Classic Cars in Thailand

The Vietnam War heralded decades of change for car lovers in Thailand. Willy’s Jeep was a common sight in 60’s Bangkok. American culture as well as G.I.’s were transported into the heart of Thailand. Music, movies and lifestyles “as seen in the movie theatre” stormed Bangkok and other big cities around the country, introducing the power of Chevrolet, Plymouth and Dodge. Also were the elegant tail fins of Cadillac and the authoritative Buick. Ford Mustang grasped the leading position in streetcar racing.

British influences waned after WW2 and ironically, the deadliest enemy of the Austin A35, Ford Thames, Consul and Corsair were Japanese cars such as Datsun Bluebird and the Toyopet Tiara. These small Japanese machines defeated the competition, especially the competitive taxi battlefield of Thailand.

The British survivors were Rolls-Royce, which was the vehicle of choice for the Lord Mayor of Bangkok. Jaguar was very popular as a racing car of Prince Bira and was the common choice of the well-heeled gentlemen who studied in Europe.

The small British sports cars in the Elvis Presley movie “G.I. Blues” helped MGA and Triumph rocket to stardom.

The names soon to be cast to oblivion were Morris, Riley, Wolsely, Armstrong-Siddeley, Hillman and Vauxhall, leaving only the Ford Escort to continue fighting alone in many rallies and of course the Austin Mini was immensely popular with the youths of the day.

Source: Classic Cars in Thailand