Vintage cars show racy past of Iran's toppled royalty

Before they were ousted by the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran's royal family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle with a taste for fast cars quite unlike any ever built.

Now, after half a century hidden away, the royal racers are back on show, with the Iran Historical Car Museum drawing in thousands since it opened to the public in recent weeks.

"We consider that these cars are part of Iranian cultural heritage," the museum director Mohammed Faal said. "They belong to the people, not to the royal family."

It is run by the Islamic republic's Bonyad Mostazafan organisation -- "The Foundation of the Oppressed" -- which manages the confiscated property of the toppled regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

The line-up is staggering, and includes a car combining a unique engineering collaboration.

In 1972, knowing the shah liked German engineering, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen teamed up to build an unprecedented automobile.

They created the "MPV Tehran", a bright orange painted single-seater, that was a "gift" to help crown prince Reza, who was then 12, learn how to drive.

It has two keys. One, made of silver, limits the powerful engine to a gentle 30 kilometres per hour (18 miles per hour). The other, in gold, allows the vehicle to speed at 170 kph.

While the car hasn't raced since 1979, its sleek lines still inspire those who come to the museum.