NEW DELHI, Mar 2: The highly anticipated 58th annual Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally wrapped up successfully on Sunday, showcasing over 100 vehicles from yesteryears in a vibrant car parade.
Automobile enthusiasts and collectors gathered at the esteemed rally to exhibit their treasured vehicles. Among the standout models featured were the MG YT convertible and the Rolls Royce Phantom 1 Open Tourer, enhancing the event’s splendor.
The grand event was inaugurated at Statesman House, Connaught Place by Indian Oil Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney, concluding at National Stadium where a prize distribution ceremony took place.
Throughout the designated route spanning approximately 40 kilometers, spectators were awestruck by the dazzling display of vintage automobiles. Many international visitors and diplomats were present, taking in the sights.
During the closing ceremony, Delhi’s Environment and Forest Minister and Chief Guest Manjinder Singh Sirsa, along with Statesman Group Chairman R. P. Gupta, Statesman’s Managing Director Ravindra Kumar, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice Manoj Kumar, and Vineet Gupta, Director at Statesman, awarded trophies to car owners for their excellent car maintenance and preservation in both vintage and classic categories.
This year’s oldest vehicle was the John Morris Fire Engine (Nizam State No. 1) from the National Railway Museum, built in 1914, with only two such vehicles still in existence—one resides at the Manchester Museum in London.
The rare vintage car was initially purchased by the railway company of the princely state of Nizam of Hyderabad and remained in service until 1960. Currently, it is preserved by the National Railway Museum.
A standout entry in the vintage car rally was Daman Thakore’s 1950 MG YT convertible, affectionately dubbed “Lal Pari” by his family.
“This car is a rare treasure. Only 900 units were made, and today only around 150-200 are left worldwide,” Thakore commented.
Another notable participant was Gurpreet Singh’s 1928 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 Open Tourer, which was originally owned by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar.
Several classic cars also captured attention during the rally, including Ashok Gupta’s 1936 Rolls Royce, Kaleem Khan’s 1919 Citroën from Bareilly, Dr. S. Hussain’s 1926 American-made Oakland, and Avani Ambuj’s 1926 Austin (UK).
While interest in vintage automobiles endures among many, maintaining this enthusiasm is challenging. Gyan Sharma, a jury member for the rally, emphasized the necessity of government support for preserving vintage car culture.
“With increasing driving restrictions and rising maintenance costs, fewer young enthusiasts are engaging in such rallies. What used to be a flourishing hobby is now pursued by only a dedicated few. The Statesman rightly deserves recognition for maintaining this tradition,” he expressed.
Regarding the evaluation process, jury member Pramod Bhasin noted that vehicles were judged based on originality, upkeep, paint quality, and the quality of accessories.
(UNI)
