Shillong, November 4: Cars and motorcycles once abandoned in scrapyards have found a new lease of life at Rock Cliff Classic Motors and Antiques in Shillong, where Bah Ashok Lyngdoh has opened a museum showcasing his longstanding passion for vintage vehicles, antiques and restoration.
Built around a collection assembled over several decades, the museum reflects Lyngdoh’s personal commitment to preserving vehicles and objects that might otherwise have been lost to neglect.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said he acquired many of the cars and motorcycles from scrapyards at a time when old vehicles were relatively inexpensive and attracted little interest. While others saw machines beyond repair, he saw an opportunity to restore and preserve them.
His fascination with automobiles began during childhood, particularly with jeeps. Over the years, this interest grew into a passion for searching for, collecting and restoring vintage vehicles.
Lyngdoh said his search took him to private owners and government offices, where he discovered vehicles dating back to his father’s and grandfather’s generations. His collection includes Willys jeeps, other American jeeps and Ford vehicles from the British colonial era. Among the exhibits are vehicles dating from 1937, 1950, 1957 and 1967.
Restoration, however, was not always easy. He recalled bringing home vehicles in severely deteriorated conditions, some without engines and other essential components. Their condition often led people to question whether they could ever run again. Despite the challenges and doubts, he remained committed to bringing them back to life.
Opening a museum had been a long-cherished dream. After postponing the project several times, Lyngdoh eventually set an opening date, giving himself a definite deadline to complete the preparations.
Beyond vintage vehicles, the museum also houses a collection of antiques. Its carefully arranged interiors and surrounding garden reflect his wider interest in preserving objects from the past, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the collection in a peaceful setting.
For Lyngdoh, owning vintage vehicles is not simply about collecting them but also about experiencing the joy of driving them. He said he takes the vehicles out on Sundays whenever the weather permits, enjoying the curiosity and attention they attract from people along the way.
Some vehicles also hold special personal and family memories. Recalling a car once driven by his father, Lyngdoh shared his happiness at acquiring another vehicle of the same type, although the family’s original car could no longer be traced.
He said visitor numbers would be regulated to maintain the tranquillity of the premises and ensure that the vehicles and other exhibits receive proper care.
Through Rock Cliff Classic Motors and Antiques, Lyngdoh has transformed a lifelong passion into a space where history can be experienced and appreciated. Vehicles once dismissed as scrap now stand as preserved pieces of motoring heritage, carrying with them stories of another era and memories of generations past.
