>> After the end of World War II in 1945, automobile manufacturers across the world sped up their production to feed rising demand for new vehicles due to a gradual recovery in the global economy.
Reminiscing about the return of peace and happiness during the post-war period in Thailand, more than 100 vintage vehicles have been brought together to showcase their grace and fine craftsmanship at The Return of Happiness, the 42nd antique car contest hosted by the Vintage Car Club of Thailand. The contest runs at the Future Park Rangsit shopping centre in Pathum Thani until today.
Vehicles in the contest were divided into seven categories in compliance with Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA).
The categories comprise the ancestor (before 1904), veteran (1905-1918), vintage (1919-1930), pre-war (1931-1945), post-war (1946-1960), classic (1961-1970) and modern classic (1970-present). Categories aside, the contest also featured other types of automobiles including model and modified cars as well as other automobiles manufactured by Volkswagen, Jaguar, Daimler and Mini, a British automotive marque owned by BMW.
Today's vehicles are equipped with advanced automotive technologies and offer more convenience to motorists.
However, car aficionados are enchanted by the charm of these old vehicles, which never seem to lose their appeal. Children witnessing them for the first time are also taken with their grandeur.
