It has been 34 years since the Proton car model entered the United Kingdom (UK) market in 1987. However, who would have thought that the Malaysian-made car would become a fascination for a British man, Jon Coupland, who now owns a collection of six Proton cars of various models.
It's understood that Proton cars are still sold in that country as used cars, allowing the man to continue pursuing his hobby. As an automotive enthusiast, Jon has always been interested in unique and rarely-seen cars.
"I accidentally came across an advertisement for Proton cars on a vehicle buying and selling website.
"Without delay, I went straight to the vehicle sales centre and bought a Proton Saga 1.5 before bringing it home.
"As the car sat in my driveway, I observed it for quite a while and realized that the Proton car model had its own special features.
"Unfortunately, this car model is becoming more forgotten in the UK. That's when I had the vision to collect these vehicle models again to ensure the Proton brand lives on," he said.
According to him, the first car model he bought was the 1990 Proton Saga 1.5 SE LE Special Edition UK, which was still in very good condition with only 48,000 kilometers (km) on the odometer.
"I bought the car for £700 (RM4,000) in 2019.
"Adding to Proton's uniqueness in the UK, they are no longer sold featuring new models.
"Proton car models can only be owned through used car sales. This adds to its uniqueness," he said when contacted by Harian Metro journalist.
He mentioned that he particularly likes the early Proton car models like the Saga and Iswara models, which have different designs and packaging compared to the usual car brands seen in Europe.
"I always hunt for Proton models here, and it provides its own experience, challenges, and stories," he said, who also works as a police officer.
Furthermore, Jon explained that he is interested in Proton cars because he believes they have a beautiful and unique design compared to other sedan car brands.
"Modern cars these days look boring and seem to have the same exterior shapes. Unlike Proton cars, their durability is highly believed," he said.
He also mentioned that from another perspective, Proton car prices are not too high to own.
"Every time I drive it, people tend to turn and look at the car.
"Perhaps it's because this brand is becoming rare in the UK.
"Even though its manufacturing quality can't compete with Japanese cars and contemporary models, Proton cars have good durability. Plus, their spare parts can be obtained at reasonable prices," he said.
He added that his second Proton car model, the 1989 Saga 1.5GL Black Knight Edition, gained attention after it appeared as the champion choice for the unique and unpopular car segment at the Festival of the Unexceptional: A Concours de l'Ordinaire.
Talking about Proton car maintenance, Jon is fortunate because his father is a mechanic with 50 years of experience.
"He takes care of my Proton cars' maintenance.
"In fact, he is one of the skilled mechanics for Proton car models in the UK. Everything is done out of passion, and no fees are charged.
"Proton car spare parts are still easily obtainable in this country.
"But packaging components like exterior and interior accessories are quite difficult. As a result, I try to get them from cars that are beyond repair and can't be used anymore," he said, residing in Boston, Lincolnshire.
Despite not having close Malaysian connections, the content he shares on social media and YouTube has led many Malaysians to share their views and opinions with him.
"I'm deeply touched when all those (social media acquaintances) are proud of this national product," he said.
Jon, who has never visited Malaysia, dreams of visiting Proton City in Tanjong Malim, Perak, the Proton factory and museum at the Center of Excellence Proton (COE) in Subang Jaya, Selangor, and bringing back as many Proton spare parts and accessories to the UK as possible.
Jon, who owns a collection of eight Proton Saga and Iswara car models, doesn't have enough space at home to accommodate all his vehicles.
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"It's not just me; many others are interested in these Proton car models after watching my YouTube channel, Jon Coupland. Many are interested in owning Proton cars due to seeing my efforts to preserve these models.
"I sell them to various groups, like car collectors, former Proton employees, Malaysians, and young people looking for their first car," he said.
Jon mentioned that he wants to keep his current collection of six Proton cars in pristine condition.
He also uses a white Proton Saga Iswara as his daily commute to work, while other Proton models are used for special events or local auto exhibitions.
"I plan to collect as many Proton lifestyle products as possible and also dream of opening a Proton Museum in the UK," he said.
Based on history, Proton cars first entered the international market on November 23, 1987, when the Chairman of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional at the time, Tan Sri Jamil Jan, and the Chairman of Proton Cars (UK) Ltd., David Alan Brown, signed an agreement for the distribution of the Proton Saga National car to the United Kingdom, Eire, The Isle of Man, and The Channel Islands.
Source: Harian Metro
