Vintage car fanatics have an event to look forward to today that`s guaranteed to get their pulses racing.
The 23rd International Historic Car Rally, which kicks off in Nicosia, will see around 70 restored classic from the 1930s to the 70s take part.
The three-day rally has been taking place in Cyprus for more than two decades and attracts spectators of all ages and nationalities.
“It`s a rare chance to see historic cars in pristine condition competing on roads in Cyprus,” according to participant Christopher Koutsakos.
The 55-year-old vintage car aficionado has spent the last decade taking part in classic races all over the world but today will be the most special car event he`s ever been in.
He`ll get into his 1931 Ford Roadster Deluxe Cabriolet with his 87-year-old mother Froso in the passenger seat, navigating. “This year is certainly going to be different as my mum will be my co-driver guiding us along the way to the finishing line.”
Froso, who passed her driving test in 1961, has never had an accident and continues to drive today.
She finds her son`s obsession with vintage cars a little quirky but has decided to end her driving days in style by taking part in the rally.
“She`s 87 now and we don`t know for certain if her driving licence will be renewed next year, so this race is a very special occasion for her too.”
Despite her advanced age Christopher knows his mum is more than up to the challenge.
“I will be relying on her to anticipate turns and navigate us along the route while also advising me on what speed to keep along the way.”
Expressing confidence in his mother`s navigating abilities, Christopher said: “I need glasses to read now, but she can see perfectly.”
He explained that classic car rallies require much more than a love of nostalgic cars.
“To do well you need concentration and excellent control of your vehicle and both the driver and the navigator must exhibit extreme precision.
“It`s really not about speed at all, but more about timing. We need to arrive at designated checkpoints at specific times which is what my mother will be advising me on.”
Another skill that`s required for this type of rally is excellent orientation and perfect control of the vehicle.
He bought his first vintage car 15 years ago, but now owns five and will be getting a sixth this September.
Christopher, who currently lives in Brussels, plans to move back in the coming months where he plans to devote most of his time to his classic car hobby.
“I`m taking it even further by opening a workshop which I will soon turn into a classic car museum in Nicosia,” he concluded.
The three-day event which is organised by the Association of Friends of the Historic and Old Cars of Cyprus starts today at 1.30pm and will end outside the Grecian Park Hotel in Ayia Napa.
In the second leg tomorrow drivers will take part in a 120km rally beginning in Ayia Napa and ending in Episkopi at the Episkopiana Hotel.
The third leg on Sunday rally will begin in Episkopi and have the drivers` rally back to Nicosia over a 180km route.
For further information please visit the Association of Friends of the Historic and Old Cars of Cyprus website at: ww.fipa-cyprus.org.cy-earticles.htm
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