More than 40 epoch cars were displayed in the Great National Assembly Square of Chisinau on the occasion of the first International Vintage Car Rally. Technical engineer of the Moldovan club “Retro Mobil”, car restorer Sergiu Mogaldea has told IPN that the exhibited vehicles are unique in Moldova and are not for sale.

The displayed vintage cars include a Packard made in the U.S. in 1938, which allegedly formed part of the motor pool of Soviet politician Gheorghi Jukov. “The car by which I came here today is a Pobeda Cabriolet, which is only one of its kind in Moldova. It was made especially for the Soviet Army commander for being used in military parades and marches. Nobody sells these cars as the owners put soul in their restoration,” stated Sergiu Mogaldea.

He added that the process of restoring an epoch car lasts for three to four years, while costs exceed €25,000. An original steering wheel alone costs €600. “I have restored 13 vintage cars and I’m looking for original parts for them. I was surprised to find original wheels for Pobeda at an elderly man. He kept them for 32 years. We still find the necessary parts as the Moldovans use to store things and do not throw them away,” added the collector.

The fist vintage car rally includes 47 retro cars from Romania. The invitees from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus didn’t come to Chisinau owing to the tense situation in the region. The cars will remain in the square until evening.