Iran’s vintage cars display racy and lavish past of toppled Pahlavi dynasty
Before they were ousted by the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran’s royal family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle with a taste for fast cars. Now, after half a century hidden away, the royal racers are back on show, with the Iran Historical Car Museum drawing in thousands since it opened to the public
The jewel of the museum is a 1930 Pierce-Arrow “Model A”. At that time it was the most expensive car built in the United States — and was bought by Reza Shah, the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty. AFP
Iran’s royal family, before being ousted by the 1979 Islamic revolution, enjoyed a lavish lifestyle with a taste for fast cars quite unlike any ever built. Image credit: AFP
After a century, the royal racers are now displayed at the ran Historical Car Museum and drew in thousands since it opened to the public in recent weeks. “We consider that these cars are part of Iranian cultural heritage,” the museum director Mohammed Faal said, adding “They belong to the people, not to the royal family.” Image credit: AFP
The museum is run by the Islamic republic’s Bonyad Mostazafan organisation – “The Foundation of the Oppressed” – which manages the confiscated property of the toppled regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The line-up is staggering, and includes a car combining a unique engineering collaboration. Image credit: AFP
In 1972, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen teamed up to create the “MPV Tehran”, a bright orange painted single-seater, knowing the Shah liked German engineering. It was a “gift” to help crown prince Reza, who was then 12, learn how to drive. It has two keys. One, made of silver, limits the powerful engine to a gentle 30 kilometres per hour. The other, in gold, allows the vehicle to speed at 170 kph. Image credit: AFP
The museum houses 55 cars, two coaches and four motorcycles, one of which was once driven by Farah Diba, the last empress and widow of the shah. But a hundred other vehicles are still in warehouses awaiting to be meticulously restored and put on show. Another prize exhibit is a black Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, built in 1922. This car is notable because the Islamic republic kept hold of the historic gem after a battle with the exiled former monarchy. Image credit: AFP
‘Six months before the revolution, the car had been sent to Rolls-Royce for repairs,’ said Faal, the museum’s director. ‘After the fall of the monarchy in 1979, the Pahlavi family demanded that the factory return it to them, claiming that it belonged to the dynasty.’ It sparked a furious legal battle. But a British court ruled that, according to its documents, the vehicle belonged to the Iranian state and not the ex-royal family. ‘The car returned to Iran,’ Faal said. Image credit: AFP
The jewel of the museum is a 1930 Pierce-Arrow “Model A”. At that time it was the most expensive car built in the United States – and was bought by Reza Shah, the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty. Its price tag was an eye-watering $30,000, equivalent to one eighth of Iran’s state budget at the time, and came complete with a gold-plated bumper and headlights. The car, with the imperial crest fixed to the doors, was used by the shah during ceremonies including his marriage to his second wife Soraya and at the funeral of his father Reza. Image credit: AFP
Another favourite for visitors is the 1934 Mercedes 500 K Autobahn Kurier, a gift from Adolf Hitler to Reza Shah. The car is the last of its kind; of the six built by the German company, five were destroyed during World War II. ‘Mercedes offered to buy it at a price we would set, because the firm was eager to have it in its museum,’ said Faal. ‘We refused.’ Image credit: AFP
