THE World Rally Championship, and its annual visit to Cyprus, is hailed as one of the biggest sporting events to come to the island. But there is another rally, which takes place every year that is important on the international motor sport calendar.
The International Historic Car Rally, now in its 18th year, is a well-recognised event that sees pre-1982 cars take on the narrow, twisting roads of Cyprus.
Organised by the Friends of Historic and old Cars of Cyprus, under the auspices of FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens), the 500km event kicks-off on May 26 and runs for three days.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Victor Papadopoulos yesterday told the Cyprus Mail that, “53 cars will be taking place this year, including marques such as Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Ford. Forty-four entries are Cypriot, four are from Greece, two from Great Britain and one each from Lebanon, Israel and Norway.”
The event starts in Nicosia from the premises of Cyprus Premium Automobiles. The stage will pass through Latsia, Dhali, Lymbia, and Dhekelia before finishing at Ayia Napa town hall.
Stage two the following day also begins in Nicosia, from the Hilton Park Hotel, and will pass through Anthoupoli, Ayioi Trimithias, Kokkinotrimithia, Akaki, Peristerona, Astromeritis, Flasou, Kato Pyrgos, Polis and Paphos, finishing at the Almyra Hotel.
The third and final stage incorporates Yeroskypou, the old Paphos-Limassol road, Paramali, Kolossi, Akrounta, Eftagonia, Ora, Choirokitia, Maroni and Pervolia, ending at the Pharos Hotel.
Papadopoulos explained that, “it’s not a race in the classic sense of the word, as the cars have a speed limit of 50 km/h. They will be travelling on secondary roads and will have a time limit to complete each stage.”
The purpose of the rally, according to Papadopoulos is, “for lovers of classic cars to show off their vehicles and enjoy themselves.”
There are trophies awarded to the top three finishers as well as to the best-restored car.
The oldest car this year is a 1917 Model T Ford, licence plate 001A. Owner Haris Havajias, who has a superb collection of classics, explained its history. “The car has been in the family since the 1950s and I brought it over to Cyprus from Los Angeles seven years ago. Out of all my cars, the Model T is one of my favourites and I love driving it. It can travel at a maximum of 40 km/h which gives me a chance to enjoy the sights and sounds while at the wheel.”
Havajias, along with five brothers, owns a collection with an estimated value approaching £500,000. Cars include a 1933 Ford Roadster, 1934 Chevrolet Phaeton, 1946 Chevrolet pickup, 1963 Mercedes 190 SL, 1964 Mercedes 220 SE convertible, 1970 Mercedes 280 SE convertible, 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider and a 1973 Citroen DS Pallas.
“I just love the curves and styling of these cars,” he said. “They’re just like beautiful women.”
WHAT IS FIVA?
FIVA unites more than 750,000 enthusiasts from 48 countries. It promotes global friendship and understanding by encouraging the organisation of events and assemblies for historic vehicles in all countries.
It is the only international organisation concerned with historic vehicles which is recognised by UNESCO. It promotes and protects historic vehicle heritage for future generations. It also provides links between clubs and groups of enthusiasts on an international basis and encourages the interest of the general public in preserving motoring and motorcycling heritage.
Cyprus has been a member since 1991.
