VINTAGE CLASSICS @ KOC

If you are a vintage classic fan you must visit the Rahmin Koc Muzesi in Istanbul, located at the old Hoskoy Dockyard site, founded in 1861 by the Ottoman Sea Line Company on the Golden Horn. This fascinating museum for all ages is funded and managed by the Koc Foundation of the Koc family. Literally it is home to thousands of items from miniatures to classic cars, pleasure and fishing boats, military hardware, a DC-3 and even a full sized submarine. The 3 hours I spent there - it could well be 6 - easily shaved 50 years from me, I was back to 15, in awe with everything I saw and touched. I did not want to leave, there was just so much to see.

'The objects that form the collection - products of artisans and engineers - are symbolic of the skills, diligence and aesthetic sense of humankind' ... it is indeed a noble and valiant effort to preserve history so the next generation can have a perspective on how we get here. I am told that as far as possible most exhibits are meticulously, and quite incredulously, returned to pristine working condition before they are put on show. Apparently most of the cars and boats actually work.

One side note, the museum is a popular spot for wedding pictures (do not ask me why) and we saw no less than a dozen cheerful couples decked out in gowns and tuxes, posing in front of a 1942 Lincoln, a 1955 Riva, and even a spotless bronze beauty in the form of a Street Car made by Fiat.

This is memorable, and a must-see when you are in Istanbul.

RAHMIN KOC MUZESI @ www.rmk-museum,org,tr
Kaskoy Avenue 5
34445 Istanbul
(0212) 369 6600