In collaboration with PASSIONS, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in PASSIONS Volume 46, we present this story on Datuk Ramesh Rajaratnam and his love of vintage cars.
Vintage items often carry deeply personal significance for their collectors, and classic and vintage cars are no exception. Collectors seek out and keep these automobiles not just because they reflect their luxurious lifestyles and appreciation for the finer things in life, but also for their sentimental value. Long-time classic and vintage automobiles collector Datuk Ramesh Rajaratnam – Executive Chairman of RR Advisory Services, shares with PASSIONS the story behind four out of eight cars from his collection.
Mercedes 190 SL
As the newest addition to Datuk Ramesh’s collection, this sleek and sporty bright red 1959 vintage convertible is a head-turner everywhere it goes. The car, which is in mint condition without any modifications, won Datuk Ramesh bragging rights when it came in as the 2nd runner up for its authenticity at a Kuala Lumpur classic car show in November of 2011.
Mercedes Benz 200
“The Mercedes Benz 200 is a popular wedding car because it is so spacious. Normally, it will carry the newly-wedded couple in a wedding procession while the rest of my collection will go along as entourage cars.”
Spacious and majestic-looking, this 1964 sedan was once owned by the Kedah state police chief who sold it to a collector before Datuk Ramesh acquired it in 2005. Restored to 95% of its original condition today, the car is often rented out as a bridal carriage for weddings. When it is not carrying newlyweds, the Benz 200 is Datuk Ramesh’s choice for family outings.
Mercedes SL500
Said to have a ground speed rivaling that of an aircraft lift-off, the SL500 convertible is every speed demons’ dream come true. The 1993 imported model is in complete original condition; even the factory fitted Blaupunkt is still working.
By collectible standards, the car is not yet old enough to be categorised as a classic (25-40 years old), but it is a very rare model in Malaysia. “I am the owner of one of only eight units available in the country,” Datuk Ramesh said, with delight.
Ford Capri Mark 1
“I bought the Capri when my then-girlfriend (now wife) needed a car to go to work from Cheras to Kajang in the mid 80s. When I first came across the car, I fell in love with it despite it being in a run-down condition.”
This 1970 European pony car has a special place in Dato’ Ramesh’s heart and he has so many fond personal memories associated with it since he bought in 1986.
For Datuk Ramesh, the most remarkable aspect about the Capri is that for more than two decades, the car never failed him or his family. “In the early 90s, when my brother was diagnosed with cancer, my father drove this car to the hospital, to and fro, for roughly 50km every day for two years. Other than refilling petrol and water, he never once took it for servicing and yet, it never failed to start,” said Datuk Ramesh. “It was only on the day following my brother’s passing that the Capri suddenly couldn’t start,” he added. “It’s as if it had a mind of its own and it knew that we were counting on it,” Datuk Ramesh said, marvelling at the most prized item in his collection.
