UK Man Races Proton Saga Up Famous British Hillclimb

British Man Races Classic Proton Saga at Iconic UK Hillclimb

A vintage Proton Saga has captured the attention of motorsport fans and Malaysians alike after it was entered into the prestigious Hagerty Hill Climb 2025 at Shelsley Walsh — one of the most iconic and historic hillclimb venues in the United Kingdom.

Proton Saga Iswara Steals Spotlight at Shelsley Walsh

Behind the wheel was Jon Coupland, a British car enthusiast and collector who runs the YouTube channel Jon Coupland Cars. Coupland entered the event with a 1983 Proton Saga Iswara — Malaysia’s very first national car — and proudly raced it up the challenging hill course.

In a Facebook post that quickly went viral, Coupland shared an image of the Proton on the hillclimb track with the witty caption: “Amazingly, this is NOT an AI generated image and I have just hill climbed a Proton.” The unexpected sight of a humble Malaysian sedan in such a high-profile UK motorsport event sparked waves of excitement and amusement online.

A National Icon Among Supercars and Sports Machines

The Hagerty Hill Climb attracts a wide range of vehicles, from rare vintage racers to modern performance machines. Yet it was the modest Proton — front-wheel drive, manual transmission, and built for simple commuting — that stood out among the high-powered competition.

Despite not being built for speed or agility, the Proton Saga held its own on the winding, uphill track — proving that passion and spirit can leave just as much of an impression as horsepower.

Malaysians Celebrate With Pride and Nostalgia

Back in Malaysia, the story struck an emotional chord. Thousands of Malaysians took to social media to express pride in seeing their beloved national car showcased on an international stage.

Some called it a nostalgic blast from the past. Others joked that Coupland deserved honorary Malaysian citizenship. Most importantly, the moment highlighted how the Proton Saga — often overlooked at home — had finally received the recognition it deserved.

Opening Line

A Proton Saga just raced up one of Britain’s most historic hillclimb tracks — and Malaysians are loving it.

Hook and Review

When Jon Coupland drove a 1983 Proton Saga up the legendary Shelsley Walsh hillclimb, he wasn’t just racing — he was representing an entire nation’s pride. The viral moment, captured in a single Facebook post, turned the modest Malaysian sedan into a symbol of nostalgia, unity, and unexpected motorsport flair. Malaysians flooded the comments with joy, calling it a proud day for a true national icon.

Source : Instagram

 By Tarziman — 29 May 2025, 02:12 PM