Vintage car fiesta: A flashback on wheels

Nearly 50 curated vintage cars and 23 vintage motorcycles graced the decked up streets of the Lutyen’s Delhi as they took part in a Vintage car rally from Major Dhyan Chand Stadium to the Delhi Gymkhana Club.

Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena flagged off the “Vintage for Life” event where the country’s business and cultural communities came together to participate in a prelude drive to showcase the nation’s economic growth and cultural heritage.

The event was organized by the Department of Transport, GNCTD, in association with the HMCI- Heritage Motoring Club of India. The event saw participation of a large number of citizens along with the diplomats of G20 countries.

The Vintage for Life Drive started Sunday morning, with participants all geared up in vintage attire. The cars and bikes, ranging from the 1920s to the 1970s, turned heads as they drove through the city, with many onlookers capturing the spectacle on their cameras and mobile phones.

Some of the rare marquees people witnessed on Delhi roads included Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Packards, Bugatti, Buicks, Alfa Romeo, Fiats, Triumphs, Singers, Peugeots, Mercedes, and Mustangs, amongst others.

L-G Saxena lauded the business and cultural communities for showcasing India’s automotive and industrial heritage in the form of the Vintage Car Drive. “It is a befitting event to mark India’s presidency of G20. It is heartening to see so many vintage enthusiasts from corporate India come together to promote the message of sustainability. Vintage Vehicles are a symbol of our industrial heritage and culture and we must strive to preserve them for future generations.”

“As Vice President of HMCI, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Delhi and the Department of Transport for their joint initiative in organizing the G20 Vintage Drive. This event not only celebrates the beauty and heritage of vintage cars, but also brings together enthusiasts from across the globe to showcase their passion and commitment towards preserving our rich automotive history. We are honored to be a part of this event and look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Government of Delhi and the Department of Transport in promoting and preserving our automotive legacy for generations to come.” Said Mr. Madan Mohan – Vice President of Heritage Motoring Club of India.

Corporate leaders and vintage car collectors from across the country participated in the drive, showcasing India’s automotive and industrial heritage to the public. The event showcased the vintage automobiles, some of which were manufactured over almost one hundred years ago, and it was an opportunity for the Vintage Car Community to celebrate the elegance and history of these vehicles and to share their passion with the public.

The vintage car drive was also showcased as a cultural prelude to the G20 Summit, which is set to take place later this year. “Some of the cars participating in the vintage car drive have been a part of the history of Delhi and have seen the city evolve in the 20th century,” said Awini Ambuj Shankar, Founder Member of the HMCI.

Here is a virtual tour of the event: