He had kept it hidden in the garage for half a century: he sold it for 725,000 lira, and those who saw it couldn't believe their eyes.

He had kept it hidden in the garage for half a century: he sold it for 725,000 lira, and those who saw it couldn't believe their eyes.

06.09.2025 16:50

A Fiat licensed Zastava 1100 model car, which has been kept in a garage for 44 years in the Yenice district of Karabük and has only 23,000 kilometers on it, was sold for 15,000 euros (approximately 725,000 TL). The vehicle, which was brought to Turkey in 1981 and has maintained its originality, will be showcased at exhibitions both domestically and internationally after its maintenance.

In the Yenice district of Karabük, a Fiat licensed Zastava 1100 model car, which has been kept in a garage for exactly 44 years, has changed hands for 15,000 euros and will be exhibited at fairs after maintenance.

THEY COUNTED THEIR RECEIVABLES

Abidin Bostancı, who lives in Germany, stated that his father, Hüseyin Bostancı, bought the Fiat licensed Zastava 1100 model car in the 1980s against his receivables from the place he worked. The Zastava 1100, which was used as a police vehicle in the former Yugoslavia, was brought by Bostancı to his hometown, Şirinköy village in Yenice district, in 1981, and after being used a few times, it was put back in the garage.

IN THE GARAGE FOR HALF A CENTURY

The vehicle, covered with a tarpaulin, has been carefully preserved in a closed garage for nearly half a century. This Zastava 1100, which has only 23,000 kilometers on it, has managed to reach the present day in its completely original condition without any modifications over the years. Its paint, upholstery, engine, and interior parts are just like the first day, defying time.

Sold After 44 Years: The Zastava 1100 Model Car Has Found Its New Owner

"USED HERE 1-2 TIMES"

Thanks to long-term protection, the vehicle, which has not deteriorated, rusted, or deformed, was sold to its new owner for 15,000 euros. Abidin Bostancı, who stated that the vehicle came to Turkey in 1981, said, "It went into the garage as soon as it arrived from Germany. It was used here 1-2 times, and then it stayed in the garage. It has been in the garage for 44 years, but it looks pristine. It is very solid."

Sold After 44 Years: The Zastava 1100 Model Car Has Found Its New Owner

IT WAS USED AS A POLICE VEHICLE BACK THEN

Bostancı stated that the vehicle is unique in Turkey and not found in Europe. He recalled that the Zastava 1100, a Yugoslav car, was used as a police vehicle at that time, and expressed that his father bought the vehicle in exchange for his receivables while working at a car factory. The new owner of the vehicle, Muhammet Kaya, noted that he had been trying to buy the vehicle for 4 years and purchased it for 15,000 euros.

Sold After 44 Years: The Zastava 1100 Model Car Has Found Its New Owner

"OUR GOAL IS TO EXHIBIT IT AT FAIRS ABROAD"

Kaya emphasized that the Zastava 1100 will be exhibited at both domestic and international fairs, stating, "The visible cost right now is at least 5,000 euros. After that, we have commitments for two or three fairs. God willing, after it goes for inspection, it will enter the fair in Istanbul. Our goal is to take the vehicle to fairs abroad. After that, it will stay as a memento at our stand."

Sold After 44 Years: The Zastava 1100 Model Car Has Found Its New Owner

"I DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD BE THIS ORIGINAL"

Kaya, who said, "The vehicle is just as we expected, it hasn't deteriorated," added, "I didn't think it would be this original. It is completely original. The chrome parts have not deteriorated at all, there is no wear. It is just as it was placed back then. Now it will go to the Fiat dealership in Esenyurt, Istanbul, for repairs. Then it will go to Kapaklı. We will preserve it at our company in Kapaklı. From there, we will take it to fairs."

In order to provide you with a better service, we position cookies on our site. Your personal data is collected and processed within the scope of KVKK and GDPR. For detailed information, you can review our Data Policy / Disclosure Text. By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies.', '