Once in a lifetime, you meet someone who is so completely immersed in their passion for what they do it forces you to ask yourself some of those hard hitting questions such as, “what have I done with my life?”

Zahir Rana found his passion at a very young age – exotic cars. Zahir came to Canada as an auto technician over 35 years ago. As a newcomer to Canada, he had a very difficult time initially planting roots. “No one wanted to hire me. I was the British educated guy that knew nothing about American cars.”

So, at that point, Zahir had to decide to make things work and started his Canadian life as a pump jockey at a local gas station, then as a mechanic. After five long years, Zahir realized all the hard work of a mechanic would still not allow him to have the wealth he needed to pursue his dream of exotic cars. He realized he would have to go into business for himself.

Over 10 years of proven success as the owner of ZR Auto, Zahir is able to help others realize their passion for dream cars and the need for speed. “It has been a lot of hard work, long hours, and relentless determination to follow this dream and stay passionate,” he says. Zahir believes the most wonderful aspect of owning an exotic car is driving it. “Simply, there is no point of having one as an ornament.”

Prior to ZR Auto, exotic and fine car owners worried about driving their cars on a regular basis as there really was no one local who was able to service the vehicles or repair them. As a trained mechanic, he personally oversees custom projects, as well as specific service needs. Zahir builds long term relationships with his clients by fully understanding their needs and the vehicles they drive. For some, it’s about what they drive, but for others it’s about what drives them.

After getting his clients into the cars of their dreams, he then creates an environment and experience for them to further enjoy. Each year, Zahir arranges numerous community and charitable events. “We typically drive over 25,000 kilometers a year all over North America,” he says. The trips range from Sunday drives to week long caravan trips which can be seen all across Alberta and B.C. in the spring and summer months. One of the unique and charitable events organized by Zahir is the CFB Cold Lake Event. It represents three charities: The Soldier On Fund, The Tritown Food Bank, and Hearts for Healthcare. Last year, the event raised over $100,000 where 65 exotic cars took to the runway at Cold Lake Air Force Base to race an F18 jet. “The runway at the Cold Lake Base is the longest in Canada, so people can drive their cars flat out and still be safe.” Zahir says. The Race to Base was won by Zahir in both 2010 and 2012.

Whether you are looking for the next ride of your dreams, new ideas for modifications, or just a road less travelled, Zahir and the expert team at ZR Auto are always there to help.

See ZR Auto in the upcoming Edmonton Motor Show on Thursday April 10th – Sunday 13th, 2014, as well as the Area 27 Road Rally and Osoyoos Wine Country Blitz on May 30th to June 1st, 2014, to see the build of the Area 27 Race Track outside Oysoyoos.

For further details, contact Zahir Rana (403) 207-0233, visit their showroom at 2219 32 Ave NE, or check them out online www.zrauto.com.