Classic cars ‘don’t spill oil, they only mark their
territory’
No, it wasn’t love at first sight, but it was
something quite close to it when I happened to walk
towards the classic car (a whitewashed Jaguar) that
stood still in front of me at the Ceylon Motor Show
2010 that was held last week at the BMICH.
Presented jointly by the Classic Car Club of Ceylon
and the Ceylon Motor Traders Association, the show
featured over 100 Classic Cars and the very latest
vehicles being marketed in Sri Lanka; therefore
providing a unique blend of vehicles and history for
the viewing pleasure of the public.
I
wouldn’t say the place was swarming either but there
were just the right amount of people lulling about
and taking a peek at a car or two. Young chaps kept
flashing their cameras; mothers held their little
sons hands and followed their husbands who pointed
out what was what and other old daddies peered hard
to have a look at the number plate, nod and smile to
themselves recognising some of the timeplates.
Oh yes, I kind of took a step back from the present
day as I walked along the sheds laid outside the
hall where the vintage and classic cars were homed
for the next two days. I took my own cool time
checking out the number plates myself along with the
information cards placed in front of the cars –
running my eyes through Alfa Romeos, Harley’s,
Volkswagens, Pontiacs, Plymouths, Fords, Daimlers,
Hillmans, Buicks, Chevrolets, Triumphs and Sunbeams.
“It’s nice to see some of the classic and vintage
cars as intact as they are and it is certainly an
eye-opener as well for some of us who missed out on
being born in those early ages when these cars were
actually ridden on roads,” said Sonali who was
present at the show along with her husband and two
children.
“This is my first experience at the Ceylon Motor
Show and I must say that it is well organised –
there is ample space for plenty of people to walk
around, vendors selling food in case some of the
little ones tend to get hungry and the setting is
also done quite well – the vintage and classic cars
under large hoods and sheds is an ideal choice or
else they would look too cramped inside the hall. By
keeping them outside there is a sense of originality
unlike the newer and more modernised automobiles
that were located inside. Not my style of course; I
prefer the oldies – their cute and larger-than-life
style, the eye-catching colours. The modern vehicles
can’t stand a chance being placed next to these
guys!” commented another gentleman.
They certainly do have a unique style of their
own; each from its era be it from the 20s to the
80s. The 90s cars somewhat lost the idea of ‘style’
I think whereas the older ones definitely have more
spunk – with their overly creative curves, nearly
blinding colours and sleek seats and tire rims. One
look at the modern cars and one can tell all
creativity is truly lost on those who design cars in
today’s world. How can they say there is a sense of
class and style when all it does is shine? These
oldies are what class and style is all about! (I
seem to have developed a soft spot for the oldies I
must say)
My dear daddy owns a classic car – a 1970s VW Beetle
(Beetle Bug as I like to call it) and nothing about
seemed to fascinate me much. It doesn’t have a/c and
only two doors although there is ample space for
three others at the back. Its blinding red and I
hated it as a child.
I couldn’t understand why my father never sold it,
even though it broke down or stalled quite often and
he even had to repair it for six months one time!
People would stop us near the grocery store or at a
traffic light and often ask if he were selling it.
Almost rudely, quite possessively I must say, he
would say no. He’d wash it on a Sunday morning or
afternoon, like as if stroking a newborn and let it
dry on its own becoming the bright squeaky clean bug
that it is. I still don’t think twice about its
value when I get in every morning and daddy drives
me to work but I do understand now why he cares for
it. It’s these kinds of classic cars that emanate
class unlike the savvy new BMWs or Mercs.
It is these oldies that showcase true workmanship;
the kind of automobiles proudly restored, preserved
and loved by those of the Classic Cars Club and
those much like my own father.
For them it is like preserving time, something that
keeps them in the past they long to hold so near;
they are not just cars to them, but more like their
babies.
Whenever someone questions about our VW, I can the
pride glimmer in my father’s eyes and this is just
these cars are all about.
Dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of classic cars, The Classic Cars Club of Sri Lanka celebrates an era of some of the finest automobiles every built. The club was founded in the year 1992, bringing together a group of pople, old and middle aged, who have a profound respect and love for classic cars. The club today boasts over 250 members.
“We provide the foundation for the preservation
of these masterful works by enabling members to
interact, share ideas and restoration tips, as well
as providing an opportunity to exercise these
machines in a safe environment via our regular club
events. We also drive the love for classics by
organising public and educational events giving a
wider audience access to the history and beauty of
these cars” – Classic Cars Club
Gunaratne was also spectator who quite enjoyed the
classics, “it’s quite thrilling and captivating to
see a show of this scale and kind in Colombo; I know
motor shows have been held for some time but this is
the first time I’ve come to one and it’s a good
thing that we have people doing this kind of thing
too. This way I’m able to show my son the kind of
cars of my days!”
So I guess it’s safe to say that all in all the
highlight of the Ceylon Motor Show 2010 was indeed
the vintage and classic cars sections. Old surely is
gold!
Souser: http://www.nation.lk/2010/11/21/eyefea5.htm
Posted on Thursday, November 25, 2010 @ 02:24:17 LKT
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