Classic Cars, Open Roads, and Wagging Tails. A Drive Through Perak with Heart
When a passion for classic cars meets compassion for abandoned animals, something magical happens, and that’s exactly what Rentas Perak 2025 delivered in style.
Over a vibrant three day stretch from April 24 to 26, a convoy of 24 gleaming classic cars, each proudly wearing their 25+ years like a badge of honour, rolled out from Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur to traverse some of Perak’s most beautiful landscapes. Their journey stitched together charming towns like Teluk Intan and Tanjung Tualang, paused at the whimsical Kellie’s Castle, wound through Manjung, Lenggong, Taiping, and even brushed the edge of the magnificent Royal Belum Forest.
But this wasn’t just about flexing vintage muscle under the tropical sun. At its very core, this drive carried a heartbeat, raising funds for PapanSouls, a dedicated NGO providing care, shelter, and love for abandoned dogs struggling to survive at the Papan Landfill. Call it horsepower with a heart.
The endurance run wasn’t for the faint-hearted (or faint-wheeled), drivers braved over 900 kilometres of diverse terrains, from breezy coastal stretches to the snug, winding lanes of Lenggong, one of Malaysia’s historical treasures. Participants didn’t just soak up the scenery, they had to be ready to pop a bonnet, get a little greasy, and embrace the pure, sometimes stubborn spirit of classic motoring.
In Manjung, the convoy received a rare honour, an invitation to lunch at the official residence of the Orang Besar Jajahan (OBJ) of Manjung. The OBJ, a royal-appointed district chief who represents the Sultan at the local level, graciously hosted the drivers, adding a touch of regal charm to an already unforgettable journey. It was a moment of great pride and reflection for everyone, a reminder that this was more than just a road trip, it was a celebration of heritage, goodwill, and community.
A special shout out must go to the event’s generous sponsors, X1R and BHP, whose support kept spirits high and engines even higher. Drivers were gifted samples of X1R’s renowned automotive treatments, and let’s just say, the smiles widened as engines purred a little smoother, quieter, and cooler as the miles rolled on.
For those unfamiliar, X1R isn’t just any additive brand. With a legacy stretching over 30 years with NASA, yes, that NASA, X1R’s products contain a fully synthetic Extreme Pressure (EP) agent, blending cutting edge polyalphaolefins and renewable synthetic esters. The result ? Oils that not only laugh in the face of friction but also resist oxidation like seasoned space veterans. Less wear and tear, increased efficiency, and oils that maintain their quality much longer. Basically, they make your engine feel younger, cooler, and ready to conquer Mars (or at least Perak). If it works for Kennedy Space Center, you can bet it’ll work wonders for your trusty steed too.
Throughout the journey, curious onlookers lined the streets, snapping photos and waving as the convoy of beauties rumbled by. Drivers and companions basked in the tapestry of Perak’s natural splendour, cultural gems, and rich history, all while building new friendships forged in the true spirit of Satu Malaysia.
“Rentas Perak is more than just a road trip, it’s a moving tribute to our shared love for automotive history, a celebration of community, and an opportunity to make a real difference,” said Dr Haridev Menon, founder of Practical Classic Drivers (PCD), the enthusiastic informal club behind the event. “Plus, it’s the best excuse to swap daily traffic jams for castles, coastal breezes, and the occasional roadside engine tweak.”
True to its mission, every ringgit raised goes directly towards PapanSouls’ vital work. Since June 2020, PapanSouls has been rescuing dogs left to fend for themselves at Papan Landfill, a place where danger lurks around every corner, from speeding trucks, predators, and brutal weather. Thanks to their unwavering efforts, over 250 dogs at the landfill and another 120 at their safe house now have proper food, clean water, medical care, shelter, and, most importantly, love.
PapanSouls isn’t just an animal rescue initiative, it’s a testament to the transformative power of selfless action, where those who have been forgotten are remembered, nurtured, and given a new lease on life.
As the classic cars growled, hummed, and occasionally coughed their way across Perak, one thing became clear, this wasn’t just a weekend well spent, it was a beautiful collision of nostalgia, adventure, and heart. A drive that fed the soul and wagged a thousand tails.
And thanks to the collective spirit of the drivers, sponsors like X1R and BHP, and the tireless volunteers of PapanSouls, more dogs today are sleeping safely with full bellies and happy hearts. Now that’s what we call a paw-sitive impact.
