Vintage cars exhibition in Ankara

Exhibition of classic and vintage cars range from 1956 to 2001 took start in Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday. Despite their big engines and high oil consumption, they are still very popular for some drivers. The 4th Classic Cars Exhibition was held in association with Ankara Classic Car Club (AKOK) and Hacettepe Car Society at the Beytepe campus of Ankara's Hacettepe University. Speaking at the opening of the exhibition Vice Rector of Hacettepe University Professor Ali Caglar said he was very happy to see the cars which he dreamt of when he was a child. Onur Tunca who is in charge of the exhibition told Anadolu Agency that there were 45 classic and vintage cars being presented at the exhibition. "Oldest car in the exhibition is a 1955 model Chevrolet. We have also 1968 model Anadol --Anadol is Turkey's first domestic mass-produced passenger vehicle--. The newest is a 2001 Plymouth Prowler which is actually listed as a retro car," stated Tunca. Interested in the classic cars since he was a child, Gencer Baytimur, a lecturer at Baskent University, said that he had up to 12 vintage cars and he attended the exhibition in Turkish capital with three of his cars. Upon a question about if he drove in country or travels for longer distances, Baytimur noted, "I try to take them out for a ride as much as I can, however, as they have big and powerful engines, they are like a sponge when you think about the fuel consumption. We drove to northern Turkey with my wife, which was very romantic as most of these cars have vibrant characters and mono front seats." He added that due to pricey taxation and vehicle insurance policies, car owners struggled with keeping classic and vintage vehicles. "Also, to keep them, you will need a garage. Per car, I pay about 50 Turkish Liras monthly," underscored Baytimur. The exhibition will be open for two days.