Engines of memory

In a country where history is often preserved in forts, manuscripts and oral traditions, another form of heritage glides quietly along Omani roads: classic cars. Their chrome edges, vintage silhouettes and restored engines have become moving symbols of Oman’s mechanical past. What began decades ago as a handful of enthusiasts gathering to admire old vehicles has evolved into one of the nation’s most dedicated cultural preservation movements, the Classic Car Club of Oman.

The club’s story began in 1998, long before classic car collecting was formally organised in the country. A small group of owners, united by a shared affection for the beauty and engineering of older models, started meeting informally to exchange knowledge and celebrate the vehicles they loved. At the centre of these early gatherings was Ilyas bin Haroon al Zadjali, the club president and the visionary behind establishing Oman’s first official body for classic car enthusiasts. Alongside founders Mohammed al Subhi, Akram al Mahrouqi, Hassan al Balushi and Abdul Sattar al Maimani, he helped shape the foundation of a club that would later become one of Oman’s most active guardians of automotive heritage.

As interest expanded across the country, the club evolved from a friendly gathering into a structured institution with committees, organised programmes and dedicated teams managing events, restoration projects and documentation. The early steps were simple, regular meet-ups, cataloging members’ cars and developing a clear mission that blended heritage, community engagement and family involvement. Over the years, that simplicity grew into a long-term vision that places preservation at the heart of national identity.

Transforming a hobby into a formal organisation came with challenges. The club needed administrative structure, trained volunteers and event-planning systems capable of serving a diverse and growing membership. It also faced the challenge of staying relevant in a world of rapidly changing interests. To reach younger generations, the club expanded its activities beyond cars, offering workshops in artificial intelligence, design, first aid and hands-on technical skills. This approach positioned the club not only as a space for classic car enthusiasts, but as an educational and cultural hub for Omani families.

Today, the club’s mission goes far beyond showcasing restored vehicles. It aims to preserve Oman’s mechanical heritage, deepen public awareness of the historical value of classic automobiles and create a welcoming environment where families from Oman and across the Gulf can learn and connect. To its members, classic cars are not simply old machines. They are historical artefacts, silent witnesses to eras, stories and journeys that shaped earlier generations.
The cars displayed by the club span decades, from elegant 1950s cruisers to icons of the 1980s. Each era brings its own character, making every gathering a small travelling museum.
Restoration efforts prioritise authenticity, preserving original design and mechanical components whenever possible.

However, practical upgrades are sometimes made to ensure safety and performance on modern roads, a balanced approach that honours the past while meeting present needs.
Some of the club’s most notable restoration projects involve rare vehicles that required months of searching for parts and meticulous work to bring them back to life.
These restorations have become symbols of commitment and pride, reflecting the growing expertise within Oman’s classic car community.

The club welcomes members of all ages and backgrounds, from veteran collectors to teenagers discovering the charm of vintage engines for the first time. To nurture this new generation, it offers workshops in restoration, maintenance, safe driving and creative skills connected to automotive culture.
Whether participating in national events, regional exhibitions, or community gatherings across Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Dhofar and beyond, the Classic Car Club of Oman stands as a testament to a powerful truth, preserving these vehicles is not just about saving metal and engines, it is about keeping history in motion.