Over the weekend, there was word that a mega meet up was being put together right here on our sunny island, bringing together multiple local car crews and groups for an afternoon of cars, food, drinks and camaraderie. So, being the crazy car people that we are, we packed our cameras, bundled ourselves into a Lexus and headed straight for Muar Malaysia instead, where a much more interesting automotive gathering was being held.
The event in question? Retro Havoc 2017. Perhaps Malaysia’s biggest automotive gathering dedicated to lovers of all old school machinery. With the participant list growing year after year, it was probably a good idea that the organisers choose to put this year’s event on the grounds of Muar Stadium.
We arrived shortly after lunchtime and the roads leading in were full of cars and inside, it was packed! There were also a sweet lineup of cars parked up on the grounds outside the stadium for a preview of things to come.
Coming from a country where the authorities do a hell lot to dissuade you from keeping a car over its ten year lifespan, it’s always refreshing to see such a variety of old metal in the flesh, be it in Japan, Thailand or in this weekend’s case, Malaysia. It’s something that those of us living on this sunny island can only dream about.
Some were rusty…
Others were odd and quirky…
And a couple that were just plain weird. But, everyone had fun together.
I thought this was a Lada, turns out it’s the OG Fiat variant.
There were of course, quite a number of show stoppers as well! Like that Hakotora truck and this beautiful Sunny B110 Coupe. Some say it’s packing a Tomei built engine.
I love Sunny trucks.
The make and model with the highest representation has to be Toyota KE70s. They were everywhere!
I’m not really complaining of course. Secretly i’d love to have one. Preferably in wagon form.
A rare Mazda Luce 1000. What a beautiful shape. Did you know the lovely and elegant design of the Luce (pronounced Lu-Che) was a rejected Alfa Romeo proposal? Curbside Classic has the story, it’s rather long but worth a read if you’re into that sort of thing.
It doesn’t get any smaller that the 360cc era Kei cars.
Lovely Sunny Wagon with some Mooneyes inspired touches.
Another Sunny Wagon but of a later vintage.
The heroic crew of WRXs that travelled all the way from HongKong to Malaysia. Hardcore and i’m sure they all had a drive to remember for life.
These wheels have been places.
RWB.
Same same, but different.
W123s seem are coming of age now.
A duo of Honda City Turbos brought along their Motocompos to the show. Love it!
A Mark II by any other name, is a Cressida.
Stunning Ghias.
Check out the details.
I’m usually not a fan of the 2+2 Fairlady shape but this looks not too bad.
RX3s with their big flared arches always look crazy.
S30 2-seater coupe. A purer shape but commanding a steeper premium at the same time. Looking beautiful ain’t cheap.
This Escort was packing some serious firepower for such a lithe chassis.
V8 baby. I wonder if there’s space for an a/c compressor in there.
Plenty of V-dubs in the haus.
If only the IDX concepts weren’t shelved for some shitty Crossovers, we would have had a modern interpretation of their iconic Bluebird.
No forgetting the modern classics.
How do you like your vintage?
Johor represent.
Beautiful Corolla Coupes.
Before the Toyota Corona, there was the Toyopet Corona.
Lovingly kept Sunny.
Not all cars were meticulously maintained but i’m sure the owners of these cars probably have as much, if not more fun with their cars than those of us who fastidiously wash and wax our machines. And when you think about it, isn’t having fun the whole point of it all?
If you are interested.
I always wanted a Liftback.
Another Hakotora, sans livery.
Some participants drove down from Thailand, i really cannot imagine transversing less than smooth roads in cars with no hint of suspension travel. It must be painful.
There were a few BMWs on show which was nice.
Neue Klasse strangely running on Toyota Century hubcaps.
Mixing it up!
Wagonist for life!
Love the TE.
One day, someone’s gonna slam this and throw a set of BBS RS wheels on.
Hachimaru Heroes.
A number of Singaporeans also joined in the fun.
An icon for those growing up in the 90s.
So how was the event? Well, it was hot, it was extremely sunny, and at the end of the day, we had a havoc of a time! Unfortunately with over 800 cars showing up, we were not able to cover the entire event but we hope this post gives you a taste of what to expect if you are planning to head up next year.
Big thanks to our friend Lionel for the rides up and down Malaysia with superb food detours thrown in! Malaysia boleh indeed.
GARAGE36 