Vintage car exhibition gets rousing response

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 29

A first-of-its-kind exhibition of vintage, classic, modified and modern collection of cars, motorbikes and bicycles was held at the Nigeen Club here today.

The exhibition, having a rare collection of vehicles with some dating back to the 1940s, got a good response from the city residents.

Organised by ‘Kashmir Off-Road’ in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Kashmir, the exhibition put on display 60 vintage, classic and modern cars. The main attractions included Chevrolet Fleet Master of the Year 1942, Nissan Jonga of 1965, Chevrolet Impala of 1969 and Morris Minor of 1952. Motorbikes, including Royal Enfield of 1969, besides scooters and off-road jeeps caught the attention of visitors.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Tourism Secretary Sarmad Hafeez. Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Mahmood A Shah was also present on the occasion.

A Tourism Department official said some of the vehicles were painstakingly remodeled.

“Big trailers like Recreational Vehicle having living space and all amenities found in a home or an old model like Atlas cycle fitted with dynamo headlights were also on display for motor-vehicle lovers. The event was organised to give locals in the Valley a new thing to experience and take them to their old memories of vehicles,” he added.

The Tourism Secretary said exhibition of classic cars were held at many places in the world but in Srinagar, the exhibition had a beautiful setting of natural beauty on the banks of the Nigeen Lake.

“We want positive news to come out of the Valley and make Srinagar a happening place. If tourists visit here, they should not only see the natural beauty, which the Valley is already known for, they should also enjoy different activities here,” said Hafeez.

Ali Sajid of ‘Kashmir Off-Road’ said visitors would be asked to vote for the car of their liking and accordingly, the owner, who gets maximum votes, would be awarded later.