The town of Alfaz del Pi hosted the "Los Antiguos" European Classic Car club this morning - outside the Casa de Cultura.

Seven Day Rally

One of many Classic Cars on display

Around 70 classic cars were on display in the square for all to admire - and there were certainly plenty of admirers. The club President Willy Claeys was delighted with the turnout and told me that enthusiasts had come from as far as Torrevieja and Valencia to take part in the seven day rally to Castilla La Mancha, which is setting off tomorrow - Sunday.

Gleaming bodywork

Original 1960 Fiat Multipla 600 - looks back to front!

All the cars were gleaming and pristinely restored - with the owners standing closely by. You could almost feel the tension when people were trying to lean against the bodywork for a picture... or worse still, when some children arrived on bikes! However, I was told that it is peoples rings that do the most damage, when they place their hands on the paintwork.

Historic plate 

 

1954 Kaiser Manhatten

Many of the cars had an "H" prefix to the number plates - which means historic and over 25 years old. But as Willy told me, they don´t accept just any car into the Classic Car Club because of its age - they have to be something special design wise. The oldest car belonging to the club is a 1954 Kaiser Manhatten.

Great investment

The engine was in the boot of this VW

There must have been around 60 cars on display - and at a rough guess, worth close to a million euros I would say. But many of the owners had several classic cars - with one gentleman having over a dozen. He told me that investment wise it is better than the bank or property, especially if you have a real limited classic -  and his collection was worth a few million.

Labour of Love

Sunbeam - many remembered owning one of these

Most have been restored and it is a real labour of love. They are never taken out when it rains and the mileage, considering the age of the cars is relatively low. However, 25 of them will be taking part in a seven day rally to Castilla La Mancha tomorrow, covering a total of 1200km - so that will add a bit to the clock!

Scooby Doo van

Squashed VW

There were also some unusual cars and what to me looked like the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine - but it was a VW, alongside a customised VW Beatle which looked like it had been crushed!
They both attracted a lot of attention from the crowd.

Lap of Honour

Cars leaving for cruise around

The cars then left the square just before 12 noon and made a noisy tour of Alfaz - complete with police motorcycle escorts before heading off down to Albir. The convoy caused a few traffic jams en-route but everyone was pleasantly surprised when they realised why.

Classic Rolls Royce - last of the convoy