Visual delight for vintage car buffs

The 58th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally, held near Connaught Place here on Sunday, captivated people with an extraordinary display of over 100 classic cars.

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The two-day rally, a celebration of automotive history, brought together a collection of meticulously restored vehicles, showcasing the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of some of the most iconic automobiles ever made. Among the prized exhibits were luxury models from renowned brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Cadillac, each representing the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering. Classic saloons, vintage sports cars and iconic roadsters added to the charm of the event with standout entries like popular Chevrolet Impala, distinctive VW Beetle and rugged Jeeps and Land Rovers.

One of the most talked-about cars was Daman Thakore’s 1950 MG YT convertible, affectionately known as “Lal Pari.” Thakore, a businessman from Gujarat, recalled his epic 73-day journey in 2023, driving the car from Ahmedabad to London across 12 countries.

“This car is a rare piece of history,” Thakore said, noting that only 900 MG YT were made. Today, fewer than 200 remain worldwide. The car, now an iconic part of automotive history, stole the spotlight with its unique charm and Thakore’s incredible adventure.

Another remarkable participant was Gurpreet Singh’s 1928 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 Open Tourer, a car that once belonged to the Maharaja of Bhavnagar.

Singh, a 68-year-old architect, shared the story of how he intervened to stop the car from being converted into a fire engine. “This car is more than just a vehicle. It’s a piece of Indian heritage,” Singh remarked proudly, having restored and secured its original registration with the Gujarat Commissionerate of Transport.

The rally featured a diverse collection of cars, categorised into four groups - Vintage Cars, Classic Cars, Post-War Cars and Others. Among the highlights were the 1914 John Morris fire engine, owned by the Rail Museum, which added a historic touch to the proceedings. Smaller vintage cars, including models from FIAT, further enhanced the spectacle, while outstation vehicles added variety to the array of automobiles.

The event also witnessed a fascinating display of diversity with the participation of women bikers, highlighting the growing interest in classic automobiles across different groups.

As part of the rally, the cars embarked on a journey through the city, passing by significant landmarks including Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium near India Gate, after flagging off from Connaught Place. The rally’s route highlighted the beauty of both classic cars and New Delhi’s architectural heritage.

This year’s Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally was a remarkable tribute to the engineering marvels of the past, offering a rare chance to see these magnificent vehicles up close and celebrating the timeless appeal of vintage automobiles that continue to capture the imagination of car lovers everywhere.