Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

A magnificent show of 70 classic automobiles along the streets of Baku on the Day of National Flag on November 9 turned out a real holiday gift to citizens and visitors of the capital city.

The Azerbaijan Automobile Federation organized a parade and exhibition of vintage cars in a cool desire to make it a bright and memorable event in the city life.

Arzu Aliyeva, President of the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation Anar Alakbarov, as well as classic car amateurs attended the adorable retro parade.

From early in the morning car fans gathered near the Heydar Aliyev Center to see the event, which was held under the sounds of retro music.

Brilliant retro cars of various models and colors, and decorated with national flags journeyed through the streets and landmark places of Baku to the State Flag Square.

Everybody had an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and elegance of classic cars and even sit behind the wheel of the legendary classic vehicles produced in the last century. Any driver could take part in the parade having pre-registration. The only condition for the event was the availability of serviceable classic cars produced before 1980.

Legends of the global automotive industry, including Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, Mustangs, Chrysler, Pobeda, Cossacks, Muscovites, GAZ and ZIM lined up in a row, plunging the atmosphere of favorite movies and retro hits. The oldest among them was Plymouth manufactured in 1949.

One of the oldest participants of the parade was 67-year-old Vagif Gurbanov, owner of ZIM 1955. In an interview with Trend he noted that "the owner of such a car does not need to tell something about himself, as this car well reflects his attitude and lifestyle."

Another participant of the parade Alisafa Zeynalov, the owner of the GAZ-21, prodcued in 1962, noted that the car has become a family heirloom, and he got it by inheritance from his grandfather. His father, he himself and his children drove this car.

Five vintage cars of Azad Karimov took part in the parade, one of which was Volkswagen Beetle manufactured in 1959 -- the same age as the owner.

"My Volkswagen Beetle looks much younger than me (laughs). I have owned it for 25 years. I restored it myself and then gave as a present to my daughter at her 18-year anniversary. I've been collecting vintage cars. I do not buy them in good condition, but restore them myself. The oldest car in my collection is Steyr, produced in 1936. Soon I will restore it," he assured..

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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