Classic cars are seen at an exhibition in Aley, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon, on Aug. 27, 2022. Over 65 classic car owners on Saturday gathered in Aley, a city in Mount Lebanon, showcasing their vehicles at an exhibition, where vintage collections from 1945 to 1978 parked in the city square drew the attention of many passers-by. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)
by Dana Halawi
BEIRUT, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Over 65 classic car owners on Saturday gathered in Aley, a city in Mount Lebanon, showcasing their vehicles at an exhibition, where vintage collections from 1945 to 1978 parked in the city square drew the attention of many passers-by.
Wajdi Mrad, mayor of Aley and organizer of the event, told Xinhua that the exhibition's objective is to gather classic car enthusiasts from all over the country to share their love for these automobiles and experience in vehicle maintenance.
"We also help each other financially to keep our cars well maintained amid the current crisis," Yasser Tabbara, a 65-year-old participant, told Xinhua.
"These events reflect the Lebanese people's great passion for classic cars," Tabbara said beside his 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28.
He added the local antique car group he belongs to often holds cruise events on weekends where collectors meet on wheels and enjoy driving to assorted destinations.
Alaa Dahdouh, a classic car owner, said the beauty of these vehicles was rare and irresistible, and he would love to properly maintain them.
Bassel Ghosn, a participant who boasts eight classic cars, said he was passionate about classic cars when he was a small child, aspiring to learn about their mechanics and inner workings.
"I fix almost every problem in my cars and only seek help with complicated issues," he told Xinhua. "These classic cars are rare and were famous back in their time for their high performance and great designs," he noted.
Despite the country's economic crisis, collecting classic cars still offers a good bang for the buck.
Ghosn said he bought his 1979 Pontiac Trans Am for 8,500 U.S. dollars and paid another 7,000 to do an overhaul, but selling it today can make a profit of around 10,000 dollars.
"Old classic cars are an excellent investment. They hold their value well ... as for modern cars, they depreciate as years pass by," Ghosn explained.
His view was echoed by Tabbara. "I bought this Chevrolet Camaro long ago for only 2,000 dollars and paid around 10,000 dollars to overhaul the car. Now I can sell it for 35,000 dollars," he said.
"But I won't sell unless I find a more beautiful car," he added.
Mrad, the event's organizer, said Lebanese enthusiasts of vintage car are still buying but in a more cautious manner under the current economic condition.
Lebanon has been suffering from an unprecedented financial crisis, plunging over 80 percent of the population into poverty and forcing people to focus more on the most urgent needs. ■
Classic cars are seen at an exhibition in Aley, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon, on Aug. 27, 2022. Over 65 classic car owners on Saturday gathered in Aley, a city in Mount Lebanon, showcasing their vehicles at an exhibition, where vintage collections from 1945 to 1978 parked in the city square drew the attention of many passers-by. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)
Classic cars are seen at an exhibition in Aley, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon, on Aug. 27, 2022. Over 65 classic car owners on Saturday gathered in Aley, a city in Mount Lebanon, showcasing their vehicles at an exhibition, where vintage collections from 1945 to 1978 parked in the city square drew the attention of many passers-by. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)
Classic cars are seen at an exhibition in Aley, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon, on Aug. 27, 2022. Over 65 classic car owners on Saturday gathered in Aley, a city in Mount Lebanon, showcasing their vehicles at an exhibition, where vintage collections from 1945 to 1978 parked in the city square drew the attention of many passers-by. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)
Classic cars are seen at an exhibition in Aley, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon, on Aug. 27, 2022. Over 65 classic car owners on Saturday gathered in Aley, a city in Mount Lebanon, showcasing their vehicles at an exhibition, where vintage collections from 1945 to 1978 parked in the city square drew the attention of many passers-by. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)
Classic cars are seen at an exhibition in Aley, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon, on Aug. 27, 2022. Over 65 classic car owners on Saturday gathered in Aley, a city in Mount Lebanon, showcasing their vehicles at an exhibition, where vintage collections from 1945 to 1978 parked in the city square drew the attention of many passers-by. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)
People visit a classic car exhibition in Aley, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon, on Aug. 27, 2022. Over 65 classic car owners on Saturday gathered in Aley, a city in Mount Lebanon, showcasing their vehicles at an exhibition, where vintage collections from 1945 to 1978 parked in the city square drew the attention of many passers-by. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)
