FMT Lifestyle.
He defines classic cars as those that are 25 years old and above. There are also various subcategories, he added, such as modern classic, vintage, and pre-war. His favourite classic car is the 1971 Ford Capri, prized for its reliability and striking shape.
“Classic cars are now a lifestyle. The scene has been growing steadily since 2010. Nowadays a lot of Gen Y or younger are interested in them too. At any car show, you will see a classic car display. This often piques people’s interest and encourages them to learn more,” Munesinghe said.
His company has about 25 cars in its collection, including a BMW E30 M3, a BMW E36 M3, a Mercedes 600 Grosser and a Mercedes 250 W123. Highlights are a 1959 pink Cadillac, and the only Packard in Malaysia, a 1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe formerly owned by Malaysian politician and businessman Tun HS Lee.
MCC has organised over 100 events to date, including the classic car segments for Hari Belia Negara in 2011 and 2012, and the Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show in 2017 and 2018.
Klang Valley car enthusiasts may have attended their “Classic Sunday” events at the A&W Drive-In in Petaling Jaya over the last two years.
Since 2022, the company has been organising the Cross Border Challenge, which brings classic car owners to various destinations in Thailand. This challenge brought participants to Songkhla in 2022, Krabi in 2023 and Koh Lanta in 2024: this year will see them heading to Pathalung.
Earlier this month, the company organised the 4th Timeless Car Rally (formerly known as the Perak Classic Car Challenge from 2022-2024), which saw classic car lovers travel from Selangor to Lumut and Ipoh on a treasure hunt-style event.
Their next event will be a drive from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu in July.
Munesinghe said most classic car owners in Malaysia are male. Many are in their 40s, although there are some in their 30s, 60s and 70s.
“Most owners will use their classic car for leisure, or just for short drives. We promote driving longer distances and pushing the limits of the car. We always use the term man versus machine,” he quipped.
Munesinghe said MCC was busy with their current ventures, and would continue to service the local classic car scene for the foreseeable future. He is also contemplating starting up an automobile restoration shop if he finds a good partner.
For those interested in purchasing their own classic car, he had this to say: “Don’t spend too much to get an expensive classic. Buy a car which is ready to drive around rather than a ‘project car’ which you have to put together to start running.
“Do your research and streamline your interest before making a purchase, especially on your car’s make and model. And of course, join classic car events to get to know other owners, and use their experiences as guidance.”
For more information about MY Classic Cars, visit their website.