Malaysia’s classic-car scene is gearing up for a new kind of automotive gathering as Heritage Motor Exchange Asia makes its debut from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Merdeka Hall, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL). Featuring up to 50 classic and collector cars, the three-day event promises to bring together automotive enthusiasts, collectors, investors and industry players from across the region.
Presented by AFFIN Group, the inaugural event carries the theme “When Passion Meets Acquisition” and is billed as the “High-Octane October Sale”. More than a conventional motor show, it aims to transform the way collector cars are evaluated and traded by introducing a data-driven marketplace that places greater emphasis on transparency, authenticity and fair market value.
For many collectors, finding the right classic car is only half the battle. Determining whether it is worth the asking price can be equally challenging, particularly when vehicle condition, originality and restoration quality vary significantly from one example to another. Heritage Motor Exchange Asia hopes to address this issue through its 100-Point Concours Judging System. Experienced independent judges, working alongside industry partners from Europe, will assess participating vehicles based on their physical condition and the authenticity of their components.
The resulting scores will then be compared against historical market transaction data to establish certified fair-trade value ranges. Every participating vehicle will receive an official Valuation Certificate after completing the grading process, giving prospective buyers and sellers a more objective reference when negotiating a deal. Selected concours vehicles offered for sale will also display their calculated price ranges on their windscreens, allowing visitors to assess their potential value without relying solely on a seller’s asking price.
The system is designed to bring greater confidence to a market where reliable vehicle data and consistent pricing benchmarks have traditionally been difficult to access. “By combining a rigorous 100-point vehicle assessment with historical market transaction data, we aim to establish a clear and credible benchmark for valuation,” said Andrew Suresh, curator of Heritage Motor Exchange Asia. “This approach will help buyers make informed purchasing decisions, provide sellers with a transparent basis for pricing, and elevate trust and appreciation for collector cars across Asia.”
With six vehicle categories spanning Vintage, Classic, Modern Classic, Contemporary Exotic, Luxury and Performance collector cars, the event will cater to a wide range of automotive tastes, from historically significant machines to more modern performance icons. The programme will feature five main attractions, each offering a different perspective on the collector-car world.
The Concours de Vente will combine a curated vehicle showcase with live judging and valuation, giving visitors an opportunity to see how participating cars are assessed before entering the marketplace. Meanwhile, the Concours d’Elegance will celebrate automotive design, historical accuracy, craftsmanship and restoration excellence, recognising vehicles that demonstrate outstanding attention to detail and heritage preservation.
For those looking to buy or sell, the Private Consignment Paddock will provide a premium marketplace where collectors can trade verified vehicles on consignment with greater transparency. Technology will also have a place in the proceedings through Back From the Future, which introduces Mornine, an intelligent humanoid robot from AiMOGA, as one of the event’s on-site vehicle presenters. The addition offers a glimpse of how artificial intelligence could bring a fresh dimension to the traditional automotive exhibition experience.
Motorsport fans, meanwhile, can head to Historic Motorsport – Icons are Forever, a display of legendary race and rally cars dating back to the 1970s. The collection will celebrate the machines and competition heritage that helped shape generations of motorsport enthusiasts. Visitors can also attend educational sessions covering vehicle inspections and the impact of component defects on market valuations, offering practical insights for anyone considering entering the collector-car market.
AFFIN Group’s role as presenting partner reflects the connection between collector cars, personal passions and wealth management. Through AFFIN DIVENTIUM Private Banking, the Group provides tailored wealth management services, investment expertise, personalised financial solutions and lifestyle privileges for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners. The private banking segment recently received the Outstanding Private Bank Asia Pacific award at the Private Banker International Global Wealth Awards 2026.
Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Group, said the event reflects the Group’s understanding that clients’ interests often extend beyond their financial portfolios. “For many collectors, a classic car represents years of passion, an appreciation for craftsmanship and a legacy to pass on to future generations,” he said.
He added that AFFIN aims to support clients’ financial ambitions while creating opportunities for them to pursue the interests and experiences that matter to them. Visitors will also be able to stop by the AFFIN booth to learn more about the Group’s wealth management solutions and lifestyle privileges.
Adding another layer of automotive history to the event, Cycle & Carriage will participate as the Anchor Heritage Partner, commemorating its 75-year association with Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and Singapore. Its display will trace a long-standing relationship with the three-pointed star marque, dating back to the brand’s introduction to then Malaya and Singapore.
The event is curated by Andrew Suresh, who brings 30 years of experience in the heritage-car sector, and organised by the Collectors’ Consortium. Its programme is intended to connect regional collectors, high-net-worth investors and enthusiasts while encouraging a deeper understanding of the commercial and historical value of collector vehicles.
Beyond the cars themselves, Heritage Motor Exchange Asia will bring together relevant automotive services to help simplify the ownership process. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) and PUSPAKOM will be present to support matters including financing assessments, vehicle roadworthiness inspections, ownership transfers, road tax issuance and insurance.
Financing remains subject to the applicable eligibility requirements and assessments, but the presence of these organisations aims to make it easier for visitors to explore the practical considerations involved in purchasing a collector car. Held alongside WTC KL’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the event seeks to establish a new meeting point for automotive passion and commerce, while creating a more informed and trusted environment for the region’s collector-car community.
Heritage Motor Exchange Asia 2026 will run from Friday, 23 October, to Sunday, 25 October, at Merdeka Hall, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. The event will begin with an exclusive preview for collectors and media from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Friday, after which the doors will open to the public until 10.00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, opening hours will be from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Admission prices are as follows:
- Adults: RM23
- Students: RM16
- Senior citizens and persons with disabilities: RM13
- Group ticket for three people: RM66
- Children below 12 years old: Free admission
Tickets are available online at CloudJoi – Heritage Motor Exchange Asia 2026 and at the venue. For further information, visit www.hme.asia, or follow Heritage Motor Exchange Asia on Instagram (@heritagemotorexchangeasia) and Facebook.
