ALOR GAJAH: A 71-year-old Vespa enthusiast who rode his scooter overland to Iran is now holding a two-day gathering for vintage motorcycle fans to cherish these classical machines.
Rahim Amat from Pulau Sebang here said he had travelled across the international borders of four countries up to Iran in 2013 in five Vespa scooters with his family in 2013.
“It was the most memorable moment for my family then, I spent more time in the southern part of India during my two-month long trip as I can speak the Tamil language,” he said when interviewed here on Thursday (Aug 3).
Rahim was at Melaka youth, sports and non-governmental organisations committee chairman V.P Shanmugam’s service centre at Gadek here to make arrangements for his event on Sat (Aug 5) and Sun (Aug 6) at Bandar Satelit in Tampin here.
The father of 18 children, the eldest who is now 46 years old and the youngest is 23, owned his first Vespa in 1973.
Since then, he had continued to keep the tradition of preserving the Italian-manufactured scooters together with his seven sons.
“Each of my sons owns a Vespa and my family members are true fans of these iconic scooters of yesteryear,” he said.
Recalling his trip around the globe one decade ago, Rahim said he found there are still many hardcore fans of the classic Italian scooters throughout India and Pakistan.
“Vespa was an ultimate status symbol for local bike aficionados in the 1970s and not many could afford to own the scooter then,” he said.
Rahim said he also has a workshop to restore the classical scooters at Pulau Sebang where he repairs Vespa and other motorcycles.
He is also offering one restored vintage Vespa as a grand prize during a lucky draw session at the rally.
“Vespas were the best gift Italy gave to the world and I love these scooters,” he added.
