British Policeman Falls in Love With Proton Cars & Has Been Collecting Them Since 2019, Now Owns Six Models

Everyone has that one interest they could talk about for hours, whether it’s collecting sneakers, hunting down vintage toys, or spending an unreasonable amount of time searching for the perfect addition to a collection. For one British policeman, however, that passion comes in the form of something a little closer to home for Malaysians: Proton cars.

For Jon Coupland, his fascination with Malaysia’s national car brand began less than a decade ago, in 2019, when he came across an online advertisement for a used Proton Saga 1.5.

Image Credit: Jon Coupland Cars | Facebook

For reasons he still can't quite explain, he was immediately drawn to the car. So much so that he headed straight to the dealership and purchased a 1990 Proton Saga 1.5 SE LE UK Special Edition for around RM4,000 (£700).

According to Coupland, the car was in good condition when he bought it and had only 48,000km on the odometer.

Ever since that first purchase, Coupland began to realise that Proton cars had a charm of their own. He soon made it his mission to bring together and preserve as many of them as possible, helping to keep the Proton name alive in the UK.

While that goal may sound simple to Malaysians who see Proton cars on the road every day, it wasn't quite as easy for Coupland, who lives in Boston, Lincolnshire.

He admitted that finding Proton vehicles in the UK is becoming increasingly difficult, as the brand is now largely limited to the used-car market. However, the challenge only fuelled his passion further.

"Proton cars are unique because of their attractive angular designs and reliability. Their exterior styling also stands out from that of other saloons, which can be rather boring. They are also relatively affordable."

Although Proton has produced many different models over the years, it was the brand's earlier offerings, particularly the Saga and Iswara, that truly captured Coupland's heart.

Image Credit: Jon Coupland Cars | Facebook

One of his prized possessions is a 1980s Proton Saga 1.5GL Black Knight Edition. The model gained attention after being named a favourite in the Unusual and Unpopular Cars category at the Festival of the Unexceptional: A Concours de l'Ordinaire.

He currently owns six Proton models

When it comes to maintaining his collection, Coupland relies heavily on his father, an experienced mechanic who is also well-versed in the Proton models that were sold in the UK.

"Trim components, such as exterior and interior accessories, are much harder to find than mechanical parts. I usually salvage them from vehicles that have been scrapped."

Image Credit: Jon Coupland Cars | Facebook

Coupland's passion for Proton extends beyond collecting. He even uses a Proton Saga Iswara as his daily commuter, driving it to and from work.

Today, he owns six Proton models, with some reserved for special occasions and local automotive exhibitions.

Looking ahead, Coupland hopes to visit Proton City in Tanjong Malim, Perak, as well as tour the carmaker's factory and museum at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Featured Image Credit: Jon Coupland Cars | Facebook