CHENNAI: Samath owns a large fleet of cars in his garage — a red LA Ferrari, a white Audi GT, a shiny black BMW i8, a classic Series 62 Cadillac, to name a few. No, the 27-year-old is not an Arab Prince but is a rather smart, young architect in Chennai, and his cars are all miniatures, some hardly three inches in size.“I’ve been collecting miniature cars for the past 13 years!” Shunoon grins.
Having born and raised in Oman, Shunoon has always loved cars. And the obsession to collect miniatures began when he read an article about someone who’d collect miniature cars. He was in Class 8 then. “I don’t recollect his name, or where he was from, but I found it an interesting hobby!” says the architect. “I think it also started because I was crazy about cars, and I couldn’t obviously afford to buy the real ones!”
His first purchase was a black convertible Dodge Viper, which he found in a shop in Oman. Soon, one became 10, 10 became 20, and before he knew it, he owns a total of 65 cars now! “I look for unique models wherever I go. Whenever I buy one, I have the urge to get more,” he admits.
His collection contains unique cars, supercars and hyper cars that he purchased in Oman, Dubai and also Chennai, when he shifted here for college. What are his usual sources? “You’ve just got to search around the city to find good places. I go to a few shops in Parson’s Complex in Gemini, and then Habley’s in EA, and another shop in the basement in EA. Fountain Plaza is yet another great place to hunt,” he shares.
Of course, online purchasing helps but it’s hard to come by unique models. “For instance, the standard models like Lamborghini Aventador are easily available in any shop. But the McLaren C1 is hard to find — if you get that, it’s a good catch,” he laughs.
He has also developed close ties with shop owners, who now update him when new models come up. Miniature cars are usually available in scale sizes 1:32 ratios or slightly bigger ones at 1:24 and 1:18. “In the bigger ones, you can open the engine hood and doors too!” he explains.And the cost varies in the miniature car world, he explains. “Basic models can start at H350, while others can go up to H15,000 as well!” he says.
His recent acquisition, the La Ferrari model, is an extremely rare model that he found at Shoppers Stop. “It was around H3000, but I still got it because I couldn’t resist it!” he says, adding that it’s his most expensive purchase yet.
Strategically planning his budget, he does research online and tries to find the same model for cheaper costs in local markets. What’s his favourite model? “A silver 2009 model Nissan GTR — it was gifted to me by a friend whom I have lost touch with now, though,” he laughs.And it’s not just cars; Shunoon also has a few miniature bike models in his garage too! “I have only fours as of now. It’s harder to find good modern bike models,” he says.
With a collection of rare and unique models, does he plan on selling them eventually? “No way...hell no! One day, perhaps I will own a real-life Nissan GTR or a Lamborghini. I’m a Taurean, but that’s what connects me to the latter,” he says.
To know more about Shunoon’s car garage, follow him on Instagram and Facebook —Tinywheeler8.