Our goal when we started NoEqual.co back in the early days were to create a strength of possibilities to uncover some of the best garages and experience the best and favourite cars in the world. Since then, we’ve been able to uncover Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and of course, our shores itself just to name a few. But the Middle-East has always been one of those places that has been on our list that we’ve yet to get the opportunity… till this year!
We had a quick travel trip down to Dubai, and thanks to the wonderful connections of Social Media and car enthusiasts alike, we were able to experience some epic cars for two days in the UAE. Although yes, just like you, our imagination of UAE is just filled with super exotic cars and to our absolute surprise, the locals are so friendly! And when we met Mr. ZS, he introduced us to his private collection of cars!
History
Mr. ZS had always had a strong affinity for cars, particularly Italian machines. In his childhood, he promised himself that when he was financially stable, he would make the dream of building a collection of his favourite cars to life. In his early days, he started of with a garage in his own backyard to store his most cherished cars, but as time pass and the collection grew bigger, he knew it was time to venture out into a proper storage.
Just outside of Dubai, ZS Garage is located in a quiet little private warehouse where the collection is now shared between Mr. ZS and his brother, Mr. WS. Growing up with a similar affinity, every car has a story of it’s own to why it sits inside the ZS collection. And the garage is more than just a storage, because it’s a little second home where they hang out, to adore and work on their cars in their free time. Occasionally of course, the place becomes a hideout for friends and car guys alike to enjoy the art on wheels.
What’s in the garage?
“Nothing screams more Italian than Ferrari and Alfa Romeo” – says Mr. ZS. We admire collections like this because their choice of cars are truly acquired from the heart. In sight, there was a total of about 20 cars ranging from a 1930 Ford Model A to a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. The sea of Alfa Romeos are probably one of the most scenic sights we’ve seen in a private collection before, but the Alfa Romeo SZ Zagato would be the rarest of the clovers. Only about 1,000 units were ever made and it features a 3.0-litre Italian symphony that we’ve never heard before. We only know of 1 unit in Malaysia, hence having 2 in this collection alone certainly sparks a different excitement.
The Renault 5 Turbo 2 in the collection is another car that got us flying too. This Group B homologation is something we’ve never seen before, and in it’s prime, was the coolest hot hatches ever made. The French had always known thing or two about making a hot hatch like no other. The 5 Turbo had a mid-mounted engine, which is highly recognisable through it’s flared bodywork and the massive side ducts. An iconic hot hatch recipe that till today, only Renault holds.
Can’t deny the love for this Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo either. Another iconic rally homologation hatch that resonates in the world of cars. Only a handful were ever made, and all of them were in LHD. This car marked a time in automotive history that stands iconic till today. We can tell that Mr. ZS loves his Rally Homologations too, and he shared with us that he targets to add an Audi Quattro to the collection soon (in fact, the Quattro has arrived since!).
But if we’re honest, there was a Black Stallion parked near the shutters that had always had our attention from the moment we stepped inside. The Ferrari 512 Testarossa!
Touring UAE in a Flat-12
According to Mr. ZS, the car community in Dubai is astonishingly diverse. Just like how it is in other parts of the world, there are automotive social groups that organises car meets and drives often, especially during Winter season in the Middle East. The cold weather as you can imagine gives better health to the running of the cars, as well as a reason to get the car guys out driving.
In a scene where the world’s rarest and most exotics exists just miles away from town, it is hard to quantify the existence of car guys around. Of course, it’s not saying that exotic car collectors are not car enthusiasts, but buying the latest and shiniest cars gives also a sense of status elevation. You’d be surprised to find the Middle-Eastern backdrop is probably one of the most beautiful plains in the world. And how everything is structured gives a sense of clean organisation that us shutter bugs can love.
When put against the Ferrari 512TR in Nero Daytona, you get a different kind of goosebumps. The sound of the Flat-12 is just absolutely breathtaking, and the vibrations you get being inside the car certainly makes you feel alive. Of course, we weren’t behind the wheel but being on the passenger seat alone, we get the sense that the 512TR is definitely a proper Pracing Horse for a true enthusiasts.
Powered by a 4.9-litre 12 cyclinder engine, the Testarossa earned a place in many hearts thanks to Miami Vice. A shade over 7,000 units were produced over a span of 7 years which means, it isn’t the rarest Ferrari ever made. Yet the silhouette of the Testarossa reigns in the minds of car lovers. We loved every moment, and we thank Mr. ZS for taking time out and sharing his passion together with us. The Middle-East has a lot of uncovering to do, and our short 2 day trip was definitely sweet, but too shore. Till next time!
Follow Him On Instagram : @zsgarage
Written By | Qhalis Najmi
