Classic Car Club Clocks 10, Eyes Tourism Boost Through Regional Showcase

A growing community of vintage automobile enthusiasts in Lagos has called for government support and private sector support to transform classic car exhibitions into a viable tourism and cultural platform across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

Speaking at an event organised by the Classic Cars Club of Nigeria, tagged “Classic Cars & Coffee Drive,” Progenitor-member, Mr. Dapo Otunla, said the initiative has evolved from a modest 2016 car show into a thriving network of over 120 members, marking a decade of sustained growth.

He disclosed that the club, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, has consistently hosted signature events such as Independence Day classic car drives and Father’s Day car shows, drawing enthusiasts and the general public alike.

Otunla explained that beyond these flagship gatherings, the club has expanded its reach through informal meet-ups known as “Classic Cars and Coffee,” designed to deepen engagement and foster community among automobile lovers.

“It’s the kind of thing where we come together with our cars, friends and affiliates. Even people who don’t own cars join us. We just enjoy the time, admire the cars and share experiences,” he said.

He noted that while many collectors still keep their vintage vehicles out of public view, the club has created a platform that encourages visibility, collaboration and steady expansion of the classic car ecosystem.

The progenitor said the club is positioning itself to attract participation from across West Africa, with plans to host cross-border exhibitions that would enhance regional collaboration and cultural exchange among enthusiasts.

“With government support, people can bring in their cars, showcase them and return with ease. We would also like our members to travel to other countries and showcase their cars, building stronger connections across borders,” he stated.

He dismissed claims that classic car ownership is elitist, stressing that the culture is largely driven by passion rather than status, while highlighting the patience and attention to detail required in restoring vintage vehicles.
“The little things matter. It’s not about rushing the job. Quality work takes time. I bought parts for my Volkswagen Beetle over two years before restoration even began,” he explained.

Similarly, he added that the exhibitions also hold strong tourism potential due to the public fascination they generate.

He, however, called for policy support, including import duty waivers, tax incentives and VAT relief on classic cars, noting that such measures would boost participation and unlock the sector’s economic value.

Also speaking, a vintage car restorer based in Abuja, Eugene, popularly known as Artman, highlighted the technical and logistical challenges in restoring classic vehicles, particularly the difficulty in sourcing rare parts.

“We specialise in body and upholstery restoration, bringing cars back to their original OEM look. Sourcing parts is one of the biggest challenges, especially for rare models,” he said, noting that while parts for some vehicles can be sourced from the United States, others require procurement from Europe.

He described models such as the Peugeot 404 as historically significant, recalling its role in Nigeria’s early automobile assembly industry. He, however, noted the renewed appeal of vehicles like the Volkswagen Beetle among younger Nigerians.

Artman added that efforts are underway to modernise some classic vehicles for contemporary use, including the integration of automatic transmission systems to make them more accessible to a new generation of drivers.