Doha: Exhibition of Vintage Cars Revives Memories of Bygone Days

by Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha (SP)

Doha, Dec 27: As part of the National Day celebrations, a vintage cars exhibition is being conducted near the Orry statue on the cornice here.  27 classic vehicles have been put on display at the said venue.

People have been flocking around the cars to get a glimpse of the cars and experience the feel of the majestic past, 60’s, 50’s, 40’s and even 30’s.

Oldest among the collection is a Morris 1930 model car, which happens to be the first motorised vehicle in Qatar, brought by P T Cox and E W Shaw during a geological survey conducted here from 1932 to 1933.

Also on show are Humber, Red Dodge Power Wagon, Austin A 65, Bedford K and Bedford RL of the 1950’s among others, which were exclusively used by the Qatar Petroleum company both for its employees and the visitors.

Luxury vehicles used to transport royals such as the heads of state, ministers, and other high-ranking officials during their official visits to the country in the 50’s are also on display, and these cars include Oldsmobile 98, Desoto Fire Flite Convertible, Cadillac Series 62, and Ford Galaxy 500.

Patrol cars such as Ford 1961 and Land Rover Series 1947 and Austin Chap Jeep 1952 used by the then police officers are equally mesmerizing, just like the five Triumph motorcycles, which were very useful in controlling traffic and accidents during the early inception of the traffic police in the mid-50s.

But the show-stoppers among the vintage vehicles happen to be the six armoured cars comprising the Saladin 6X6 armoured car, Saracen 6X6 armoured personnel carrier, Ferret MK 2/3 scout car and the Daimler MK2. A Howitzer Cannon 25 Pounder, one of the only four still preserved in the country, has also been included in the collection.  Car lovers in Doha can visit the exhibition area until the end of this month.