Retro Car Museum in Northern Cyprus

Retro car enthusiasts in Northern Cyprus definitely have a place to visit. The collections of this museum can rival many exhibition venues around the world.

The first of its kind in Northern Cyprus, the Near East University Classic Car Museum houses true treasures, including rare and even one-of-a-kind cars. It is certainly worth a visit if you find yourself in Nicosia, or even worth a special trip.

• History of the Museum
• Museum Exhibitions
• Opening Hours
• How to Find the Museum
• Frequently Asked Questions

History of the Retro Car Museum in Northern Cyprus

The museum was opened in 2007 by Dr. Suat Günsel, the founder of Near East University.

The first car to enter the museum was a 1967 Hillman Hunter, owned by NEU founder Dr. Suat Günsel, which is considered the most valuable car in sentimental terms for both the museum and Dr. Günsel personally.

Notably, the official car of the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Dr. Fazıl Küçük, was gifted to the politician by Queen Elizabeth. And yes, it is also on display in the museum.

In 2014, the museum's collection was expanded not with retro cars but with highly innovative vehicles. These include unique solar-powered cars built by the university itself—RA25 and RA27. The RA25 car became the world champion in the 2014 Sasol Solar Challenge in South Africa, covering 628 km solely on solar energy. The second car, RA27, made entirely of carbon fiber, was completed in 2016 and managed to cover 1,630 km, securing 6th place in the world in the Challenger class among four-wheeled solar-powered vehicles.

Exhibitions at the Retro Car Museum in Northern Cyprus

The Cyprus Car Museum houses over 100 cars from around the world, meticulously maintained by the museum's own restoration workshop. The collection also includes several specially produced cars, some of which are the only existing models in the world. The collection features everything from modern supercars to vintage cars over 100 years old.

There are two cars that belonged to Cypriot politicians, including an Austin Princess used as the official car of the first Vice President of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Fazıl Küçük, and a Chevrolet Biscayne used by former Prime Minister Osman Örek.

• Read also: Historical Figures of Northern Cyprus

One of the most interesting models in the museum is the 1899 Crestmobile Model C, which is the only surviving example in the world.

Among other rare cars stored in the museum are a 1903 Wolseley from the UK and a 1909 Buick Model from the USA, both of which are also the last surviving models in the world.

The museum also features several cars that were once used across the island, including a 1963 Bedford bus, as well as classic models such as the 1948 Jaguar XK120, 1950s Ford Popular, 1960s Ford Escort, and 1940s Ford Anglia. The exhibition also includes very expensive supercars, including various Ferraris and a nearly untouched Lamborghini.

Other sports cars on display include a Jaguar (the first production car to exceed the 300 km/h speed limit) as well as legendary models like the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, Dodge Viper SRT10 Final Edition, FORD GT 40, 1964 Dodge Dart, and 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 RS 2000.

• Download the Museum Car Catalog (.pdf)

Opening Hours and Contacts of the Retro Car Museum

The Near East University Car Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, it may close during public holidays in Northern Cyprus.

• Website: cypruscarmuseum.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +903924440535 (extension 2001)

How to Find the Retro Car Museum in Northern Cyprus

The museum is located on the campus of Near East University. The exact location on the map is provided below.

You can reach it from Nicosia by buses heading to the university (marked as NEU).

If you are driving, here are the coordinates for your navigation system: 35.22512784869587, 33.3226413758774 (click the link for the location on Google Maps).

Frequently Asked Questions About the Retro Car Museum in Northern Cyprus

Can I host an event at the Retro Car Museum?

Yes, the Cyprus Car Museum offers this option and is a unique venue for various public events such as conferences, award ceremonies, birthdays, and other occasions.

Is there a souvenir shop at the museum?

There is a small souvenir shop on-site where you can purchase memorabilia for yourself or your loved ones.

Will children find the museum interesting?

Children will enjoy seeing unusual cars that are rarely seen on the roads. Younger children will appreciate the collection of toy car models, which includes 5,000 different models in various scales, ranging from mass-produced models to handmade ones that are every child's dream.

Are the museum's exhibits operational?

All cars in the Cyprus Historic Car Museum are restored and maintained in excellent condition by a team of experienced restoration workshop staff. All cars are regularly started, and some even participate in classic car rallies across the island.

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