The entrepreneur Haluk Ertek, who has been pursuing his passion for vintage cars in Erzurum, Turkey, has been carefully looking after his 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Classic for several years. But this car is no ordinary classic car.
Haluk Ertek drives his carefully maintained Chevrolet Caprice Classic from 1973 on a motorway in Erzurum, Turkey, November 9, 2021 (IHA photo)
Except for a new paint job, the car is completely original and has been maintained by Ertek and the four previous owners; However, that is not the only special feature of the car.
The original fairing in the 1973 Chevy Caprice Classic of the classic car enthusiast Haluk Ertek, Erzurum, Turkey, 9 November 2021 (IHA photo)
Ertek, who lives in Erzurum, boasts a 20-year passion for classic cars that eventually made him the new owner of the 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Classic from Alparslan Türkeş, founding leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
Ertek has been looking after his vehicle for four years, ever since he bought it in Bursa and took it to Erzurum with the help of a tow truck. Ertek only drives all his pride once a week.
The automatic transmission car draws a lot of attention because the pillar between its two doors is absent and the glass on both doors appears as one large piece. Ertek, who received offers from photographers who wanted to use the car for wedding shoots, is pleased about the interest in the vehicle.
On the other hand, Ertek said that there are a lot of people who want to buy the vehicle; However, he does not think of selling it and is proud to take care of Türkeş’s car.
“20 years of dream”
Ertek said that he had finally achieved his 20-year dream of acquiring the valuable vehicle and said: “I bought the vehicle from Bursa in 2018. The first owner was Alparslan Türkeş. I am the fifth owner of the vehicle. The 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, my car, is 48 years old. There is no pillar between the windows and it has an automatic transmission. I’ve been interested in this type of car for 20 years. I’ve finally made my 20-year-old dream come true. “
Passengers fall in love instantly
Ertek said, “People are very interested in the vehicle. Everyone is curious. Anyone who gets out of this vehicle does not want to get into another car. There are many people who want to be photographed, ask for a tour and want to use vintage cars for their wedding. This vehicle is completely original, only the paint is not original. Absolutely everything has been preserved. I am proud to be the owner of the Alparslan Türkeş car. People are surprised when they hear that. “
Haluk Ertek polishes his 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Classic on a motorway in Erzurum, Turkey, November 9, 2021 (IHA photo)
“I don’t want to sell”
Ertek noted that there was a lot of interest in the vehicle but had no intention of selling it and said, “People who see the vehicle in traffic keep asking if it’s for sale. Before I bought the vehicle, I was on the hunt for classics like this one. I don’t want to sell my vehicle. “
Not for sale: Haluk Ertek sets off with his 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Classic in Erzurum, Turkey, November 9th, 2021 (IHA photo)
Turkish nationalists are passionate about classic cars
Some MHP members are also enthusiastic about vintage cars. Party leader Devlet Bahçeli is a passionate collector and can sometimes be seen on his vintage cars.
MHP chairman Devlet Bahçeli and his all-time classic 1988 740 GL Volvo, Turkey, May 20, 2019. (IHA photo).
He has also donated several of his cars to lawmakers in his party, including a Mercedes-Benz and a Ford Mustang.
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