The president of the Classic Car Friends Club of Pattaya got a rare opportunity to drive a restored, 43-year-old Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 500 kilometers to Hua Hin for a classic-car show last month.
The annual show’s tour began in Singapore August 25, moved through Malaysia and on to Thailand, taking drivers 3,200 km over five days. The event this year was organized by Kelly Leong of AROC Malaysia and was supported by AROC Singapore.
Pattaya Classic Car Friends Club President (your scribe) and fellow motorists set off from home base on August 26 and arrived in Hua Hin the next day without any problems. The three classic cars that made the trip worked perfectly and drivers experienced moderate traffic and good roads in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province’s main tourist city.
An hour after they arrived, the Malaysian and Singaporean Alfa Romeo drivers appeared after their 1,500 km drive.
Pattaya and Bangkok drivers gave all the “Alfistis” a warm welcome on behalf of the GTV and Giulia Society chapters. Over the next two days, great events were arranged, including sightseeing tours in Hua Hin and its surroundings.
The participants also enjoyed a gala dinner and small ceremony where the “three nations drivers” were welcomed by the deputy mayor of Hua Hin, Monti Chupha, and his entourage.
The next morning two police officers escorted the cars on the trip to Prachuap Khiri Khan City. All drivers were welcomed by Posit Kruawan, president of the provincial tourism association, at the San Lak Mean.
The next stop was the Royal Thai Air Force Wing 5 base and Ao Manao Bay for its famous view. They then moved to the “Venice of Hua Hin,” with its many rivers and gondola rides. The day ended with a meal at a waterfront seafood restaurant.
On August 28, the Alfas visited the Rajabakthi Park, a memorial to the past kings of Thailand. From there, the Singapore and Malaysia drivers paid a visit to the home of group captain Piyawat Kunrachat and were the recipients of wonderful hospitality, being given refreshments and souvenirs of local products.
The drivers began the trip back to their home countries and cities on August 29 and all will be eager to attend a repeat of this event in 2017.
Note: For more information about the Classic Car Friends Club of Pattaya, visit website: www.classic-car-friends-pattaya.com.
