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A fleet of classic Ferraris showcased Maranello’s past on Kuala Lumpur’s roads on a recent Saturday. The drive, initiated by the Ferrari Owners’ Club Malaysia (FOCM), took a leisurely cruise around the city’s historical landmarks that signposted pivotal moments of the nation’s history.
The parade of classic Ferraris began streaming in early at Bangsar Village II, comprising F328, F355, F550, 328 GTB, 308, 360s, and the iconic mid-engine 246 GTS Dino. From here, the convoy motored down Jalan Travers towards The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Colonial Wing—built in 1932 and achieving fame for being one of Kuala Lumpur’s great hotels in Malaya’s pre-independence boom years. The convoy then proceeded past the 1917-constructed Railway Administration Building, designed by Arthur Hubback, a government architect of the Federated Malay States. His work on the Railway Administration Building—now the offices of KTM Bhd—was rich with Indo-Saracenic style, with decorative references from Indo-Islamic and, especially, Mughal architecture.
Through the leafy Perdana Botanic Gardens, the convoy would then emerge at the Malaysian Houses of Parliament, a 17-storey and 77m tall tower. Its construction began in 1962 at a cost of RM18 million and was completed in 1963. By 1971, the Felix de Weldon-designed statue of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s founding father and its first Prime Minister, would be erected near Parliament Square.
The same sculptor was also responsible for the construction of the National Monument of Malaysia (Tugu Negara), which—at the time of its unveiling in 1966—was the world’s tallest bronze freestanding sculpture grouping. It commemorates the fallen soldiers who participated in Malaysia’s quest for freedom against the Japanese occupiers of World War II as well as the communist insurgency that lasted from 1948 till 1960.
A quick pit stop at the Royal Selangor Club, located right next to Dataran Merdeka, brought the fleet of Cavallino Rampante up close to its equine inspiration in the form of mounted police who happened to be patrolling nearby. The Selangor Club, founded in 1884 by the colonial British for high-ranking members of society, was redesigned and expanded over the years, eventually being granted a royal charter by His Royal Highness DYM Sultan Selangor in 1984, to then have the royal inclusion in its name.
From here, the convoy would then pull into the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur and be ushered into Ital Auto Malaysia, the official importer and dealer of Ferrari in Malaysia. Welcoming them was Marcus Ng, Ferrari Malaysia’s head of sales, who proceeded to regale the classic Ferrari owners with an introduction to the new 849 Testarossa, a V8 with a max power output of 1,050 horsepower, a record for a production Ferrari.
Also seen at the dealership was a Ferrari Approved 599 GTO, the first instance of an aluminium chassis in a Ferrari GT automobile, as well as the V6-hybrid 296 Challenge with its monstrous roar. A presentation on the Ferrari Classiche programme spoke of the preservation of value for Ferraris that met the criteria of vintage by being older than 20 years old, as well as the Special Series, Sport, and Ferrari F1 models. The programme also allows owners to benefit from long-term spare parts and take part in the most prestigious official events.
Lunch at Culina, hosted by Ital Auto Malaysia, would then segue into a convivial session of cigars at the nearby Club Macanudo lounge, paired with 25-year-old Chivas, Mumm Cordon Rouge champagne, and the highly limited Havana Club Unión rum, the first-ever Cuban rum created to match the fine, full-bodied flavour of Cuban cigars.
Scroll through below for more photos from the event.
Videography by Muhammad Amirul Firdaus Zul Mizan
Photography by @miizannnn and @sylviatan_
Roller by Muhammad Amirul Firdaus Zul Mizan
