Vintage vantage

Heritage Motoring Club organised a vintage car rally

March 24, 2010 06:59 pm | Updated 06:59 pm IST

A 1934 Rolls Royce

A 1934 Rolls Royce

It was a perfect setting for proud owners of vintage cars to take out their old beauties and proudly drive them to the nearby town of Pataudi, in the rally organised by Heritage Motoring Club of India as part of Teacher's Origin Heritage Foundation celebrations the other day. The porch of the upscale Emporio came alive with a spectacular display of around 60 pre-War vintage, post-War classics and roadsters, each vying for attention. All automobiles were in immaculate condition – from the perfect finish of paint to polished exteriors including lights and handles, to the richness of upholstery, which, in some cases, was of original pedigree.

The rally was flagged off by Mohammad Azharuddin, who spent quite some time at the venue, stopping at each car, trying to get an understanding of its history and chatting with the owners. “I have attended several such rallies in past, but nowhere have I found the maintenance of cars at such a high level,” he said.

The field was set open with a 1925 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 seven-passenger sedan followed by a 1931 Buick on which Mahatma Gandhi is said to have travelled during his tour of North Bihar. Pawan Kumar, the car's owner, proudly said, “I have owned this car for the past 15 years and it is still in good running condition; it can easily travel 100 kms without much ado, although it will be tough taking it up a hill.” Besides, there were other world-renowned premium brands on display, including a 1964 Ford Mustang, a 1950 Jaguar XK, a 1952 Cadillac Coupe de Ville and a 1937 Mercedes 170 V.

An interesting aspect of the present ownership pattern reveals a mix of single-car owners and those who have a fleet of vintage cars.

Harish Moolchandani, CEO and MD of Beam Global Spirits and Wines, who was also present during the rally, emphasised the “importance of conserving heritage in all forms for future generations” and the significance of their bid to educate consumers on the ‘Drink Smart and Safe' philosophy.

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