The first-ever Burj Dubai Classic Car Show (BDCCS) will showcase spectacular showpiece vehicles, according to a statement.

Organised with the Automobile & Touring Club, UAE (ATCUAE ) and Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA), the Burj Dubai car show, parade and competition will be held at Emaar Boulevard on February 27 and 28.  BDCCS will be a showcase of the finest classic vehicles from the past decades, said a statement.

“A social and leisure hotspot in Downtown Burj Dubai, Emaar Boulevard is bringing in the finest boulevard lifestyle experience to Dubai,” saidAhmad Al Matrooshi, managing director – UAE, Emaar Properties. “This year’s Emaar Boulevard activities are a reiteration of Downtown Burj Dubai’s appeal as the new heart of the city, and will feature an array of art and cultural activities.”

 “The BDCCS, planned to be an annual event, is part of several initiatives to further establish Emaar Boulevard as a lifestyle and leisure destination,” he added. “The classic car competition is being planned to be the most competitive event of its kind in the region, and will attract motor-vehicle enthusiasts from around the world. The events are open to visitors and add to the quality of living of residents in Downtown Burj Dubai, which is now an established neighbourhood featuring shopping malls, hotels, offices and homes.”

The BDCCS will showcase classic vehicles from the private collection of the rally legend Mohammed Bin Sulayem, vice president of Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for sport and president of ATCUAE, which will be solely responsible for issuing historic car certificates to vehicles which are at least 25 years old.

FIVA certification provides international credibility and can enhance the value of historic cars, although vehicles have to undergo intensive examination.

Bin Sulayem said: “They have to be maintained to a very high standard and comply with international FIVA safety regulations otherwise they will simply not be awarded a certificate.”

Also the Burj Dubai Classic Car Show will showcase cars from El Serkal Family and Sharjah Museum. Other private collectors are also presenting their vehicles at the event.

One of the rare vehicles to be displayed at the Burj Dubai Classic Car Show is a 1952 Jaguar XK120, the first British post World War II car to achieve 120 miles per hour. It was considered the ‘supercar of its day’ which has since then competed in several world classic car rallies.

A glittering opening ceremony attended by classic car experts will mark the start of the BDCCS. Old yet elegant, evolutionary yet functional, the participating vehicles will be displayed with a detailed description of their characteristics and ownership lineage. Additionally, a number of classic cars will be displayed at the Grand Atrium of The Dubai Mall.

Classic car enthusiasts can also enter the competition to walk away with a number of awards. A jury of experienced classic car experts will score each car on the basis of parameters including car originality, engine cleanliness, original car colour, historical car value, finishing and aesthetics in both categories.

The public will also have the opportunity to judge the cars and decide their favourite vehicles through a popular choice contest. Last date for entries is February 23, 2009 and registrations can be made online at emaaer.ae.

Burj Dubai Classic Car Show marks the start of a year-long calendar of events to be hosted at Emaar Boulevard. The 3.5 km custom-built premise is aimed at strengthening community spirit through varied leisure activities, and will recreate the appeal of the world’s famed boulevards through retail and leisure activities. A spectacular line-up of art, fashion, sport and lifestyle events are being planned to be held at Emaar Boulevard throughout the year. – TradeArabia News Centre