When Khalil Dagher graduated from the Lebanese American University of Beirut, he thought he would end up working at the United Nations full time.
Born in the United States – he’s lived in Sierra Leone, Guinea, the UK, and Lebanon before settling in the UAE – definitely earned his Globetrotter badge!
Now a leading PR executive in the automotive sector, Khalil’s journey has brought him full circle.
Avid writer. History buff. Geography aficionado. Hardcore Man United fan – Mikaniki went behind the scenes with the petrolhead himself in an exclusive scoop featuring:
- Automotive influences
- Why a Renault Megane RS is his car of choice
- Why he doesn’t add performance mods to his rods
- Admiring Yoshihiko Matsuo
- And more!
Give it up for Citizen of the World: Khalil!
Oh and, COVID notwithstanding, if you can’t get him on his cell – he’s either at a car meet or at a museum.
Born a Petrolhead
I got into cars at an early age because of my uncle and father – who were also into cars. They used to say that as a 5- or 6-year-old, I was able to name different cars with ease.
Growing up in Africa, it was all about SUVs. But I remember my dream car as a kid was the 1967 Shelby GT500, from Gone In 60 Seconds.
Standing out from the crowd
Ever since I was old enough to drive, I wanted a car that stood out and turned heads. I used to love the Volvo C30 T5, for example, because literally nobody had one.
This is why I chose the Renault Megane RS. Apart from being an incredible hot hatch – I didn’t want to be like everyone else and buy a Golf R, Ford Focus ST or Audi S3 – it’s a car that really sets itself apart and surprises people. More importantly, it’s fun to drive!
Any performance mods?
Apart from cosmetic modifications – black rims, red calipers, ceramic coating – nothing. I honestly don’t believe in modifying cars.
This is just my opinion, but I’d rather buy a car that is stock and enjoy it for what it is. Even after two years, my Megane RS surprises me everyday – I know there is still more to discover. If I want more power then, hopefully one day, I will buy another car that can give me that.
Favourite car designer?
I’m a huge fan of JDM cars and hope to one day own one.
With that in mind, my favourite designer is Yoshihiko Matsuo, who designed the iconic Datsun 240z. He broke a lot of rules when Nissan/Datsun executives tried to steer the design in a different direction.
He had the foresight to see he could create a car that would be the perfect mix between form and functionality. In turn, he created a legend and – to be honest – one of my favourite cars.
Other cars you’d like to see in your garage?
Always a tough question.
I am a petrolhead – so would want like 30 cars!
One car that I think would be the ultimate dream for me: the one and only 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta.
Another, hopefully more attainable option, would have to be the Nissan Skyline GTR R34.
Hobbies outside cars
I’m a massive football fan – I played as a left-winger in my youth. I also enjoy reading and watching documentaries about ancient history (maybe a bit too much!).
I’m an avid writer and history and geography aficionado. I enjoy museums and learning about history and have also taken a stab at writing my own novel.
Follow Khalil
Absolutely wonderful to catch up with Khalil – petrolhead extraordinaire – and his Renault Megane RS.
You can follow him on Instagram: @k_dagher
Until the next time – sayonara!
