Oldies Goldies

The Statesman Vintage Car Rally at Kolkata is an annual affair, bringing together hundreds of vehicle enthusiasts from nooks and corners of the Bengal landscape. The event, an initiative started off in the 1930’s sees not only a display of these rare beauties but also a run of the old engines around a pre-defined route through Kolkata. The likes of MG, Crossley, Riley, Chevrolet, Ford, Rover, Mercedes Benz, Packard to Lancia, Wolseley, Nash, Auburn, Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, Ford, Jaguar, Buick, & more were some of the treats awaiting attendees this year.

DP & I were at the site this year and although my knowledge of cars is highly restricted – noting only names and visual descriptions if I have to make it explicit – DP was around to fill in with some tit bits on each and every car that we set our eyes on. There were bikes too, from the WWII era, a German motorcycle was on exhibition in the arena along with several others, one of which was a BMW relic (pics attached).

Some owners/drivers made it a little more interesting & fun with themed cars – say for example, a JUST MARRIED tag dangling from the grill etc.

What amazed me was the condition in which these cars were: fresh coat of paint with a spotless instrument panel & hubcaps that shone in the sunlight. And of course, the purring of engines was the most striking part of each vehicle, as onlookers came closer to the moving cars.

A perfect Sunday outing.