The Singapore to Myanmar classic car rally arrived at the final destination of Bagan after a grueling but enjoyable 24 days on the road, according to the organizers on February 24.
“The Road to Mandalay” run by the UK-based Endurance Rally Association saw 70 classic cars – from a 1924 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost to a 1970 Ford Mustang – make the drive in stages from Singapore through Malaysia and Thailand to then enter Myanmar heading for Mandalay, arriving Day 23, before finishing in the ancient city of Bagan on February 24.
As one of the rally organizers, Mr Syd Stelvio, put it on February 24, the final leg into Bagan one one of “mixed emotion” as it was “mission accomplished” but the end to an exciting trip.
“Timing was relaxed enough today to allow for a some sightseeing though before the final 55 kilometres drive into Bagan and the ceremonial finish complete with a Kyeezee, some twenty costumed dancers and a two man dancing elephant,” he said.
The drivers took 23 relatively easy day stages from Singapore to Mandalay – from about 150 to 600 kilometres daily, finishing on Day 25 in Yangon, from where their cars will be shipped home.
The oldest car was a 7,500 cc 1907 Itala 40 and the youngest, a 5,000 cc 1970 Ford Mustang, with only one car in the modern 4x4 touring category being a 2011 Toyota Landcruiser.
The classic car models included Bentley, Jaguar, Chevrolet, Buick, Citroen, Volvo, Porsche and a Volkswagen Beetle.