CAIRO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of rare vintage automobiles on Friday rolled through downtown Cairo, the capital of Egypt, turning historic streets into a living museum and offering a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of automotive design.
Organized by the Classic and Historic Car Chamber of the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE), the annual parade featured about 60 iconic vehicles, including Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, Buick, and Mercedes-Benz, many dating back to the 1930s and 1940s.
Escorted by police, the procession traveled from the club's headquarters through the historic Tahrir Square, across the Qasr El Nil bridge, and to the Cairo Opera House before looping back to the city center, drawing crowds of spectators along the route.
ATCE Deputy General Manager Wael Abd El Gelel told Xinhua that the carnival showcases Egypt's deep automotive heritage and reflects the country's security and stability amid a complex regional landscape.
Among the standout vehicles was a Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet, one of only 1,232 units ever produced globally. Its owner, Amr Ashmawy, hopes to take his car to international exhibitions.
Another participant, Ahmed Nasser, a 28-year-old restorer, noted that some vehicles, including one once owned by late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, are tied to Egypt's political history.
"The carnival plays a crucial role in promoting tourism, attracting international enthusiasts and collectors who view these vehicles as rare works of art," El Gelel said. ■
