UK Man Drives Classic Proton Saga Up Iconic English Hillclimb, Winning Malaysian Hearts!

For Malaysians, the Proton Saga isn’t just a car… it’s a symbol of national pride.

Launched in 1985, the Saga was the first-ever Malaysian-made car, representing a huge milestone for the country’s automotive industry. Affordable, sturdy, and familiar to generations of Malaysians, it holds a special place in the hearts of many as the vehicle that drove the nation forward.

Photo via Facebook (Jon Coupland Cars)

So, when a Proton Saga Iswara from 1983 was spotted tackling the legendary Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in the United Kingdom, it turned heads for all the right reasons.

British car enthusiast and YouTuber Jon Coupland entered the car in the Hagerty Hill Climb 2025, one of the most prestigious hill climb events in the UK. Held on the world’s oldest motorsport hill climb course, the event challenges drivers to race up a steep, twisty incline in the shortest time possible.

Surrounded by vintage classics and powerful sports cars, the modest Malaysian-built Proton stood out—and not just because of its rarity in the UK. It successfully completed the course, earning a nod of respect from fellow participants and spectators alike.

Coupland, who documents his automotive adventures on his channel Jon Coupland Cars, shared his disbelief on Facebook, posting a photo with the caption:

"Amazingly, this is NOT an AI generated image and I have just hill climbed a Proton."

The post quickly caught fire online, with Malaysians flooding the comments to express their surprise and pride. For many, it was heart-warming to see their national car take its place—however unexpectedly—on the international motoring stage.

From daily commutes in Malaysia to racing up hills in the UK, the Proton Saga continues to prove it’s more than just a car. It’s a legacy on wheels.