Classic cars are usually likened to mechanical poetry and the ones driving such cars are most likely to possess some exemplary taste for the finer things in life. More like a time capsule that takes you back to the era where there was no computer interfering in your driving. It was all just your skill, nothing synthetic. You could feel every clank and clutter in the engine, smell the burnt fuel and feel the shift of every gear. These cars are pleasure machines. You drive them to detach from the world and its worries. A heightened form of mediation if you can call it so. And the beauty of these cars lie in their flaws and shortcomings. Be it the awkward driving position of the Lamborghini Countach or the skimpy interior on the Ferrari F40, we love these cars for what they are and these flaws add to the sense of occasion they possess.

A few weeks ago, we were in Dubai and with a car scene like Dubai’s, it would be blasphemous to not get a taste of the car scene there. With our man Harshil Majumdar in tow, it was decided that we would dip our fingers first into the classic car scene in Dubai since the modern car scene is already well known and bonkers. Classic cars and Dubai led to just one name popping up - Tomini Classics. Less than decade old, Tomini has been curating some of the finest pieces from the history of automobiles and has carved itself a niche in not only Dubai, but across the globe. Now personally, I have been following Tomini Classics on their Instagram since it’s inception. I distinctly remember the delightful looking old Porsche 911 they’d posted which made me hit ‘follow’ almost instantaneously.

After a few DMs and email exchanges, we landed up at their dealership. As any petrolhead would at a car showroom, we were half an hour early. After a little poking around at their jaw dropping lineup of cars, we were greeted by Mr. Miguel Llorente, the gentleman who had been coordinating our visit to Tomini. After a short chat, Miguel showed us around the cars on the showroom floor and we couldn’t help but be mesmerised by the reflection of the beauties bouncing off the showroom floor. The one that particularly had our heart was the curvy red Ferrari 300 P4. Although a replica, it looked impeccably finished!
While Harshil’s camera went click..whirrr, Miguel ever so graciously pulled out a stunning blue Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona for a short spin and some outdoor shots. The Daytona was built from 1968 to 1973 and this particular example started life as a coupe and was later converted into a Spider. The factory itself built just 121 Spiders so this happens to be quite a rare car although a conversion. The 365 went down the history books for it’s simple wedgy body and its sonorous V12.

And it didn’t quite end at this, Miguel then pulled out a stunning white Ferrari 328GTS so that we could get a few shots of this as well under the Dubai sun. It was befitting to pull out a white V8 Ferrari Spider right after a black V12 Spider. Both naturally aspirated Ferraris and it somewhat satisfies the petrolhead OCD in you! The 328GTS is again another one from the era when wedged supercars were the in-thing. Low slung, perfectly proportioned and a raucous exhaust note along with those super cool pop up headlamps make this something you could stare at for hours at stretch.

Some more pictures taken after a short spin in the 328GTS as we got back in, Miguel decided to get his most favourite car from the lot. Yep, he wasn't done surprising us yet! Out came a stunning 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Coupe. Finished in a dark metallic brown paint job, this one was a 3.5 which meant a V8 under the hood. Tomini Classics lists this car as not for sale, which means it was a part of their personal collection and could be taken out only after getting a special permission! This is one such car whose presence cannot be explained, it is something to be felt. Long, elegant and stately - this car is a testament to all the cars that Merc made in that era. After standing awestruck in front of it for a bit, we were out on the road taking pictures of this beauty, There's little doubt as to why Mercs were the choice of the rich and the famous of the late 1900s! 

 Once back in the showroom, we were too intrigued to not have a chat with the officials at Tomini. This chat eventually ended up being an interview because it was too interesting to not be shared with you all. Excerpts below :


 Automobili Ardent : What led to Tomini Classics being established?

Tomini Classics : Tomini Classics started as a private collection in 2010 when the Chairman of Tomini Group, in the company of a friend from the auto industry, attended his first classic vehicle auction. He bid on a 1967 Jaguar E-Type and won, eventually purchasing more cars for his own enjoyment as time went by. A few years later, he realised that his passion could also be made into a business, and invested in new facilities —including our gallery in Umm Suqeim Road—, top grade cars and extremely qualified staff to make Tomini Classics into what it is today: the Middle East’s premier classic car showroom, one without peer in the region.

AA : Which car that’s been on your showroom floor is your favourite and why?

TC : We have a few favourites in the showroom, actually. Assyl, the Head of Tomini Classics, says he is biased towards our 1970 Alfa Romeo Montreal, due to the driving ergonomics, handling and sound of the machine. He describes the gearbox as ‘delicious’, and fully agree with him: the ratios are in perfect synch with the car’s V8 engine. On the other hand, my pick would be our 1966 Lamborghini 350GT: besides its relative rarity —one of 120 built—, it is glorious to drive. The exhaust sound is no short of a V12 symphony, along with the fish-bowl feel of the cockpit, stout build quality and the very precise feel of the ZF gearbox in every shift —confident and mechanical. I would not hesitate to take that car on a grand European tour if given the chance!

AA : What’s a normal day like at Tomini? What does it feel like delivering to people their dream cars?

TC : Never a dull moment at Tomini Classics! Besides our usual sit-down meetings and email enquiries, our schedules are always packed and diverse. We engage in collaborations with the press and photographers on a constant basis, and arrange for multiple customer car inspections every week. Our search for rare parts is an ongoing effort, as well as routine maintenance for the fleet to be in tip-top mechanical and cosmetic condition. Occasionally, we welcome Gulf royalty and worldwide VIP’s to the showroom, who share our enthusiasm and passion for vintage cars.

When it comes to delivery, we feel a great sense of satisfaction to match a customer with their dream car. It imbues us with a sense of purpose and pride, as often times our customers wait for years —decades, even— to finally acquire that car they have always wanted. We see different car choices across generations, and how people's ‘bedroom wall’ car changes from person to person; the fact that we can finally join them together is one of the most rewarding things we could ask for.

AA : Tell us a little more about the history of this Ferrari 365 Daytona and the 328GTS

TC : For this article, we have picked up my two favourite Ferraris (V12 and V8, respectively) to drive. The Daytona Spider was delivered new in Bologna and was shipped to the USA in the 1970’s, where it was converted to a Spider by the end of the decade. It changed hands several times across Arizona, California, Connecticut and finally New York. At one point it was sold by famous TV host Wayne Carini (Chasing Classic Cars), and for many years it remained in the Hamptons as a second car to enjoy in the summer. The 328 GTS was an impeccably-kept, barely driven Pennsylvania car for most of its life.

AA : What’s been the car with the most interesting history that you’ve had?

TC : By far, our Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport. It was gifted by Italian leader Benito Mussolini to his mistress, Clara Petacci, who drove it until 1945. That year, the couple, disguised as Spanish diplomats, drove in a convoy to Switzerland in search of political asylum. However, they were detained at the border and the car ended up in the hands of an American army officer, who shipped back to the USA and drove it until it broke down. An art teacher eventually purchased it for $300 and touched base with Mussolini’s former chauffeur, who indeed confirmed the car was the very same in which he drove the infamous couple. Many years later, the car was restored to its former glory and went on to participate in the Mille Miglia and win awards worldwide, including ‘Second in Class’ at the Pebble Beach Concours.

This concluded our visit to Tomini Classics and it is surprising how the major part of the day was centred around three cars and there still seemed a lot more that was to be learnt about them. That is the beauty of cars, you will never ever know enough about them. A tip off the hat to Tomini Classics for making the entire process of acquisition and running a classic that much easier. As we left the premises drooling at all the old Porsche, Lamborghinis and Ferraris kept on display, here’s hoping we make it here again soon for more stories and of course, photos as well. Couldn’t quite have had anyone better than Harshil Majumdar to do the same! Huge thanks to Mr. Miguel Llorente and his team for having us over and spending time with us!