Under the patronage of H.E. the Prime Minister of Egypt, and in conjunction with the celebrations of Sinai Liberation Day, the Egyptian Automobile & Touring Club celebrated the centenary of its establishment on April 26, 2024. The celebration was held following a gracious initiative and invitation from the Club’s Chairman, Engineer Ali Bey Eissa, who entrusted the Classic and Historic Cars Committee of the Club with organizing an event befitting this significant national and historical occasion.
The committee immediately initiated coordination with classic car owners, including Club members and private collectors, to organize a unique exhibition and ceremonial parade. The event featured the participation of more than fifty classic and historic vehicles representing some of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious marques, serving as living witnesses to Egypt’s rich heritage and long-standing history.
The celebration was honored by the distinguished presence of former Prime Minister Engineer Ibrahim Mahlab and His Majesty King Ahmed Fouad, who attended the event and took commemorative photographs with the guests. Their attendance had a highly positive impact in supporting the festivities and adding exceptional historical significance to the occasion.
The event showcased a remarkable collection of vehicles from iconic manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Studebaker, and Mercedes-Benz, in addition to classic sports car brands including Thunderbird, Camaro, Mustang, Corvette, Triumph, and MG. Several of the exhibited vehicles date back nearly one hundred years, while others were produced during the 1930s and 1940s.
The celebration commenced at 11:00 a.m. with the arrival of participating vehicles at the Club’s main headquarters on Qasr El Nil Street in downtown Cairo, where they were welcomed by members of the Club’s Board of Directors and the Classic Cars Committee. Distinguished guests soon followed, including ambassadors from various foreign countries, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of official state institutions, delegates of the International Federation of Historic Vehicles (FIVA), as well as key partners of the Classic Cars Committee from Emaar Misr. Representatives of major newspapers, news agencies, and television channels also attended, alongside a large audience of classic car enthusiasts and collectors.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed exploring the rare vehicles on display, capturing commemorative photographs, and engaging in lively discussions with vehicle owners in an atmosphere filled with joy and appreciation for automotive heritage. At 2:00 p.m., the grand classic car parade officially commenced from the Club’s headquarters, proceeding across Qasr El Nil Bridge toward the Cairo Opera House Square, then returning via the iconic Tahrir Square before reaching Soliman Pasha Square. The parade concluded with a spectacular “défilé” of these rare automotive masterpieces, before returning once again to the Club’s premises—an especially symbolic moment, as many of the participating vehicles had existed during the Club’s early decades and witnessed its historic journey.
All aspects of the celebration received extensive media coverage from leading newspapers, news agencies, and satellite television channels.
It is also noteworthy that the Classic and Historic Cars Committee comprises a dedicated group of Club members passionate about this refined hobby. For more than twenty years, and with continuous support from successive Club boards, the committee has worked diligently to preserve automotive heritage, promote the culture of classic car collecting, and document the history of historic vehicles. Today, Egypt is home to more than 2,000 internationally classified classic cars, certified in accordance with the standards of the International Federation of Historic Vehicles (FIVA), reflecting the commitment of owners to restore and preserve these automotive works of art in line with original specifications.
The success of this landmark celebration would not have been possible without the valuable support of the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the outstanding planning, supervision, and coordination provided by the Traffic Police Authority, whose efforts ensured the event was conducted in a safe and highly organized manner.
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