Nationwide Classics - A courier company that suddenly decides it wants to refurbish classic cars

This came as a complete surprise, I received a call the other day from Nationwide Express, Malaysia's second largest courier services company (after the Government linked Pos Laju) for a surprise invitation. Upon arrival, I have to admit that although I'm was excited, I wasn't expecting much, as the premise was rather quiet, not one that's buzzing with activities likewise of the Overhaul'in Show.



The first car that reflected the rays of light upon the opening of the shutter was a 1970s Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, the refurbishment of its fiberglass body had just been finished, the entire underbody was also refurbished and painted in some nice durable matt black paint. It's currently waiting for a set of actuators for it's headlamps and the engine's also on the way back. I believe instead of pimping this excellent piece of automotive porn, the owner wants to retain it in its original form, not wanting any modern tyres or rims, even the paint is reminiscent to the original Corvette Stingray. Oh, its 5.7 ltr V8.


Next up, this is one of my personal favorite, anyone's parents who are first generation baby boomers (borned circa 1945 onwards) would know the immensely popular cartoon THE MASK, as this Pontiac Trans Am is the lead character's ride. Well, this blue Trans Am, as with most American muscle cars, had a 6.5ltr V8 engine small block (in USA, engines smaller than 7.0ltr are considered 'SMALL BLOCKS') With exhaust pipes that goes sideways beneath the doors for more direct air flow, this is one rumbling muscle car that'll definitely attract more attention than any Ferrari, anytime.


This is another cool car, a Holden Commodore GTS with a 5.0ltr V8 engine. This one took a different approach to the Corvette Stingray with plenty of modern add ons (wheels especially) and a body that's fairly original, all chrome works and body, engine were refurbished, and its a really rare car to have in Malaysia and I must say the Nationwide Classics team had did a very good job refurbishing this one as it's immaculately done. In fact, all cars in this warehouse is immaculate. I do have pictures of its interior thou, however as with cars around 70s and 80s, interiors are craply designed, with thin steering wheels, nothing as flamboyant as their exteriors; moreover square dials are something they dig back then, certainly not something that could stand the test of time IMO.



Next up, there're two Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, and a Rolls Royce Corniche, essentially a cabriolet version of Silver Shadow Coupe. Both sedans were fully done up, whereas the Corniche just had it's canvas roof replaced and currently the interior was halfdone. You all might not know, that there are actually plenty of companies around manufacturing vintage parts for collectors of all sorts of cars, even this "OMG is it real?" one helluva collector's item.

This is a Lagonda M45 Sports Tourer, essentially a sports car from 1935, yes 73 years ago. This 4.5ltr straight 6 sports car could tear 160km/h, a phenomenal speed from the days when just not too long ago (World War 1) armies are still riding on horses when they go on war. Not only that it's refurbished to look exactly like how it should, it still runs for your info, and Lagonda, a discontinued brand that Aston Martin is now vying to give life to compete with luxury makes recently, is definitely one of the rarest cars in the world, I've never thought I could lay my hands on this legendary marque that won Lemans decades ago, and the most interesting thing about this Lagonda is, back then during the early days of automotive engineering, not much standards have been made, well as standards, and this Lagonda had the accelerator at the middle, and the brakes on the right, try to figure that out. Shocking wasn't it?
Of course, the one they won Lemans with, is called LG45R Rapide, sound familiar? Well the Aston Martin Rapide, is a 4 door super sedan that will see production very soon.



In short, the place is never short of vintage surprises, I even saw three little children toy cars from different era, worth nothing is that the very small one on the left, is from 1940s. No kidding. Then there's a Cadillac Deville which needs a lot more rectifying before its road worthy. Oh, did I mention there's a Jaguar E-Type engine being refurbish? In short, its wonderful to see there are such dedicated motor enthusiasts in Malaysia, catering to such a small, niche target segment, and most certain of it, the Nationwide Classics division, a subsidiary of a courier company, is definitely one that's build up from passion rather than anything else. Hence anyone needing a place to store your classics, any expats or those that took up the 'Malaysia, my second home' program that wished to bring along your beloved ride, this autobank facility with de-humidifier, trained enthusiasts taking care of your ride is a place that you can place your bet on.

Web: www.nationwideclassics2u.com
Contact: Mr Fazzil
Tel: +603 51633301 / +6016 6315181
Email: fazzil@nationwideclassics2u.com