Leyla Aliyeva, Arzu Aliyeva Attend Classic Car Parade and Exhibition in Baku

Baku, The Gulf Observer: The Azerbaijan Automobile Federation (AAF) organized a classic car exhibition and parade in Baku on Sunday, bringing together more than 100 vintage vehicles and attracting prominent figures, automobile enthusiasts and residents.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva, AAF President Anar Alakbarov, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, as well as other public figures and residents, attended the event.

The programme began with a classic car exhibition at the Seaside National Park, featuring more than 100 vehicles manufactured before 1986. The display included cars registered by participants as well as selected vehicles from the permanent collection of the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The exhibition was followed by a classic car parade through Baku’s main streets and avenues, with the rally concluding in the Sea Breeze area. The classic vehicles were subsequently displayed at Marina Bay, adding a distinctive retro atmosphere to the Caspian coast.

The exhibition brought together vehicles representing different periods of automotive history, including well-preserved cars carrying special sentimental and commemorative value for their owners.

Speaking to media, classic car enthusiast Nuhbala Dadashov said his 1967 Volga GAZ-21 had particular significance for his family. He said his father had brought the vehicle from Saratov on March 19, 1967.

The vintage vehicles attracted considerable attention from visitors. Fidan Efendi, one of the attendees, said she had a strong interest in classic automobiles and welcomed the opportunity to see such exhibitions being held in Azerbaijan.

Royana Seyfali, a recipient of the “Living Legend” award, said it was her first participation in the exhibition with her 1986 Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class. She explained that she had preserved the vehicle as a keepsake and described its inclusion in the exhibition as a memorable experience.

The rally concluded at Marina Bay with awards presented to car owners in a range of categories, recognizing the uniqueness, preservation, historical significance and character of the vehicles.

Awards were presented in categories including “Veteran of the Exhibition,” “Gold Standard,” “Living Legend,” “Rare Pearls,” “Style Icon of the Era,” “Spirit of the Era,” “Vintage Elegance,” “Guardian of Traditions,” “Legend of Racing,” “Iron Aristocrat,” “Hardworking Legend,” “People’s Favorite,” “Voice of the Era,” and “Time Capsule.”

The event also featured a musical programme for participants and visitors, adding to the festive atmosphere of the classic car gathering.