Q. Tell us about yourself (Your childhood, education, career, hobbies)
I had my schooling in Bangladesh. I am content and believe myself to be one of the fortunate ones that I could grow up in a country, which is expected to be one of the strongest emerging economies globally in the next 15 years. I am a dreamer and I always wanted to show initiative and resourcefulness without any bounds. So, I ventured my own business after completing my studies. We started a trading company. While most of my contemporaries decided to join multinational organizations and established local corporates, I decided to start on my own because I wanted to try my luck and test my abilities simultaneously. I am a self-reliant and optimistic person. These factors impelled me to start my own company in 1995, at a very young age. Today, the organization is one of the oldest and distinguished apparel textile sourcing companies in Bangladesh with regional presence. Since my childhood, I have always been captivated by vintage objects and comics, which eventually raised my interest to start my own art collection. A prominent artist named Rafiqun Nabi, the creator of Tokai, played a prime role in my onset in the world of art. Bichitra, a weekly magazine used to publish “Tokai” cartoons, narrating the socio-economic and current happenings of our time. My interest in Tokai made me collect art of Rafiqun Nabi leading up to a heightened interest in cars too. Every boy dreams about automobiles and airplanes. I was no stranger to this feeling as well. With time, I found my core interest towards Vintage cars with an additional interest in watches. A huge watch market in Baitul Mukarram, Dhaka Stadium areas existed during those days. We had a relative living in Purana Paltan. Every time I visited her, I used to walk through the market alleys and took note of the restoration process of the watches. I was hooked to the highly intricate fascinating procedure. That’s when I learnt about my attraction towards the mechanisms of the engine. It was truly a wonder to me. However, my passion towards my liking raised a spark than the technical aspects into being involved in these objects. Being passionate and inquisitive about the origin probably established me into what I am today.
Q. How long have you been a car enthusiast and how did it start?
I have been a devotee of cars since my childhood. But my interest took a firm hold mostly 20 years ago. One of my friends gave me a decrepit car of his. My interest evolved mainly, when I went to fix it. Now, I own 13 vintage and classic cars. Moreover, I have built my own facility, where the majority of the repair and restoration works are done.
Q. What was your first car and do you have any favorite car brands?
My first car was Toyota and my best-loved car is Aston Martin. For me, Aston Martin wins the race because of its comfort, road maneuverability and the speed.
Q. Share any of your memorable experiences with your cars.
My first car was not a deluxe car. Later, I changed to elite models but I kept that car because it held a lot of my personal sentiments. The genesis of my career started off with this car. Some special phases of my life began on a trip in this car such as my wedding and bringing my daughter home after her birth from the hospital. This car will always have a special place in my heart.
Q. Why do you have an interest in vintage cars particularly?
The car industry is not very old. The history and origin always fascinates me. I hold a special interest in the early 20th century because this was the time fundamental change came in science, arts, governance and the society. It is the dawn of modern civilization. Car manufacturers such as Henry Ford, Toyota, Datsun, British Motor Company and Enzo Ferrari were very innovative and ahead of their times. This led me to be interested in vintage car collections.
Q. Do you have any opinion for young vintage lovers or who are new into this new vintage world?
My advice would be, to be passionate and to stay inspired. The car should be maintained as original and authentic.
Q. How do you maintain and take care of your cars?
This is certainly a challenge. Somebody once told me that I need to have patience now that I have started my car collections. There will always be breakdowns but I must not lose patience. I need to stay calm and fix it.
Q. If you could only drive one car for the rest of your life, what would that be and why?
This is a difficult choice for sure. There are certain factors that I will look into before making that decision, such as mobility, comfort and luxury. So, in that case, I would choose a BMW. Because it ticks all of my desired boxes. It has comfort, safety and its own established brand name.
Q. What other interests do you have beside cars?
I collect art. I am fond of vintage watches, motorbikes as well. For watches, I like the brand Audemars Piguet and for motorbikes, it’s Triumph.
