the destiny: THE ESCAPE 2

the destiny: THE ESCAPE 2: "The Hideout Musa struggled for his life, for his survival. He did not want to die at the age of 16. He wanted to do many things in his li..."

the destiny: THE ESCAPE 1

the destiny: THE ESCAPE 1: "Young MUSA The name was MUSA BIN ABDULLAH . A male 16 years old Bugis boy from unknown family of a fishermen's village in isolated part o..."

ALFA ROMEO GTV6 Limited Edition - CAR NO. 11

a similar type of GTV6 with mine, no longer in production

TK 9362 - ALFA ROMEO GTV6 - LIMITED EDITION

Hi! We meet again. It has been 2 weeks or more I did not write on this blog URL. Surprised and frustrated by the disabled AdSense account which I have enjoyed it barely for 12 days only. Estimated amount collected just $4.95 which never gone to my purse. I didn't know the actual reason for the disable. I was so down to the extent of I didn't write or re-apply or appeal for the disabled account. I've been told that such disabled account is not possible to be reinstated again. But I'm very sure that I have not committed invalid clicks as accused by them on me because I've read their rules prior to that and abide by it.

Never mind, life is going on. I will appeal for that later on. 

Now, I'm telling about my car no.11 after I've lost the BMW 525i, 1988 model No. TL 9999( if you read my previous blog you'll know about that BMW car). The car no.11 was an Italian product called Alfa Romeo GTV6 Limited Edition 1981 series. It was an imported version or CBU model. But, it was a used car wherein I was the third owner. But I love this car very much. I bought it in March, 2001 from a Chinese owner.

Roger Moore's Octopussy Hollywood Movie, 1983 can be watched on line.

It was a sleek, fast, powerful and sporty look car. A great performance car. Even James Bond used it in the movie called the Octopussy. View the movie then you"ll see how 2 BMW 5series driven by the German's police couldn't get closer to the GTV6 driven by Mr. Bond, what more to overtake it!

Top speed was 260km/hour and I managed to go up to 245km/hour only in North-South Highway (KL-Seremban Highway) at that time (2001). But, this was a 2 doors hatchback model (3 doors) and it was not quite suitable as a family car because the rear passengers will have to go in first and come out last!

HERE ARE SOME FACTS ABOUT GTV6

Alfa Romeo GTV6 (1981)

From 1974 to 1989, Alfa Romeo sold 135,000 copies of the Alfetta GT / GTV coupe. This car was derived from the Alfetta sedan. Both cars shared the same 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 twin-cam engines and a very unique drivetrain: a transaxle incorporating gearbox, clutch and differential mounted at the rear axle to give near perfect balance. 

Besides, both the coupe and sedan gave up traditional live axle and went for a semi-independent de Dion tube rear suspension. The result was much improved road holding, especially in the case of the coupe. The coupe, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, was also very beautiful while boosting a real 4-seater cabin. However, it was quite underpowered. Without the addition of the excellent V6 engine, it would have never entered our classic car archives.

In 1981, Alfa Romeo introduced a 2.5-litre V6 into the car. The resultant flagship coupe was named GTV6. To accommodate the bigger engine, the GTV6 got a bonnet with trademark power bulge.

The new engine immediately won overwhelming praises from motor journalists and car lovers. It was extremely smooth, free-revving and powerful. Equally important, it made great sound. This 60-degree, all-alloy V6 sacrificed Alfa Romeo's traditional twin-cam layout for the cheaper single cam per bank, but the exhaust valves were driven by the camshafts via pushrods so that it maintained the cross-flow combustion chambers. It produced 160 horsepower and 157 lb/ft of torque, remarkable by the standard of mass production coupes during the early 1980s.

For many years, the V6 was regarded as the best V6 in mass production. Even after the GTV6 died in 1989, the V6 continued to evolve and powered many other Alfa cars, such as 75, 164, 155, GTV/Spider, 156, 166 and 147 GTA. During its 25 years life, it was enlarged to 3-litre and eventually 3.2-litre, with valve gears upgraded to quad-cam and 4 valves per cylinder.

Thanks to the V6, GTV6 could out-survive other Alfetta GT / GTV coupes. When it phased out in 1989, Alfa Romeo no longer had a rear-drive coupe (except the limited edition SZ). A great era came to an end. The next GTV coupe in 1995 would be changed to front-wheel drive…

BMW 525i - 1988 - CAR NO. 10

BMW 525i (E34) - Registration No: TL 9999

After satisfying my father with his brand new Subaru E10 with registration no TM9339, I went to the BMW's sole dealer in the state of Terengganu at that time (1989) just to take a look at various models being exhibited to the public in the dealer's showroom which was not far away from my office. The dealer was the same dealer that sold the Volvo 360GLE to me about couple of years before.

The showroom displayed the one and only brand new imported CBU (complete built up) BMW 525 series 1988 model (E34 series). Test drive was not allowed due to limited unit available.

The first unit of this BMW ever owned in Terengganu was the one belonging to Perwaja Steel (M) Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia's first iron factory located in the District of Kemaman, Terengganu. If I buy the car, I will be the second user but the first individual owner of BMW E34 in the state of Terengganu! It will be the 10th car I've ever owned in my life.

The car price was MYR187,000.00 as offered to me by the dealer under special scheme for promoting the First Visit Malaysia Year, 1989.

Jimi and Najmi behind my 525i

So what happened?

I bought the car with 80% of the car price under hire-purchase financing for 9 years, costing about MYR2,100.00 for each monthly installments. The car registration number was TL9999 costing another MYR5,000.00 for that numbers which I have purchased from the local Road Traffic Department.

another posting of Jimi and Najmi with my 525i

At that time, I can afford to pay that monthly installments timely. My business was really good. Monthly income was more than MYR50 grands per month. I have American Express Card in addition to Visa Card and Diners Club for my personal usage.

I continued to use the BMW complacently for about one year only when I started to have perspiring moments in my crumbling business. No more tonnes of money or similar sort of largesse or gravy...what more any auspiciousness in businesses. No more excuses or subterfuges for not paying the monthly installments which were in connivance for more than 6 months. I have to let go the car to the Finance Company before they repossess it or get somebody to buy it from me.

kakmie and Nami posting with my 525i

And, it was a bit astounding when suddenly the dealer himself approached me and offered to take the car but without a single cents of collateral to me.

Well, that was the best offer that I can have at such precarious financial situation. I must let go the car immediately, rather than waiting and putting my entire business in intimidating condition and perhaps will end up in formidable unraveling aftermath!

I must save my business, my family and the rest in my back office, though I have lost my pride and immensity.

If my economy getting better after that, I may have another opportunity to buy another 525i...or perhaps a 7 series with latest model in the market. That was what I have said to myself. And that was possible.

Human beings must have bitter-sweet moments in their lives. The bitter one is to be remembered as a lesson. The sweet one is to be shared with our family or parents or even with friends, so that they will remember the same forever.

FACTS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT BMW 525i 1988 Model - E34 SERIES

The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5 Series automobile built from February 1988 to 1995 with the Touring model ending June 1996. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988 and was replaced by the E39 in 1996.

In the North-American market the E34 succeeded the BMW E28 in May 1988 ^[4] with two models. The 525i used the BMW M20 engine while the 535i used the larger M30. The cars were a blend of BMW tradition and modern technology. BMW's traditional FR layout and straight-6 were used, providing the smooth engine and optimal weight distribution BMW customers had come to expect. New 5-series also had a much stiffer body and was more streamlined than its predecessor, and had design cues to introduced in 1987 7-series.

The E34 was among the most reliable luxury cars on the market, earning the best-in-class ratings from Intellichoice in 1991, and still considered one of the most reliable BMWs ever made.^[5] It was also one of the safest cars on the road during its production, providing airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and a very rigid body structure to protect occupants in the event of an accident.^[5] It was also equipped with automatic stability control (ASC) or traction control (ASC+T) in later years on higher-specification variants.^[6]

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1988–1996 1,333,412 built[1]
Predecessor	BMW E28
Successor	BMW E39
Class	Mid-size, executive car
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	BMW E34
Engine	Gasoline I4 1.8 L M40B18 1.8 L M43B18 I6 2.0 L M20B20 2.0 L M50B20 2.5 L M20B25 2.5 L M50B25 3.0 L M30B30 3.5 L M30B35 Motorsport I6 3.6 L S38B36 3.8 L S38B38 V8 3.0 L M60B30 4.0 L M60B40 Diesel I6 2.4 L M21D24 2.5 L M51D25UL 2.5 L M51D25OL
Transmission	Automatic 4-speed ZF 5-speed ZF Manual 5-speed Getrag 6-speed Getrag
Wheelbase	2,761 mm (108.7 in)[2]
Length	4,720 mm (185.8 in)
Width	1,751 mm (68.9 in)
Height	1,412 mm (55.6 in) 1,417 mm (55.8 in) (touring)[3]
Curb weight	1,565 kg (3,450 lb)
Related	BMW M5

CAR/VEHICLE NO. 9 - SUBARU E10

SUBARU E10 - TM9339

If you are following my posts, you might recall the stories about a car called Nissan Langley bearing registration No. TJ480 that I've given to my father for his own use. The stories and facts about the Langley can be located in my posts on Nissan Langley , Nissan Langley - Part 1 and Nissan Langley/Pulsar, all dated 7th May, 2011. Please refer to the Blog Archive in the left column of this page should you feel to explore the facts about Nissan Langley.

The Langley was sold back to the car dealer who was the agent and/or dealer for Subaru E10, a mini van introduced by Subaru for Malaysian car/vehicle markets. So, I have traded in the Langley for a brand new Subaru for my father's usage. The sale and purchase transactions  for Langley and Subaru were completed in early1989.

It was a small/mini van, and in certain places it was called as micro van. The mini Subaru van had an attractive registration number as TM 9339 and registered in my name as the hirer where its monthly installments had to be paid by me.

I have tested drive the unit and was astonished abut the van's power and performance. It could have reached the speed at 140km/hour easily and for a small van like that, it needed a better stability. Though it could go faster, I have no courage to do that.

I remembered how my father scowled and burst out with disagreement when I said I wanted to sell the Langley. Here is his disappointment verse in our local dialect as I still remember them:

"Pah beli gi jual...baru nok abis ansuran, gi jual pulok...bile nok jadi hok sendiri dok tau lah!"

Meaning that, I was in the habit of buying the cars and selling them at anytime before the installments were fully paid, which never make me as the real owner of the cars with no debt with finance companies.

But then, I remember how my father could not hide his happiness, the moment I brought home to him the Subaru E10. He was really pleased with that and straight away hugged me in front of my Mom. What a happy moment was that. The tears dropped from my mother's eyes too...

FACTS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT SUBARU E10 MINIVAN/SUMO

The Subaru Sumo, known as the Libero in European markets apart from the UK, Norway, and Sweden, and as the Domingo in the Japanese market, was a microvan produced from 1983 to 1998. In Sweden, it was known as the Columbuss, and in Taiwan the latter generation was marketed as the Estratto. It was also called the Subaru E10 and Subaru E12 respectively in some places, the names referring to the size of the engines. The Sumo shared many characteristics with the Sambar, except it had extended front and rear bumpers and a larger engine borrowed from the Subaru Justy. Because of these modifications, it didn't conform to kei car regulations, which stipulate the maximum dimensions of the vehicle and the maximum engine displacement requirements, which then determine the vehicle tax to be paid.

It was launched with the option of four-wheel drive and powered by 1.0- and 1.2-litre 3-cylinder EF engines based on those used in the Subaru Justy although in the van they were rear mounted. Somewhat unusual for a microvan, the 1,200 cc Sumo could be ordered with selectable 4WD, operated via a gear stick mounted button. In normal driving conditions, only the rear wheels were driven, as there was no central differential to allow highway driving in 4WD mode. In 1994, Subaru's Full Time 4WD was added to the options list with the ECVT transmission only and a viscous coupling. An oil cooler was installed on European versions to better facilitate light duty towing.

The Sumo was discontinued when the sixth generation Sambar was introduced, and the market that the Sumo was targeted at was refocused towards the Subaru Forester, which, in comparison to the Sumo, had permanent 4WD, a more potent 2.5 L boxer engine and increased cargo capacity. In Japan, the Domingo market segment is now served by the Subaru Exiga, which is capable of carrying up to seven passengers.

A more passenger-car-like Subaru Domingo high-roof van with 997 cc, later 1,189 cc engines and coil springs at the rear was added in October 1983. It had a length of 341/342.5 cm and a width of 143 cm. This vehicle would stay available well after the release of the next generation Sambar. In the export the smaller Sambar received a 665 cc engine and the vehicle was called Subaru 700 (length 322.5 cm).

Manufacturer	Subaru
Also called	Subaru Sambar Subaru Libero Subaru Domingo Subaru Columbuss (SE) Subaru E series Subaru Estratto(TW)
Production	1983–1998
Class	microvan
Body style	cabover van
Layout	Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine	1.0 L EF10 Straight-3 1.2 L EF12 Straight-3
Transmission	5 speed manual ECVT Transmission
Length	3,525 mm (138.8 in)[1]
Width	1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Height	1,925 mm (75.8 in)
Curb weight	1,040 kg (2,293 lb)

CAR/VEHICLE NO. 8 - FORD SPECTRON 1.8 XLT

Ford Spectron 1.8 XLT - DS 6169

Cash money from selling the Ford Telstar 2.0 was used for the down payments for a brand new Proton Aeroback and a second hand Ford Spectron 1.8 XLT a manual transmission engine leisure van.

The van was brought in to Malaysia as a CKD(Complete Knock Down) unit which was originally the product of Mazda called Bongo before it was sold by Ford and renamed as Ford Spectron. 

adjustable rear seats

It has adjustable seats which can be transformed in to a comfortable mattress. It was really matter when I can cut off the hotel room costs at 100% by sleeping comfortably inside my own van. What I need to do was to find a suitable and safe place to park my van, for example beside the mosques or public buildings, so as to get easy access to the public toilets or wash rooms. Apart from that, the seats were also adjustable to be a small working or meeting table where I used to have some private meetings or discussions with my clients. That was probably the main reason why I bought the van.

a face to face meeting for 4 persons

With 1.8 liter engine, the van can run at 150 km/hour without difficulties and the comfortable speed was to maintain at 120 km/hour in highways.

a 1986 picture of kakmie and her family behind the Ford Spectron 1.8 XLT, registration No. DS 6169

The van was a big high roof passenger vehicle and had roomy interior too. It was really comfortable for a long distance journey for 7 adult passengers. Its fuel consumption was moderate and acceptable as a second hand vehicle.

Like the fate of my cars before that (save for the Proton Knight), the van was also being sold. This time, the new owner was one of my clients who was crazy for the interior conditions of the van. Further more, the discussion held inside the van has led him to reach a generous amicable out of Court settlements. So, I made some profits when selling the van to him, and in addition to my legal fees...I started thinking of buying a new car/vehicle. Expensive car...!

FACTS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT FORD SPECTRON 1.8XLT

The Mazda Bongo was redesigned for 1984 markets with new engines. It was also sold by Ford in Asia as the "Spectron". A new long-wheelbase version known as the Bongo Brawny was also introduced, three months before the regular Bongo. In export markets this model was again sold as the E-series.

Engines

Petrol

• 1984-1985 1,415 cc UC
• 1983-1988 1,789 cc F8
• 1983-1988 2.0 cc FE

Diesel

• 1984-1995 1,998 cc Diesel
• 1983-1988 2,209 cc R2 Diesel

Mazda Bongo Friendee (1995- 2005)

Launched in 1995, they are usually (but not exclusively) available in automatic transmissions, and come in 2WD (SGL3) and 4WD (SGL5) versions. 2.5 turbo diesels are common in Japan, although there is a 2.5 V6 petrol version available.

Ford Freda

The SG platform Bongo Friendee was introduced in 1995. Ford began selling the Friendee in the Japanese home market as the Ford Freda.

Mazda Bongo Friendee with Auto Free Top

The Mazda Bongo Friendee van SGL, is an eight seater MPV. Some have had Mazda factory fitted kitchens installed within their car, but many others are imported and converted to camper vans in the UK. All of them have fold down seats downstairs to make a double bed, and on many models there is also an "Auto Free Top" elevating roof which 2 more people can sleep in. Flat-top versions are also available. In June 1998, Mitsubishi Motors began reselling the Bongo. This was branded the Mazda Access in some markets.

In 1999, a facelift version appeared with a revised bodystyle and different engines, although the 2.5 turbodiesel continues unchanged. Air conditioning, climate control and electronic blinds are fitted as standard.

Engines

Petrol

• 1.8 L F8 SOHC I4
• 2.0 L RS-V I4
• 2.0 L FE SOHC I4
• 2.5 L RF-V V6

Diesel

• 2.0 L RF Diesel I4
• 2.5 L turbodiesel (the same engine is found in the Ford Ranger Pickup in the UK)

From 1994 onwards, the Bongo was also sold by Nissan as the Vanette.

CARS No. 7 - PROTON SAGA AEROBACK

the 22 years old Proton Saga Knight, still in good conditions in my custody today!

PROTON SAGA AEROBACK 1.5A -1988

By 1989, I have made a lot of changes to vehicles that I've used.

The first one was retaining possession of Ford Telstar from my brother in law and sold it. With cash in my hand, I used it as down payment of a brand new Proton Saga 1.5A 1989 model and as another down payment for one used Ford Spectron XLT 1984 model.

The Saga was also known as Proton Knight at that time. I have retained the old registration number TJ 1700 from Ford Telstar to be transfered into the Proton Knight's registration. The car was the first generation of Saga cars produced by Proton, the first Malaysia national car manufacturer.

FACTS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT PROTON SAGA SEDAN and PROTON KNIGHT

Saga (1985–1991)

The Proton Saga was launched in September 1985 by Malaysia's then Prime Minister, Mahathir bin Mohamad. Before the production of Proton Saga, a contest was held to choose the name of the first national car, and the name Saga was chosen from the winner of the contest, Ismail Jaafar,^[1] a retired military soldier. When asked why he chose this particular name, he replied as "saga" (Abrus precatorius) is a type of soft, fragile but productive seed commonly found in Malaysia, and joked that the Proton Saga 1.3 litre engine "is as strong as the saga seed".

The first known Proton Saga to roll off the production line was presented to the Malaysian National Museum as a symbol of the beginning of the Malaysian automotive industry. Tun Dr. Mahathir also drove a prototype Proton Saga fitted with a 4G63 2.0L engine and a Jalur Gemilang across the Penang Bridge and to Penang Airport during the opening ceremony of the bridge on 14 September 1985.

Early Saga models were powered by SOHC 8-valve 4-cylinder petrol engines sourced from Mitsubishi, available in both 1.3- and 1.5-litre displacements. Both engines were available with a 5-speed manual transmission, but a 3-speed Mitsubishi Tri-matic automatic was available with the 1.5-liter engine in 1987. The Saga was originally offered as a 4-door saloon, followed by the addition of a hatchback variant, introduced in 1988 as the Proton Knight and was later known as Saga Aeroback. The Proton Knight was designed for the European market as the hatchback was more popular in United Kingdom.

In 1989, Proton sold the Saga in the United Kingdom with the slogan Japanese Technology + Malaysian Style = Proton. Since then, United Kingdom contributes most of Proton's export sales. The Saga name was not used and it was simply known as the Proton 1.3 or 1.5. The UK models reverted to the dashboard used in the Mitsubishi Lancer, complete with HVAC controls not found in the domestic model.

In 1990, the line-up was revised with the introduction of 12-valve Megavalve engines, which increased power ratings to 75 bhp (56 kW) (from the original 70.5 bhp (53 kW) in the former 8-valve (Magma) version^[2]) for the 1.3-litre engine, and 90 bhp (67 kW) for the 1.5-litre engine. On domestic models, the Saga also gained the "Megavalve" moniker. Minor exterior modifications included a new grill and wraparound black trim pieces. In addition, rear seat belts and a third brake light were fitted as standard.

A manual saloon variant of the first facelift Saga

An automatic, Aeroback variant of the first facelift Saga

Manufacturer	Proton
Also called	Proton MPI (Multi-Point Injected) (United Kingdom)
Production	1985–2008
Assembly	Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Class	Compact
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Mitsubishi Fiore
Engine	1.3 L 4G13 I4 1.5 L 4G15 I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Curb weight	940 kg (2,072 lb)
Related	1983 fourth generation Mitsubishi Lancer