Many beautiful cars equipped with the latest technology for safe and comfortable driving are now on sale.
Among the many cars for sale, classic cars and vintage cars, which have many enthusiasts, possess an atmosphere and presence that modern cars do not have.
What is the charm that modern cars lack?
The answer may be found when you see classic cars and vintage cars in person.
That said, opportunities to see actual cars are quite rare.
However, Okayama has a chance to see classic cars and vintage cars.
That is Vecchio Bambino.
The event titled Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera (Charity Classic Car Rally Vecchio Bambino 2022 Spring Event), centered around European classic cars, was held over two days on April 2 and 3, 2022, in Okayama.
I wanted to see the beauty of classic cars and vintage cars, and hear their pleasant engine sounds, so I visited the Kasaoka Community Center in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, which was introduced as a stop along the rally!
The information provided is from April 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is Vecchio Bambino
Vecchio Bambino is a collective term for classic car touring events held in various locations in Okayama.
It is an event aimed at revitalizing the region through interaction with local people.
From the appearance of people cheering along the roadside, it is clear that the entire region enjoys the event.
Additionally, it is an event that conducts charity activities aimed at disaster recovery and educational support for children orphaned by traffic accidents.
With the desire to continue being a classic car rally centered on charity activities, the 12th event (19th edition) was held on April 2 and 3, 2022.
The name of the event in April 2022 is Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera (Charity Classic Car Rally Vecchio Bambino 2022 Spring Event).
The meaning of Vecchio Bambino in Italian is "an adult who keeps a child's heart; an eternal boy."
Seeing the drivers and passengers participating in the event waving cheerfully, the meaning of Vecchio Bambino in Italian fits perfectly.
An event where classic cars, vintage cars, and sports cars driven by adults who maintain a child's heart gather is sure to excite even those who are not classic car fans.
Participating Vehicles and Number of Entries in Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera
Official website states that the regulations for participating vehicles in Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera are "vehicles from various eras recognized by the executive committee, primarily vintage sports cars manufactured before 1972."
The number of vehicles entered in the 19th event was 80.
The oldest vehicle was a 1927 FORD MODEL T.
The newest participating vehicle was a 2021 LAMBORGHINI HURACAN EVO SPIDER.
The vehicles, with nearly a 100-year gap in manufacturing years, were all fascinating, and I found myself losing track of time while looking at them.
Route of Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera
The route for participating vehicles in Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera runs through various locations in Okayama.
On April 2 (Saturday), the route starts from Okayama Gokoku Shrine, passes through Tsuyama City central shopping district, and arrives at Brazilian Park Washuzan Highland from Niimi City.
On April 3 (Sunday), the route departs from Brazilian Park Washuzan Highland, passes through Bikan Historical Area and Tamashima Shopping Street, takes a break at Kasaoka Municipal Horseshoe Crab Museum and Kasaoka Grand Hotel (parking is at Kasaoka Community Center), then goes through Bisei Town and Yakage Town, with Okayama Plaza Hotel as the goal.
Official website has a map showing the estimated arrival times and locations for each point, so I checked the times and locations and headed to each point.
Situation in Kasaoka City on April 3, 2022, for Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera
At 11:00 AM on April 3 (Sunday), I was informed that participating vehicles would gather in the parking lot of Kasaoka Community Center to stop at Kasaoka Grand Hotel, so I arrived at Kasaoka Community Center around 10:40 AM to wait for the classic cars and vintage cars.
However, even at 11:00, there was no sign of the participating vehicles.
It seemed they were running late.
Shortly after 11:00, the first classic car arrived.
The first to enter the parking lot was a AUSTIN HEALEY 100/6 (1957).
The curves are beautiful!
Vehicles Arriving at Kasaoka Community Center Parking Lot
The participating vehicles did not arrive in a group but seemed to be arriving at their own pace.
As a result, the arrival times varied.
Guided by staff at the entrance of Kasaoka Community Center parking lot, I proceeded to the back of the parking lot.
The first to arrive, the USTIN HEALEY 100/6, departed from Kasaoka Community Center heading towards Bisei Town, while participating vehicles continued to enter Kasaoka Community Center.
Classic Cars and Vintage Cars Gathered at Kasaoka Community Center
Vehicles that arrived at Kasaoka Community Center park where staff directed them.
Participants took a break at Kasaoka Grand Hotel.
Once many vehicles had arrived, the parking lot entry restrictions were lifted.
Now, let me introduce some of the classic cars, vintage cars, and sports cars that gathered.
▼ This is a SIMCA 8 SPORT BARQUETTE (1938).
SIMCA was a manufacturer established in France by Fiat in 1934.
The blue body is beautiful.
▼ This is an ERMINI GILCO 1100GP (1948).
The GILCO 1100GP is representative of the early Italian ERMINI.
▼ This is a TRIUMPH TR3A (1960).
This is a roadster produced by the British company TRIUMPH.
The white front grille is a highlight.
Classic Cars Noticed in Kasaoka Community Center Parking Lot
In the parking lot of Kasaoka Community Center, where many classic cars and sports cars gathered, I would like to introduce the cars that caught my personal attention.
TOYOTA SPORTS 800 (1969)
TOYOTA SPORTS 800 is a small sports car manufactured by Toyota Motor Industries, the predecessor of Toyota Motor Corporation.
Commonly known as "Yota Hachi," the TOYOTA SPORTS 800 is highly regarded as a classic small sports car from the 1960s, and I was thrilled to see it in person!
MAZDA COSMO SPORT (1970)
The MAZDA COSMO SPORT debuted as the world's first 2-rotor rotary engine vehicle at the 1963 Tokyo Motor Show.
I was captivated by its beautiful design, which fuses straight lines and curves.
DATSUN FAIRLADY 2000 SR311 LOW WINDOW (1967)
DATSUN FAIRLADY 2000 SR311 has "Fairlady," which means noble lady.
Contrary to its name, it is a domestic monster machine that marked a top speed of 205 kilometers per hour, becoming the first Japanese car to exceed 200 kilometers per hour.
Its beautiful design is hard to believe for a vehicle over 50 years old.
Moreover, it is equipped with the U20 engine, which can achieve speeds of 200 kilometers per hour, which is impressive!
It has been well maintained.
The owner was a resident of Kasaoka City.
FORD MODEL T (1927)
This FORD MODEL T is the oldest model among the 19 participating vehicles, dating back to 1927.
The exposed engine marked with FORD is quite impressive.
The square design is unique.
CATERHAM 1600GT (1973)
CATERHAM 1600GT is a lightweight sports car from the UK.
This 1600GT has a "Suzuka number" plate.
When I asked the owner, "Did you come from Suzuka?" he chuckled and replied, "No, I transported it partway by truck. I once drove the 1600GT from Suzuka, but I had a bit of a tough time on the way back."
LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH LP500S (1984)
The LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH was a leading figure during the supercar boom of the 1970s.
Among them, the LP500S is a model with only 323 units produced.
They showed me the engine part.
It's not something you see often.
Everyone was eagerly peering in.
This is a supercar!
Departing from Kasaoka Community Center!
The departure from Kasaoka Community Center was scheduled for 12:40 PM.
Almost on schedule, the vehicles that arrived first began to head towards Okayama Plaza Hotel, the goal for April 3.
As they departed, I waved to cheer them on for a safe arrival at the goal.
May we safely arrive at the next point, Bisei Town in Ibara City, after passing through Kasaoka City!
Classic Cars and Vintage Cars Running in Kasaoka City
Following the classic cars running in Kasaoka City, I drove my car for a while.
People along the roadside waved to cheer as the participating vehicles passed by.
The drivers and passengers must have been delighted by the support from the spectators.
I also got out of the car and waved enthusiastically at the passing vehicles.
From the Writer
The 12th Vecchio Bambino was held on April 2 and 3, 2022.
This was the 19th event, and it seems to have become a regular event for those living near the route taken by the participating vehicles.
Along the roads where the participating vehicles passed, people of all ages, from small children to seniors, lined up to see the classic cars and vintage cars.
It was heartwarming to see the drivers and passengers waving enthusiastically.
There were 80 entries, but it seems that a few vehicles retired from the first day to the second day, and I heard from the staff that about 70 vehicles would likely reach Kasaoka Community Center.
The Vecchio Bambino event, which brings together people who love classic cars, vintage cars, and supercars that require effort, time, and money to maintain, is truly special.
You can tell how much love each vehicle owner has for their car just by looking at it.
If Vecchio Bambino can bring smiles to many people and help those in need through charity donations, I feel it will continue to be held in the future.
It was a Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera where participants enjoyed beautiful designs and pleasant engine sounds while experiencing the warmth of the supporters along the roadside.
Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera (Charity Classic Car Rally Vecchio Bambino 2022 Spring Event) Information
| Name | Vecchio Bambino 2022 Primavera (Charity Classic Car Rally Vecchio Bambino 2022 Spring Event) |
|---|---|
| Date | April 2, 2022 (Saturday) - April 3, 2022 (Sunday) |
| Location | Okayama Prefecture |
| Homepage | Vecchio Bambino |
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