Tartans and grins adorned the hundreds of "romantics'' at the opening ceremony of the International Festival of Historic Motoring in Dunedin last night.
About 1200 entrants attended the Scottish-themed ceremony at the Edgar Centre.
Rally director Nicola Wilkinson welcomed the guests and their vintage vehicles.
"Not only are the vehicles an attractive echo of a bygone era, but the people who both own and drive them are also a special breed - hardy, determined, romantic and, above all, good company.''
At the ceremony, Dunedin city councillor Andrew Noone reminisced about rolling a 1960 Vanguard saloon called Ferdinand.
"It was named after a prize Angus bull my father owned because it was solid, durable and it went through the odd fence and didn't complain.''
Vintage Car Club president Diane Quarry said she was confident the festival week in Dunedin would be a success.
"We have all had our trials and tribulations to get here - whether it's restoring or preparing a vehicle for the rally, or breaking down on our journey - but we are all here now, ready to enjoy ourselves. Safe motoring to you all.''
The festival ends with a dinner at Forsyth Barr Stadium on January 23.
