Group leader Narindet “Tar” Changdee says there are around 40 classic car owners associated with the Phuket car group.
All the owner’s cars are bought in Thailand, because import tax is very high. The club has Thailand’s biggest selection of classic cars for sale on the group’s website, with 29 currently being advertised.
Mr Narindet says the cheapest car is B78,000, up to B13.8 million.
“Our definition of classic cars is very comprehensive, including not only vintage cars but also collectibles of
the 1970s, 80s and today – as long as they are original and not ‘upgraded’ with aftermarket body kits.
“So we welcome a genuine 70s Celica as much as a 50s Silver Cloud, as well as an affordable ‘youngtimer’ like a 70s Corolla – so long as they are in good and original condition.
“But they can also be younger, if they are exotic enough, like the Lotus that was part of our rally.”
Mr Narindet said that the car club came about from the members wanting a way they were able to show their car
off as well as drive it, rather than just have it on display outside a hotel or temple.
“For us, driving is the fun part,” he says.
Because the car club was established in the name of fun, there are no charges involved.
On January 22, Classic Car Club Phuket organised its first ever classic car rally – the Phuket Classic Car
Trophy 2012.
Cars involved included a 1955 MGA Roadster, 1963 MG Midget Roadster, Mercedes 200 Fintail Sedan, 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, Mercedes 280 S Sedan, 1977 Toyota Landcruiser, 1980 Jaguar XJ Sedan, 2008 Lotus Exige and Mr Narindet’s own car, a 1979 Nissan Skyline 2000GT.
The rally started at the Sri Supphaluck Orchid shop on Thepkrasattri Rd, next to the Heroines Monument, and the rally involved a 65 kilometre drive around the northern part of Phuket.
“The route was mainly on small and quiet roads, without much traffic. But there were lots of bends to increase
the fun,” he said.
The group had a lunch break at Ao Po Grand Marina, before finishing at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club.
The winner, Dr. Suchon Jittanonta, a Thai collector living in Phuket, was driving a 1963 Mercedes 200 Fintail. His daughter, Atiporn, was his able co-pilot.
While a car rally is often about getting to the finish point as fast as possible, the Phuket rally was more of a scavenger hunt, with various activities and challenges held along the way.
Questions included what the name of a particular island was, or the model name of a 40-year-old car wreck parked outside someone’s house. There were also driving skills tests such as reversing as close as possible without touching a marker, or driving exactly one metre with closed eyes.
“Once we get more members, we plan to hold activities for the public, such as a classic car show.
“We also think car rallies and car shows are a new and interesting focus for Phuket, because it can promote Phuket’s cultural diversity.
“It could also work in conjunction with promoting Phuket’s Old Town, because the old town and old cars is a good combination.
“We are still a small private group of car lovers, but we would love to have bigger events in the future.”
– Classic Car Club Phuket: email classiccarclubphuket@hotmail.com
or visit the website: classiccarclubphuket.com