World vintage cars begin their drive through China

A Cadillac Coupe DeVille is parked at the Olympic sailing venue in the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao on October 15, 2013.

A C-Type Jaguar is parked at the Olympic sailing venue in the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao on October 15, 2013.

Classic car fans are in for a treat. Over 50 vintage cars were lined up near a section of the Great Wall in Beijing on Saturday to take part in the Classic Car Challenge. The drive will take the cars through parts of northern and eastern coastal China before reaching their destination of Shanghai.

A tribute to classic tradition.

The challenge started at 10.30am local time. The 1,800 kilometre non-competitive drive features vintage cars from more than 20 countries, from Russian jeeps to Mercedes. This marks the second consecutive year it has been held in China. One driver says it was important to maintain traditions with vintage cars.

"It's my first time in China, and I'm deeply impressed about the country and the Great Wall, and I think it's very important that there's a lot of tradition with great old cars, and a car culture for the Chinese market." Alexander Falkt, German driver of 1972 Volkswagen Beetle, said.

Another challenge driver, Gean Leblanc said it was an unique event.

"I think it's fun. It's not normal because it's something new, very old cars, classic cars, but it's something new in China. And I think it's attracting a lot of the general people, everybody, everywhere." Gean said.

The vintage cars attracted a lot of attention from crowds of Chinese tourists, who posed next to the vintage cars before their departure. They enjoyed seeing the vintage vehicles.

"They're really great. Right now there are none of these kinds of cars. To buy one of these would definitely not be cheap. But even spending a lot would not even buy one. It's great." Zhong You, tourist from Shanxi province said.

The drive will take them through parts of eastern coastal China such as Tianjin and Qingdao before reaching their destination of Shanghai, China's commercial hub. The drive is expected to last six days.