Mercedes teams top classic car contest
THREE teams driving Mercedes cars from the 1970s and 1980s finished in the top three places of the ErmataşVitra Classic Car Rally that took place last Sunday.
The contest was the fourth of the Cyprus Turkish Automobile Association’s 2022 Classic Car Rally Championship, which is sponsored by Turkey’s İş Bank.
The rally started at Karaoğlanoğlu and passed through Alsancak, Lapta, Karşıyaka, Geçitköy, Çamlıbel, Kılıçarslan, Yılmazköy, Şirinevler, Göçer, Gönyeli and Hamitköy before ending in Küçük Kaymaklı in Lefkoşa. Drivers and their co-drivers were tested over a distance of 75km and three “constant speed tests”.
The overall winners were Salih and Yonca Çeliker in a 1972 Mercedes SL350. Second place went to Ertan and Ayşe Namlı in a 1983 Mercedes 123, while third spot was claimed by Ali and Pembe Kelebek driving a 1979 Mercedes SL350.
An awards ceremony was held outside the Küçük Kaymaklı branch of event sponsors
Ermataş. Trophies were also given to the winners of a range of categories based on the age and make of the vehicles entered into the competition, as well as special awards for the best female competitors, the best couples, and an “Against All the Odds” prize.*