Feature: Cairo vintage car show attracts thousands of fans

Vintage car owners in Egypt had the opportunity to gather in Cairo to showcase their old classic cars spanning the past century from the 1920's all the way to the 1990's.

At a spacious green field over Cairo's Muqattam Mountain, the one-day Uptown Cairo's second annual Classic Car Meet, which started Friday, welcomed more than 100 vintage cars and thousands of old cars lovers and fans.

"The family event welcomes a unique collection of Egypt's most prestigious classic automobiles," Hatem al-Kadi, director of Vintage Wheels company and the event organizer told Xinhua.

The exhibition simply looked like a movie from the 1950s as people walked around to get an experience through the time.

An amazing collection of old beauties such as Mercedes Benz, Chevrolet, BMW, Mustangs, Mini-Coopers, Beatles, Fords and much more, lined up in harmony, captivating the hearts and the eyes of watchers.

Every car has a story back in history, specifically those that were owned by famous people such as former Egyptian president Gamal Adel Nasser and some movie stars.

Al-Kadi, whose company provides unique expertise in mapping and route planning, organizing and documenting events related to classic vehicles, said the event mainly aims at spreading the culture of obtaining and keeping the old automobiles in Egypt and the region as well.

"Egypt has many vintage cars; some of them have historical backgrounds. Through such gatherings, we try to bring vintage car owners and fans of classic cars together. This will definitely encourage owners and fans keep these cars alive," he added.

At the show, every owner stood next to his old vehicle, receiving visitors with welcoming smiles and answering their questions about the history of their cars.

"Such events are of great value for owners and lovers of vintage cars alike. For me, I meet people who can give me good ideas on how to keep my old car looks like a brand new one. We exchange ideas about restorations as well as places of rare spare parts for our cars," said Amr Mussa, a young man who showcased his 1953 International Harvester truck.

Mussa, who owns a collection of vintage vehicles, said he is very glad to see large crowds visiting the exhibition, which reflects the growing interest of Egyptians in knowing more about classic cars.

Organizers have done much to attract more people to the event that takes place once every year.

"We have got something for the whole family and car enthusiasts alike from a classic cars red carpet, a maze of cars through the ages and a vintage spare parts market," al-Kadi said.

The family event has also presented live entertainment, croquet, dancing, an art exhibition as well as cool and fun activities for kids including car races, carnival games and cardboard car race.

For visitors, the well-organized open-air exhibition emerged as a great bridge between the past and present.

"It is my first time to see such a big number of old cars and I'm really amazed with what I'm seeing," 24-year-old Shaimaa Hussein told Xinhua as she toured the show.

The young lady said visiting the exhibition is just like an adventure, hoping that she could have enough money to buy a vintage car soon.

"I came today to share my passion with other vintage car lovers," Mohammed Ashraf, a 27-year-old fan of classic cars said. "It is such a great experience to see more than 100 of your beloved cars in one day, it is a dream that is coming true." Endit