KUALA LUMPUR: Affin Group is teaming up with Heritage Motor Exchange Asia to launch what it describes as Asia's first collector car marketplace.
It is showcasing up to 50 classic and collector vehicles at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL) from Oct 23-25.
Held alongside WTC KL's 40th anniversary celebrations, the inaugural event aims to bring greater pricing transparency and buyer confidence to Southeast Asia's collector car market through a data-driven valuation system.
The three-day event will introduce a 100-point concours judging system to assess vehicles based on physical condition and component authenticity.
A panel of judges, working with industry partners from Europe, will evaluate the vehicles with their scores mapped against historical market transaction data to establish certified fair-trade value ranges.
Each participating vehicle will receive an official valuation certificate, while selected vehicles offered for sale will display their calculated price ranges on their windscreens to provide buyers with an objective reference during negotiations.
The marketplace will feature six categories: Vintage, Classic, Modern Classic, Contemporary Exotic, Luxury and Performance collector cars.
Its programme will comprise five segments, including Concours de Vente, a curated showcase of vehicles undergoing live assessment; Concours d'Elegance, which celebrates automotive craftsmanship and restoration; and a private consignment paddock for collectors to trade verified vehicles.
Other highlights include "Back From the Future" featuring Mornine, an intelligent humanoid robot developed by AiMOGA, as a vehicle presenter, and "Historic Motorsport - Icons are Forever", showcasing iconic race and rally cars dating back to the 1970s.
Affin Group president and group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said the partnership reflected the bank's efforts to build relationships with high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners beyond their financial portfolios.
"For many collectors, a classic car represents years of passion, an appreciation for craftsmanship and a legacy to pass on to future generations," he said.
Through its Affin Diventium Private Banking segment, the group offers tailored wealth management, investment expertise and lifestyle privileges to clients.
The event will also feature the Road Transport Department and Puspakom.
They are supporting financing assessments, vehicle roadworthiness inspections, ownership transfers, road tax issuance and insurance arrangements, subject to the relevant requirements and assessments.
Cycle & Carriage will participate as the anchor heritage partner, commemorating its 75-year association with Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and Singapore.
Visitors can also attend educational sessions on vehicle inspections and how component defects affect vehicle valuations.
The event opens on Oct 23 with an exclusive preview for collectors and the media from 10am to 1pm, followed by public admission until 10pm.
On Oct 24-25, opening hours are from 10am to 10pm.
Admission is priced at RM23 for adults, RM16 for students and RM13 for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
