Stately beauties hog the show at the 57th Edition of The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

It’s that time of the year again when Dilliwallahs get to savour vignettes from a banquet of iconic motorcars like Rolls-Royce, Bentleys, Morris Major, Armstrong, and Mercedes that have etched their images in the annals of motoring in India. Fuelled by the tireless passion of their owners these beautifully restored and maintained historic vehicles can still steal the limelight while rubbing shoulders with their more contemporary automobiles on the road today.

‘’The Maharanis of Yesteryears’’ lined up at The Statesman House at Barakhamba Road in New Delhi, were champing at the bit for the kick-off of the 57th Edition of The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally. Flagged off with great fanfare by Hardeep Singh Puri Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs the red-carpet showcase was a thrilling affair.

The elegant assemblage of about 140 grand dames of yesteryears, proudly attended by their owners, at the grand event were a sight for sore eyes with their gleaming flanks and purring engines which never missed a beat despite their years in harness. The event is a fantastic platform for illustrating the progress of automotive technology and the passion for preserving this precious heritage.

Unmissable attractions at the event, attended by a lively performance by the Mann School’s Brass Band, were the Rolls Royce, Bentley, the 1914 John Morris fire engine, owned by the Rail Museum, and rare models like the Marmon (1927) and Oakland (1927). The 1914 John Morris fire engine was India’s first fire engine and was owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad; it has been restored and maintained by the National Rail Museum in Delhi. Other beauties to grab the spotlight were the 1926 Studebaker Erskine and the 1906 Renault Freres.

Amidst the line-up of smaller vintage and classic cars, and outstation cars was a 1964 Fiat, owned by former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri participated in the rally for the first time.

These vehicles are categorized as vintages, classics, post-war, and others. Women, over the years too have been eager participants in the Rally.

Around 140 of these vintage beauties, to be assessed for originality and performance on the road section, set off for the drive-through on the designated rally route from JP Hospital, Greater Noida via Mahamaya Underbridge before heading back to Delhi to reach the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium near India Gate. A musical performance and other activities served as a run-up to a lavish lunch and the prize distribution ceremony at the National Stadium.

The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally is amongst the oldest, continuously run events in India and the subcontinent; it is an annual event that takes place in Delhi and Kolkata. It has been on Delhi’s social calendar since 1964.

Ever since, the Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally has unfolded riveting illustrations of the living traditions out of the racy annals of automotive history and heritage in the most thrilling roadshow, on modern roads.  It has been an inspirational showcase for today’s generation by igniting their fervour to carry forward and protect this legacy with their dedication and enthusiasm.