YASSER Ejaz remembers the first time a car caught his attention.

“I was aged five and walking with my father - I vividly recall seeing a 1980’s BMW and instantly being fascinated by it. It was the first car I’d seen that ever interested me and the first time I’d ever seen someone lock a car with a remote, something we take for granted now.”

Born in Little Horton, Yasser’s parents ran a mini-market called Top Shop and a restaurant, Shezan, near the University of Bradford. “I grew up helping run them both,” he says.

As soon as he passed his driving test he bought a 1990 Vauxhall Nova. Since then the law graduate, who lives in Chellow Dene, has owned a range of cars.

“At first I owned four different models of BMW 3 Series,” he says, “Then a Nissan Prelude and Toyota Corolla GTi Twin Cam.”

Four more BMWs followed: BMW 530i M Sport; BMW 740i; BMW 750i Individual;

and BMW 750iL Individual.

“I then had a Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon, a Range Rover Vogue, a BMW 6 series and drove BMW Z3/Z4 convertibles in the summer.”

Yasser developed an interest in retro classic cars, in particular BMWs. “I Bought a series of 1990s BMW 7 series as they always appealed to me and are iconic examples of over-engineered luxury cars that still hold great appeal,” he says.

He built on his passion for BMWs and began collecting them.

“I was involved in an automotive business that sold general everyday cars. I quickly realised that I wanted to pursue my passion in dealing in and selling retro classics - I spotted a niche in the car sales sector: no one in Bradford was doing this at the time and there was nothing dedicated to retro classic car sales.”

So, in November 2019, he set up Retro Classic Automotive.

“I run the business with my executive, Maf Farooq of MyLahore Restaurant chain. He and I have always shared a passion for retro classics and I invited him on board to start this journey with me. Maf manages other parts of the wider MyLahore business so is very busy, so devotes what time he can to Retro Classic.”

Kashif Hamid is second executive. He and Maf also own a deli in Shelf called Wagners.

Yasser’s two young sons share his interest in cars. “My six-year-old son Adam likes to get involved with all buying decisions and often recommends cars he thinks I should stock next,” he says.

A network of contacts in the automotive sector know what the company look for and offer them vehicles. “As the business has grown, we are now being offered vehicles by retro classic enthusiasts to sell on their behalf. This is an important milestone for us as it means we are a trusted business. We have worked hard to obtain a five star rating online and pride ourselves on customer service excellence.”

Specialist garages carry out work on their behalf. “We always use the best, according to what each car needs. I know all about each car we showcase and sell, including mechanical, auto-electrical and detailing requirements. However I leave the work to my trusted contacts so I can concentrate on running the busness.”

The company, based at Crossley Hall Retail Centre off Thornton Road, has sold many rare cars. “We recently sold a BMW Alpina B5 which is extremely rare. We have a one-off BMW Individual 7 Series V12 as part of ourprivate collection.

“One of the most expensive cars we have sold has been a Porsche 911 widebody edition. Such cars regularly sell for more than £60k.

“At Retro Classic, our private collection includes more than 20 cars including Ferrari, BMW, Toyota and Mercedes. We have recently acquired some iconic 1990’s Toyota sports cars Toyota sports cars and a Mercedes limousine. My personal favourite is our one-off BMW 7 series.

As for Yasser’s personal favourites: “It depends upon what they are being used for - as a daily driver and all-round superstar, you cannot beat a Toyota Landcruiser. But then we have a 1984 Porsche 944 which is a great driver’s car.” He adds: “I’ve always wanted an E39 M5 2003 with caramel heritage leather - it’s a rare car and one of my all time favourites.”

He currently drives a Toyota Landcruiser Colorado “as it’s winter and it ensures I can get around without trouble if it snows.

“I have just bought a classic Mercedes SEC500 – another very rare car and one of only a handful in the UK. I bought it as a present for my father’s 70th birthday for him to enjoy during his retirement. He has worked in the textile mills since he was a teenager and been in business in Bradford for over 40 years. He deserves the best. “

Yasser is accustomed to attracting attention when he is out driving one of his retro classics. “People love asking questions and admiring the rarity of our vehicles. It shows us that people still appreciate when cars were built to last. We enjoy engaging with people who share our interest in retro classics.”

Last year Retro Classic Automotive opened a stylish new dealership. “We have enjoyed establishing ourselves as a trusted supplier to customers from across the UK and beyond. We are a proud local business and hope to continue our expansion as interest in these types of cars grows. Our stock intake has increased significantly and we are about to start importing cars to order from the UAE and Japan.”

*retroclassicauto.co.uk