Turkish teams compete in Beijing-Paris rally
Two Turkish teams make history in the Beijing-Paris Classic Car Rally with a 1973 Anadol STC-16 and a1949 DeSoto, driving 14,500 kilometers in 37 days
This year, two Turkish teams are participating in one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious automobile races, the Beijing-Paris Classic Car Rally. The rally, spanning 14,500 kilometers in 37 days, features 110 classic cars ranging from 1914 to 1975 models, competing in various engine classes.
Representing Türkiye, Ali Eric and his son Alican Eric are driving a 1973 model Anadol STC-16, while Yaman Besen and Tamer Kiziltan are competing in a 1949 model DeSoto. This year marks the 8th edition of the rally, which began in 1907.
The Eric team’s Anadol STC-16 was purchased from the collection of Türkiye’s renowned rally driver, Serdar Bostanci, and prepared for the race by his technical team. Co-pilot Ali Eric expressed confidence before the race, stating, “Our Anadol is ready; we are competitive. My son, in particular, is more ambitious. Winning an award in our class or the overall category would make us happy.”
Driver Alican Eric shared his excitement, saying, “I’m truly thrilled. Competing in this rally with a Turkish car and passing through Türkiye for our people to see fills me with pride.”
‘Super Turkish Beast’
The Anadol STC-16, designed and produced in Türkiye, is the country’s first mass-produced sports car. Otosan produced only 176 units of the Anadol STC-16 between 1973 and 1975. Nicknamed the “Super Turkish Beast,” the STC-16 was known for its striking colors, including “Alanya yellow” and red, some with racing stripes. Production ceased after two years due to the 1973 oil crisis, which increased fuel and raw material costs.
Türkiye’s classic taxi brand
The other Turkish team competes with a 1949 model DeSoto in a different class. The car’s owner, Yaman Besen, explained that Turkish people widely used DeSoto cars, produced by the American Chrysler company, as taxis and shared taxis from the 1950s onwards. Besen shared that his grandfather once owned a DeSoto, inspiring him to acquire this classic car.
Co-pilot Tamer Kiziltan mentioned that the DeSoto is a heavy model, requiring careful and slower driving, especially on rough roads.
‘The Fruit of Turkish Engineering’
Before the rally, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Beijing, İsmail Hakki Musa, visited the teams and received updates on their preparations. Ambassador Musa emphasized the significance of participating in such a prestigious event for Türkiye’s image, highlighting the importance of the Anadol STC-16’s participation as a symbol of Turkish engineering.
“This vehicle is entirely the product of Turkish engineering, made in 1973. It’s symbolic that we can embark on such an adventure with a brand bearing our own signature,” Musa remarked.
Looking ahead, Musa expressed hope for future participation with the recently launched TOGG brand, aiming to showcase Turkish engineering, industry, infrastructure, and the nation itself in all dimensions.
Source: AA
