A touch of class

Vintage motor enthusiasts can still get up-close-andpersonal with some of the most beautiful cars in the world today by heading to Downtown Burj Dubai for the finale of the much-anticipated parade and competition.

The two-day event, backed by the Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) — a member of the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA), the worldwide authority for historic vehicles — marks the start of a year-long calendar of art, fashion, sport and lifestyle events that will be hosted at Emaar Boulevard.

“The Burj Dubai Classic Car Show is part of several initiatives to further establish the boulevard as a lifestyle and leisure destination.

It is being planned to be the most competitive event of its kind in the region, and is attracting motor-vehicle enthusiasts from around the world,'' said Ahmad Al Matroushi, managing director, UAE, Emaar Properties.

A glittering opening ceremony attended by classic car experts marked the start of the show.

Old yet elegant, evolutionary yet functional, the participating vehicles have been displayed with a detailed description of their characteristics and ownership lineage.

Many classic cars will also be displayed at the Grand Atrium of The Dubai Mall.

Vintage engine fanatics can also enter a competition to walk away with a number of awards.

A jury of experienced classic car experts will score each car on the basis of car originality, engine cleanliness, original car colour, historical car value, finishing and aesthetics in both categories.

The public will have the opportunity to judge the cars and decide their favourite vehicles through a Popular Choice contest.

A highlight of the event will be a number of car parades set to awe onlookers.

The Burj Dubai Classic Car Show, which will showcase vehicles from the private collection of the rally legend Mohammad Bin Sulayem, vice-president of FIVA for Sport and president of ATCUAE, will be solely responsible for issuing historic car certificates to vehicles which are at least 25 years old.

Cars from the Al Sarkal family, who are also passionate car collectors, and the Sharjah Museum, will be showcased too.
One of the rarest vehicles to be displayed is a 1952 Jaguar XK120, the first British car after the Second World War era to achieve 120 miles per hour.

It was considered the “supercar of its day'' which has since then competed in world classic car rallies such as Milano San Remo Cup, The Jewel That is Jordan, London to Brighton and Liege Rome Liege.