I've been waiting for an opportunity to use this postcard from 1964 just because I like the look of it. I found my chance when I saw a car on Sepia Saturday's image for this week. I offer you a whole row of cars.
From the back of the postcard I find that the picture was taken in Novi Beograd and shows "Fontana noću", "Fountain at night".
Novi Beograd or New Belgrade was new in 1947 when it was built as a planned town on the opposite bank of the Sava river to Belgrade itself. At that time the country was Yugoslavia, now Belgrade is the capital of Serbia.
Knowing this, I thought I might be able to find out what the cards were and I'm fairly confident that the two on the left of the row are Zastava 600 (fića) based on the Fiat 600. Fića were the Yugoslav equivalent of the Mini or the Citroen 2CV, affordable cars for the people, that became an icon and almost a way of life.
Having managed to find that out, I had high hopes that one or other of the next along the row might be either a 1300 or 1500 by the same manufacturer, Zastava. Unfortunately I don't think either of them is, but it would have been a very satisfying discovery because they took inspiration from the Chevrolet Corvair.
Going off on a short tangent, it wasn't until I had scanned the postcard that I noticed there is a substantial crowd of people standing around the fountains. It must have been a special show.
I didn't notice all those people either. Not until I enlarged the photo. Wonder what was happening. Maybe the opening night of the fountain. Or maybe that was the thing to do on a Saturday night.
ReplyDeleteNancy Javier
Ladies of the grove
Looks like a still from a film noir, with something about to happen ...
ReplyDeleteGreat B&W! I hope someone will be able to help with the car ID. they do look like Soviet bloc cars!
ReplyDeleteThere is a certain satisfaction, when a long awaited opportunity turns up, that is only surpassed by the realisation that one remembers why we were waiting.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great images, offering rewards for the effort of looking.
I really like this picture. Museum quality. Does the card identify the photographer?
ReplyDeleteOh I really enjoy this postcard..the lighting offers a bit of the suspense and will there be a story to follow...it would be a great cover for a book or just within a too cool movie. great Sepia post, thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely postcard - I love the fountains at night. The crowds must have parked around the fountains to watch and left their cars behind. A little bit of social history from the time :-) Jo
ReplyDeleteInteresting lighting on the photo. It reminds me of a drive in movie.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the people until you pointed them out either. It's a beautiful and mysterious card. It makes me think back to the time when I was shopping for a car and almost bought a Yugo--and how glad I am that I didn't.
ReplyDeleteI had to go back for another look as I wouldn't have noticed the crowds myself. Lovely b&w, great cars.
ReplyDeleteThe light in the postcard is quite dramatic, drawing you to the cars. That's probably why I didn't see the people either.
ReplyDeleteI am glad Sepia Saturday gave you the opportunity to make use of that great card. And I know what you mean about how you can discover so much more about an image when you scan it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous card! I also love vintage cars and this must have been quite the sight to see all those years ago. I'm currently hatching a plan to visit Serbia in July. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteIt just wouldn’t have looked so dramatic in colour.
ReplyDeleteThe fountains give a mystical look to the line up of autos...amazingly good black and white photo. I did not notice the people until you mentioned and yes there they were.
ReplyDeleteFascinating that the photographer chose the parking lot instead of the "event" going on in the background.
ReplyDeleteI like the image a lot, it has the power to tell a story-but the story seems to be different for everyone who sees it.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a frame from a Sci Fi movie to me, with the UFOs getting ready to invade.
Certainly is nice of you to share this one, even if a little spooky looking. I guess you had to be there.
ReplyDelete:)~
HUGZ