PickMe had a really interesting event on Independence Day: hail a classic car using their app and take a tour of Colombo.
We got to Independence Square at around 12:30 PM and hailed a classic car. First up, we selected a Morris Eight driven by Christopher. The Eight was manufactured by Morris in the UK between 1935 and 1948. The fine specimen that we rode in was two-toned, with black and red, and a canvas top.
Our route took us through Maitland Place, Reid Avenue, Thunmulla, Bauddhaloka Mawatha and back through Maitland Place to Independence Square. It was great to observe people's reactions to seeing a classic car on the streets. Waving pedestrians and few tuks slowing down for a closer look were encountered as we made out way through Cinnamon Gardens.
The second ride we took was on an open-top Ford Prefect, the Ford Anglia's big brother. The Prefect was produced between 1938 and 1961, with a break in production during the war years (1941 – 1945). I had never really ridden a convertible before, so I'm still fanboying a bit about it.
Christopher and the Morris Eight
This ride took us through Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Wijerama Mawatha, Gregory's Road, Maitland Crescent, Nelum Pokuna, Town Hall, Public Library, and back through Nelum Pokuna to Independence Square. Cruising on an open-top through the deserted streets and monuments like Town Hall was quite memorable, especially on Independence Day. At 500 bucks a pop, we felt that both rides were value for money and then some.
Fathhi and Zulfer, founders of PickMe, were at the event, personally checking if everyone was enjoying their rides. They mentioned that most vintage car owners were reluctant at first, fearing damage to their precious vehicle, but that a brave few pioneers participated. I do hope more of them sign up next time around.
