Cinquecento

Another scorcher today, and how lucky were the organisers of the Crathes Classic and Vintage Car Rally. They could not have had better weather for attracting the crowds, though the exhibitors may have been feeling the heat during the course of the day.

There were a large number of classic cars and a few of vintage age. There were many pretty spectacular cars, including a 5 Litre Bentley Blower replica. The car I have chosen for my blip is rather more mundane.

This is a 1946 FIAT 500. A friend recently bought a FIAT 500, though in a rather more recent incarnation, and considerably larger. The car in the image probably even has a 500 cc engine. Being from the 1946 this car in some ways represents the rebirth of the Italian auto industry after the war, and the growing prosperity of Italy in the 1950s.

After scorching in the field at Milton admiring the cars we adjourned to Crathes Castle and gardens for a cool refreshing drink. As we headed back towards town in the later afternoon we frequently came across classic cars heading in the same direction. I am sure the organisers will have concluded the day was a great success.

The Deeside Heritage Railway seemed to be doing well out of the occasion also, as their station is next to the field where the cars were being exhibited.