Dubai collector restores a vast stash of rare JDM and European barn finds, including iconic GT-Rs and obscure classics.
In a dusty corner of Dubai, an expansive collection of rare and weathered JDM classics is getting a second shot at life, thanks to the ambitious vision of a local enthusiast with a taste for iconic machinery and a deep respect for automotive heritage.
The collector, known only as Ebrahim, has amassed a staggering array of Japanese classics, including a street-legal Nissan R34 GT-R M-Spec Nür — one of just two in the UAE. While he was in Japan acquiring even more vehicles during the filming of a recent video by automotive photographer Larry Chen, the collection was showcased under the care of Saeed Bintowq, offering a rare look inside what might be the Middle East’s most eclectic barn find stash.
The fleet features a trio of Hakosuka GT-Rs, a first-generation Mazda Cosmo with original paint, multiple generations of Nissan Skylines, a Toyota Supra A80, and even a rugged Land Cruiser. Though many of these cars arrived in poor condition — some little more than rolling shells — Ebrahim's goal is to restore them meticulously, one by one.
Unlike barn finds in harsher climates, these vehicles benefit from Dubai’s arid environment, which significantly slows rust and corrosion. Ebrahim, who has visited Japan more than 30 times in pursuit of rare cars, is banking on that advantage as he preserves these vehicles for future generations.
But the collection extends far beyond Japanese metal. Tucked among the JDM royalty are curiosities like a Volvo P1800, BMW Isetta, Lancia Delta HF, Jaguar XJS, Rolls-Royce Limousine, and a wide range of classic Mercedes-Benz and Porsche models. Some are so obscure that even veteran car spotters are stumped.
The restoration project may be slow and costly, but the scale and rarity of Ebrahim’s undertaking are drawing attention from around the globe — and breathing new life into some of the world’s most beloved enthusiast cars.
