MestoGo - Malaysia
MestoGo - Malaysia
A fascinating automotive museum at Sepang International Circuit showcasing Malaysia's national car models, vehicles used by dignitaries, and an impressive collection of classic cars and motorcycles.
The National Automobile Museum is a unique tribute to Malaysia’s automotive heritage and innovation, located within the iconic Sepang International Circuit. This remarkable museum was inspired by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who proposed its creation during a Cabinet meeting on June 21, 2000, with the vision of showcasing national car models and vehicles used by dignitaries.
Opened to the public in March 2004 in conjunction with the Petronas Formula 1 Grand Prix, the museum spans an impressive 18,071 square feet and serves as both an educational resource and a celebration of Malaysia’s automotive achievements.
The museum houses an impressive collection of 22 vehicles that tell the story of Malaysia’s automotive journey:
The core of the museum’s collection consists of 15 significant automobiles, including:
The museum features six notable motorcycles that complement the car collection, representing different eras and styles of motorcycling in Malaysia.
A single historic lorry rounds out the collection, representing the commercial aspect of Malaysia’s transportation history.
The museum’s diverse collection has been assembled through various means:
A collaborative effort between multiple organizations brought this vision to life, including the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, National Archives of Malaysia, UPE, Bufori Motor Car Co., DRB-HICOM Berhad, PERODUA, Sepang International Circuit, and the Malaysian People’s Social Heritage Museum.
The National Automobile Museum offers comprehensive services to enhance the visitor experience:
The museum provides a comprehensive look at Malaysia’s automotive development, from the early days of transportation to the modern era of national car manufacturing. It’s particularly valuable for understanding the country’s industrial progress and technological advancement.
Situated within the Sepang International Circuit complex, the museum offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore automotive history in one of Malaysia’s most prestigious motorsport venues. The location itself adds to the experience, as visitors can feel the connection between heritage and modern racing culture.
The museum serves as an excellent educational resource for:
The museum is conveniently located at the Welcome Center building of Sepang International Circuit, making it easily accessible for both local visitors and tourists. The strategic location near one of Malaysia’s premier tourist destinations makes it an ideal addition to any Selangor itinerary.
The National Automobile Museum represents more than just a collection of vehicles; it embodies Malaysia’s journey toward automotive self-sufficiency and technological independence. The vision of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, often called the “Father of Modern Malaysia,” included developing a national automotive industry as part of the country’s industrialization strategy.
The museum’s establishment in 2004 coincided with Malaysia’s growing prominence in international motorsport, particularly through Formula 1 racing at the Sepang International Circuit. This timing created a perfect synergy between celebrating automotive heritage and embracing modern racing culture.
The museum’s location within the Sepang International Circuit complex creates a unique automotive destination where visitors can experience both the history and the future of motorsport. This proximity allows visitors to combine their museum visit with:
This combination makes the National Automobile Museum part of a comprehensive automotive tourism experience that cannot be found elsewhere in Malaysia.
For automotive researchers, historians, and students, the museum serves as an invaluable resource. The collection provides tangible examples of automotive evolution, engineering progress, and industrial development in Malaysia. The museum’s collaboration with the National Archives of Malaysia ensures proper preservation and documentation of these automotive treasures.
The museum’s role in education extends beyond casual tourism, offering structured programs and resources for:
Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast, history buff, or curious tourist, the National Automobile Museum offers a fascinating journey through Malaysia’s transportation heritage, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most modern racing circuits.