Peshawar roared to life with the gleam of chrome and the hum of engines as the 15th Vintage and Classic Car Show took center stage at the Peshawar Services Club organised by Mr. Asim Durrani, CEO Classic Land Rover. A mesmerizing blend of heritage automobiles, local culture, and a passion for preservation, the event drew crowds from across Pakistan, uniting car enthusiasts and families in a celebration of history on wheels.A Journey Through Time on Four Wheels
Over 50 vintage cars, spanning models from 1935 to 1980, turned the exhibition into an open-air museum of automotive history. From the regal Mercedes-Benz to the muscular Mustang, the timeless Jaguar to the iconic Land Rover, the display was a treat for classic car connoisseurs. Even a collection of vintage Vespa scooters added a nostalgic charm, transporting spectators to a bygone era.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), in collaboration with Classic Land Rover, orchestrated this grand affair, bringing in automotive gems from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and beyond. But beyond the allure of polished metal and roaring engines, the event carried a deeper purpose—rekindling Peshawar’s legacy as a city of joy and cultural vibrancy.
A Celebration of Heritage Beyond Cars
The rhythmic beats of the Khattak dance, known for its electrifying swordplay and rapid footwork, set the stage ablaze, enthralling attendees with its raw energy. Meanwhile, the soft, melancholic strums of the rubab, a centuries-old stringed instrument native to the region, wove a soulful melody through the air, reminding visitors of Peshawar’s rich cultural.A Tradition of Legacy and Adventure
This classic car show and rally is not just a one-time spectacle; it is an annual tradition, taking place every November. In an impressive 2,200km journey, the rally follows a unique alternating route:
- One year, it starts from Karachi, winding through Pakistan’s landscapes, and concludes at Khyber.
- The next year, it embarks from Khyber, taking the reverse route, and ends in Karachi.
- The seven-day journey is not just a test of endurance for the cars but also a thrilling experience for drivers and spectators along the way.
This alternating pattern ensures that car enthusiasts across the country get a chance to witness this rolling tribute to automotive history.
A Rally of Resilience and Unity
The celebration didn’t end in Peshawar. The vintage vehicles soon embarked on a breathtaking road journey, passing through Balahissar Fort before heading towards Swabi, where they joined the adrenaline-pumping 12th Indus River Cross Jeep Race at Hund Point on the Indus River. The convoy’s grand tour would take them through Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Moro, and the Thar Desert, culminating in Karachi—a journey not just across landscapes, but through time itself.
In a city that has witnessed its share of challenges, this event was more than just a car show—it was a declaration of hope, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of a community eager to embrace its past while racing towards a brighter future.
KPCTA Director General Tashfeen Haider expressed his vision for making such exhibitions a regular feature and said, “This rally and exhibition aim to convey a message of peace from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rekindling the spirit of Peshawar as a city of flowers and joy.”
