'These Cars Are Stories on Wheels,' One Iraqi Mechanic’s Revival of a Bygone Era

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Amid the dust and din of Iraq's Babylon province, an unlikely cultural revival is roaring to life—engine by engine. In the town of Alexandria (Iskandariya), south of Baghdad, a growing community of mechanics and enthusiasts is breathing new life into the relics of Iraq’s automotive past. Their tools are not just instruments of repair—they are instruments of memory, craftsmanship, and cultural reclamation.

At the center of this revival is Jaafar Abu Mohammed, a 51-year-old vintage vehicle mechanic whose modest garage has become an unlikely archive of Iraqi history on wheels.

At dawn, the clang of tools cuts through the stillness of Iskandariyah like a heartbeat from the past. Beneath the soft hum of machinery and the scent of engine oil and worn leather, Jaafar polishes a curved chrome bumper with the meticulous care of a museum conservator—not for display, but for remembrance.

As detailed by Shafaq News, Jaafar is Iraq’s only known collector of 11 fully functioning classic cars, each lovingly restored by hand.

His collection includes a 1936 Morris, a 1934 Rolls-Royce, a majestic 1932 Mercedes Benz, and a rare 1964 Oldsmobile, all on display at his garage as of May 27, 2025. 

One of his most prized pieces is a 1955 Dodge believed to have belonged to King Faisal II, and a 1958 Jaguar he claims is the only one of its kind remaining in Iraq. He also preserves a rare seven-seater 1948 Dodge, reportedly gifted by King Farouk of Egypt to King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.

“These cars are not for sale. They are stories on wheels,” Jaafar told Shafaq. “Each one witnessed an era that is gone, and each one has a soul.”

His restoration process is a blend of mechanical precision and historical reverence. All work is done manually—from panel beating and paint restoration to importing original accessories from abroad, often the United States. “It takes patience, months of waiting, and dedication,” he said. “But it’s worth it because I’m saving pieces of our history.”

Photographs taken by AFP’s Karar Jabbar bring Jaafar’s passion to life. A recently restored 1940s DeSoto stands parked on the roadside as youths gather to photograph its gleaming silhouette. Locals pose proudly beside it, their expressions a mix of nostalgia and awe.

Other vehicles, including a vintage MG from 1964 and several more DeSotos, line the entrance to Jaafar’s workshop, a striking contrast to the town’s muted architecture.

But his efforts are not without challenges. While his cars are regularly invited to appear at national events such as Baghdad Day and Army Day, Jaafar faces institutional barriers. As reported by Shafaq, Iraq’s traffic authorities often restrict the movement of his vehicles, preventing broader public engagement with what he believes should be protected heritage assets.

“People want to see their heritage,” he lamented. “These cars stir beautiful memories, but we get no support. Not from the traffic police, not from any agency. We work with love, but the backing is zero.”

In response, Jaafar has called for the official recognition of heritage vehicle restoration as a legitimate cultural endeavor. He envisions a future where Iraq’s classic cars are not just preserved, but celebrated, supported, and integrated into the national narrative.

Fortunately, Jaafar is no longer working alone. His children have joined him in the workshop, making the garage a multigenerational space of historical memory and mechanical skill. “The first thing they do in the morning is shine the cars,” he said proudly. “This isn’t just a hobby anymore—it’s our family’s life.”

In a country often characterized by conflict and crisis, Jaafar Abu Mohammed’s garage is a quiet sanctuary of hope—where steel and memory are shaped together, and where Iraq’s past is not only remembered, but revived.