Everything can be collateral damage during war, even vintage car collections. 70-year-old Syrian native Mohammad Mohiedine Anis returned to Aleppo after fighting in the area has mostly cleared out. When he left his home late last year he hoped for the best regarding his prized collection of American craftsmanship. Sadly, he returned to rubble.
AFP reports Anis returned to see 10 cars completely destroyed with one-third of the collection lost entirely to the war. His prized vehicles range from his father’s original Pontiac to vintage Chevrolets, Buicks and more.
“Look, she is crying. She’s wounded and calling out for my help,” he said as he pointed to his 1955 Buick Super. Despite the sorrow, Anis is determined. Now, he plans to fix them all.
Once a medical student, Anis started a cosmetics company in Syria after spending time in Italy. Since the company’s inception, he has spent most of his time caring for his collection of cars. For Anis, anything American and anything from the 1950s is most desirable – especially Cadillacs.
“Every collection should have a Cadillac. If a collector doesn’t have one, it’s like a collection without a head,” he declared. His collection also includes a 1947Â Cadillac convertible that has chauffeured six U.S. presidents.
Anis seems to be the ultimate optimist, claiming he’ll begin fixing his cars before repairing his home.
“I have had a very happy past but things have changed. Now life is hard, but we mustn’t lose hope,” he said.
Comment
Here’s a man we could all take inspiration from. God Bless him.