In the southern Turkish city of Mersin, renowned moto drag champion and entrepreneur Oktay Dal is steering his lifelong passion for speed into a new kind of legacy. After dominating the race circuits for decades with nearly 100 championship titles, Dal has shifted gears to focus on collecting classic cars, a childhood dream he is now turning into reality.
Over the past four years, he has amassed an impressive collection of 11 vintage automobiles, many dating back to the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. But Dal’s ambitions go far beyond private ownership—his ultimate goal is to create a public museum where automotive enthusiasts and future generations can admire the timeless beauty of Turkish motoring history.
A Racer’s Journey from Speed to Nostalgia
Oktay Dal is no stranger to adrenaline. As a moto drag racer, he has spent much of his life pushing limits on the track. Yet even amidst the noise of engines and the thrill of competition, a quiet and enduring passion lingered—a love for classic cars and all things antique.
“Classic cars were the symbols of freedom and prestige during my childhood. They were rare and out of reach for most families. To me, they were like the definition of dignity on four wheels,” Dal shared.
This sentiment, rooted deeply in his childhood memories, blossomed into a full-fledged collecting endeavor beginning just four years ago.
A Growing Collection of Automotive History
Dal’s collection is not only significant in size but also in historical value. Among the 11 restored vehicles are:
Six Fiat 124s, including four with original factory paint
A rare Murat 131, also preserved in original condition
A 1969 Anadol A1, one of the first passenger cars produced in Türkiye
A 1972 model car imported by Erol Olçok, the late Turkish advertising pioneer and political figure
A former ministerial vehicle, once used by a high-ranking government official
Each car is maintained in fully working condition and has been restored with meticulous attention to authenticity. The collection is currently housed in a secure depot, reflecting Dal’s commitment to preserving the mechanical soul of these historic machines.
Beyond Cars A Love for Antiques and Cinema History
While his classic car collection is the centerpiece, Dal’s interests extend into other vintage realms as well. His storage facility also includes motorcycles, historical artifacts, and cinema accessories, making it a cross-cultural treasure trove of Turkish nostalgia and craftsmanship.
This blend of interests hints at a more holistic vision—a museum that captures not only automotive heritage but also the broader story of 20th-century Turkish culture and design.
A Vision for Türkiye’s First Private Classic Car Museum in Mersin
Dal is now taking steps to transform his collection into a public museum, hoping to inspire others with his story and showcase Türkiye’s automotive evolution.
“Classic cars and antiques are a universal passion. I want to create a place where enthusiasts, families, students, and historians can come together and celebrate these icons,” he said.
Mersin, a city known for its dynamic port and cultural diversity, could soon become the home of Türkiye’s most personal and passionate car museum, led by one man’s vision and commitment.
Classic Car Culture in Türkiye Gains Momentum
While classic car enthusiasm is well established in countries like the United States, Germany, and the UK, it has gained significant traction in Türkiye over the past decade. Events, rallies, and private collectors are becoming more visible, with cities like İstanbul, İzmir, and Ankara hosting growing communities of restoration experts and vintage enthusiasts.
Yet Mersin, often overlooked in discussions about heritage tourism, is uniquely positioned. With its warm climate, coastal location, and active business environment, the city could serve as a vibrant base for cultural automotive tourism.
Dal’s proposed museum would likely attract not only Turkish enthusiasts but also international collectors, documentary filmmakers, and vintage design aficionados.
Connecting Memory with Mechanics
For Dal, the emotional resonance of classic cars goes beyond aesthetics. These vehicles represent personal stories, national milestones, and technological ingenuity.
“Each of these cars has a story. Some were driven by government officials. Others were once dreams for children like me. Restoring them is like bringing history back to life,” he reflected.
In an age of rapid digitalization, Dal’s project serves as a counterbalance, reminding society of the value of tangible, analog beauty—crafted metal, mechanical precision, and the weight of time made visible.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Collectors and Creators
Oktay Dal hopes that his journey will not only preserve history but inspire young people to engage with craftsmanship, engineering, and cultural memory. With Türkiye investing in its own automotive future through projects like the TOGG electric car, Dal’s museum could offer a powerful link between past and future mobility.
“It’s not just about looking back. It’s about learning from the past to build better, more meaningful vehicles and connections,” Dal said.
A Story of Passion, Preservation, and Possibility
Oktay Dal’s evolution from a moto drag champion to a guardian of Turkish automotive heritage is more than a hobby—it is a story of passion, patience, and purposeful preservation.
As he continues to expand his collection and moves closer to opening his museum, the people of Mersin—and Türkiye as a whole—stand to gain a space where memory, mechanics, and meaning converge.
Whether you are a vintage car enthusiast, a lover of design, or someone curious about the spirit of Türkiye’s past, Dal’s future museum may soon become a place where history is not only remembered but felt, seen, and heard in the rumble of a well-tuned engine.
