1994 Proton Saga Iswara found in United Kingdom barn; nearly new with just 17,259 km on the odometer

1994 Proton Saga Iswara found in United Kingdom barn; nearly new with just 17,259 km on the odometer

The early Proton Saga appears to be catching the attention of enthusiasts in the United Kingdom. A 1989 example collected the top prize for best classic at the Hagerty UK Festival of the Unexceptional, and now it appears that a Proton Iswara – known as a 1994 Proton Saga in the UK – has turned up in storage in the country.

This came to the attention of Matt Richardson, of the Furious Driving YouTube channel who found the Nineties era Proton in what appeared to be in a very well preserved condition, save for the expected layer of dust from being unattended to in over a decade.

Here, Richardson had actually been to the site of the find on behalf of Stephanie Holloway of the I Drive A Classic YouTube channel, who had been contacted by the Saga Iswara’s original owners to sell the vehicle to her.

As classic car enthusiasts will note, storage conditions are key to the longevity of a vehicle’s good condition, and it appears that the Saga Iswara here has been stored in a shed that allowed no light to enter its space at all, as exposure to sunlight is detrimental to bodywork as well as plastic and rubber components.

Its original owner had last updated the car for roadworthiness in 2010, according to Richardson, when the car had been issued a SORN, or statutory off-road notification for storage. In its roadgoing life, it had covered just 10,724 miles or 17,259 km from new.

This particular Saga Iswara, being an export model for the UK market employed an electronic fuel injection system in order to comply with homologation requirements for the country, instead of being carbureted. Interior appointments were slightly different, too, here using the dashboard and steering wheel from the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore.

1994 Proton Saga Iswara found in United Kingdom barn; nearly new with just 17,259 km on the odometer

All four washer jets functioning on a car stored for 10 years – surely reason for excitement

Closer inspection of the Saga Iswara revealed that despite being left alone for over a decade, its exterior bodywork, paint, lamps and more were in as-new condition, albeit covered in dust and dirt. Because the car had been kept in complete darkness, rubber items such as its windshield wipers were still pliant.

One component which didn’t last the decade was the battery, which couldn’t be resuscitated despite a battery jumper device being used. Richardson chose not to persevere with trying to start the car as it had been promised to its new owner, Holloway.

Battery aside, and with no other parts such as spark plugs changed, the Iswara fired up on first crank. Remarkable for a car on the same components and the same three-quarters of a tank of fuel it had been parked up with over a decade ago. Again, as testament to the ideal conditions of its storage, the windshield washers work, replete with all four washer jets functioning.

How the Iswara came to being laid up in storage for such as long period of time was not stated, though Richardson did say that this car was nearly sent to be scrapped as the owner’s family had wanted to clear out the contents of the garage the car was parked in. It was just as well that a family member suggested it be sold to an interested party, given its condition. For posterity, it’s just as well the car has found a new owner.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Justice on Sep 13, 2021 at 3:53 pm

    a proton ? what a shame….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 73
    • You must be like what…..10 years old?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 41 Thumb down 7
      • Best years P1 had definitely under Mitsubishi japanese supremacy. Is time for P1 to beg for Mitsu mercy to return to the top…

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 8
        • jusknittin on Sep 14, 2021 at 9:43 am

          Why? Is Mitsubishi at the top right now? Where? In Japan? Worldwide? I guess not. So anyone can say P1 did the right thing because the Japanese supremacy that you’re so proud of was on gradual decline.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
    • eyerrr got European privilege, still want drive Malaysian car, pui

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 14
    • Wow the tyre still got air after a decade in there. -_-

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
    • Yes…worth maybe 5 pounds?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Sparcov on Sep 13, 2021 at 3:53 pm

    This era of Proton is the best of proton all time.
    Between year 1991 – 1999. Regardless is a Iswara, Wira, Satria or Putra.

    12v magma engine is one of best Mitsubishi engine ever produced.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 37 Thumb down 2
    • Thanks for your expert opinion

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
    • Donno on Sep 13, 2021 at 6:24 pm

      Do not buy any Wira/Satria/Putra after 1998

      Mitsubishi F*&ked up and give corrosive roof glue to proton to use.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
      • Sparcov on Sep 14, 2021 at 11:17 am

        Very true…

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
      • Lavourn a/l Marima on Sep 14, 2021 at 10:35 pm

        Do not Blame Mitsubishi on that infamous rust roof issue. Its the people who manages Proton and those dealing and procure parts from third party parts supplier should be blamed. Despite low quality parts, they still buying. It’s corruption and cronyism to it’s best!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
        • Sparcov on Sep 15, 2021 at 9:53 am

          We are not directly blaming Mitsubishi but who knows what is going on in their Joint Venture management?

          But the facts is we “Malaysian” are just assembler and I do not ruled out mismanagement in their procurement process.

          Since Mitusbishi holding more than 15% stake in Proton, aren’t they also aware about the procurement and QC problem? They do have engineer in the assembly line too. Our Proton is almost identical to Mitsubishi minus cosmetic.

          So, it is a combine effort. But again, no one know what will happen to the car after 10 years. Perhaps they don’t expect it will be corrosive glue.

          Corruption and Cronyism is very subjective and it can happen everywhere as long there is a living human.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Ben Yap on Sep 13, 2021 at 4:40 pm

    if the 1994 iswara has a power window, it will not be working already.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 14
    • Typical of P1 problematik cars. Even if you got a 2014 persona, the power window will not be working too. This superb 27yo iswara proved how amazing jepunis car was and is still much worshippers in my home state kelantan n kedah ..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 4
  • Jeremy on Sep 13, 2021 at 5:02 pm

    Wow! Another perfectly preserved barn find, this time a timeless Saga Iswara. I hope this goes to yet another appreciative collector who will continue to keep it in good condition. These cars are truly rare in itself what else in this current near perfect state.

    I would really like to know the history of this car!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 32 Thumb down 4
  • Cant really call it a find…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • jennyD on Sep 13, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    Lovely minimalist steering wheel. it will make a comeback one day. The dash is quite futuristic if look at it as a whole.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • nice!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • dong gor on Sep 13, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    It’s working because that is basically a japanese Mitsubishi. Try to store a Gen 2 for this long and the story will be different. video is likely taken from a junk yard instead of a home.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
    • Sparcov on Sep 14, 2021 at 5:23 pm

      Sometimes it is due to mechanical problem but electronic problem.

      But the biggest culprit is the quality of the components and parts.

      How can the car manufacturer maintain the same selling price over the years with increase of wages, inflation, currency exchange and material cost? Surely some cost cutting exercise.

      Proton Wira 1.3 in year 1998 selling RM 45,000
      Proton Saga 1.3 in year 2021 selling RM 45,000

      After almost 20 years, same price but with better equipment. I won’t believe quality will be the same.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Donno on Sep 13, 2021 at 6:22 pm

    I would buy that in a heartbeat if I was living in the UK!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Therealmaserati2021 on Sep 13, 2021 at 7:11 pm

    The power of Japanese engines. Wonderful piece of technology. The car just started like normal after abandoned for 10 years. Amazing

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
    • Sparcov on Sep 14, 2021 at 5:27 pm

      I won’t be surprise. My 1996 Satria 1.3 will also start with 1 crank after idle for 1.5 year. I just need to unplug the battery terminal to avoid battery drain.

      Everything works (although I just need to knock on the temperature gauge and digital clock) to make it work :). Can’t complaint for a 25 years old car…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • YB Sam Look on Sep 17, 2021 at 1:19 am

        Then a Berukdua is much more better, no need to knock on the temperature gauge and digital clock already like Proton, because there’s NONE in Berukdua (no temperature gauge and digital Quartz clock), according from Berukdua fanboys that were living in sangkar beruk.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • jinggo on Sep 13, 2021 at 9:18 pm

    the idea of PROTON is the biggest mistake ever made by our leader. until now, rakyat still suffer from the nonsense overpriced car in the country. our new generation will curse us to the max because of the bad decision made previously. its never to late, act now, better late than never.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 10
    • Calvin on Sep 14, 2021 at 12:39 pm

      Better late than never? Dude, we brought him back a 2nd time just to screw us with his idea of 3rd national car. It was by luck those working with him was power hungry and collapsed themselves. Better to learn from history never ever to trust their sweet promises ever again.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
    • Sparcov on Sep 15, 2021 at 10:22 am

      The idea of PROTON is not the biggest mistake made by our ex-leader. In fact, it is the most brilliant idea.

      The economic spin-off is multiplied ever since PROTON become the nucleus. Not many people able to see it as a industry.

      How many components needed to complete the whole car? Hundreds or thousands? Every car components manufacturer contribute to the process in turn employed millions of Malaysian workers in the industry. It provide job opportunity. It is economic cycle. Contribution to the tax, education, technology know how, etc. is limitless.

      Now, the biggest problem that we have is relative small in-country consumption, lacked of approach to develop own technology and new model which also due to cost of development and economic of scale. Overly relying on Mitsubishi re-batch model without hiring the best resources to lead the R&D team.

      When Proton and Mitsubishi relation turn sour, Proton tried to overturn it with the Waja and Gen2. Unfortunately, both are not mature enough to be roll out hence created a lot of complaint due to design & quality issue.

      Waja in fact is a success in the 2000s. Today Waja are more valuable compare to Preve.

      We also bring in Tiara and tried to be innovative to launch Arena. Problem is, Proton should think what the consumer want to buy. Arena are simply not practical to be use in Malaysia when that time double cab Pickup truck are more popular.

      Since internal consumption is small, our car by right should be exported out but unable to due to various factors.

      Unlike Perodua, why Perodua is successful? They also operate the company as what Proton did. Perhaps Proton should learn from Perodua management.

      Look at their New Myvi and Bezza. Those are designed in Malaysia and it is a success! They think from the consumer point of view and after extensive market research in reality. Of course, public perception is important whereby Perodua = Toyota = Good :)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Sally on Sep 13, 2021 at 10:18 pm

    Who cares!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
  • alldisc on Sep 13, 2021 at 10:58 pm

    Proton iswara was introduced as Proton MPI in the UK. Writer/editor can google abt this. There was never a proton saga sold in UK by name

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • newme on Sep 14, 2021 at 9:12 am

    The actual reason for low mileage is it is embarrassing driving such hideous brand around.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 11
  • Rowan Atkinson on Sep 14, 2021 at 9:37 am

    don’t allow Mr Bean to play golf near this car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • maria maria on Sep 14, 2021 at 9:26 pm

    it has very strong body !! dont you try to hit this car !!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Lavourn M. on Sep 14, 2021 at 10:29 pm

    Doesn’t matter if it was a car with Japanese design and technology but make no mistake, it was redesigned, refined and built in Malaysia. I would also want to buy that Proton Iswara sedan at heart beat because to this day, you can hardly find an immeculate and original Proton Iswara sedan. And that makes it a gem. Happy for Stephanie… It is one of the best barn find ever…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required