The wait is over for all those who are fascinated by grand old beauties of automobile as the 56th edition of The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally is set to be held in the National Capital on Sunday.

Former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri-owned 1964 Fiat, which is participating for the first time, will be one of the centres of attraction of the Rally.

The 1914 John Morris fire engine, owned by the Rail Museum, smaller vintage and classic cars and outstation cars will be among the other highlights of the event.

The rally will be flagged off from The Statesman House in the heart of the National Capital at Barakhamba Road at 10 am. Soon after, the participating vintage and classic cars will head to JP Hospital, Greater Noida via Mahamaya overbridge and then will take a U-turn to reach the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium near India Gate at 12 pm. The prize distribution ceremony will be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 3 pm.

The Statesman has been organising this prestigious Rally since 1964 in Delhi. However, the Rally could not be held for two years in 2021 and 2022 on account of COVID-19 lockdown.

On March 6 last year, owing to COVID-19 restrictions, The Statesman held a vintage car ‘display’ instead of a full-fledged car rally.

Over 100 vehicles are participating in the 56th Edition of The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally. The major attractions of the event are assembly of vintage and classic cars, followed by a drive through the city where cars are assessed for originality and performance on the road section, display of period and fancy dress, grand parade and live music.

Owners of the vintage cars eagerly await the Rally every year as it gives them a unique opportunity to drive their well-maintained machines of the bygone era on modern roads. The Rally will open a window for the people of the National Capital to have a glimpse of an enchanting era through the vintage automobiles.

The people of Delhi could witness scores of four-wheeler engineering marvels displaying their graceful grandeur while cruising along the roads of their city and its suburbs. The entire occasion will be a feast for the eyes of car enthusiasts and vintage automobile lovers.

During the second day of the prejudging session on Saturday, Aniruddha Mittra, marshal from the panel of judges of the Rally, said, “This year for the Rally, there were entries of a total of 124 vehicles.”

These vehicles are categorised as vintages, classics, post-war and others, Mittra said. There are also women participants in the Rally.

“Former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had bought a Fiat in 1964. The car is participating in the Rally for the first time in other categories,” Mittra informed.

He said apart from COVID-19, earlier, the Rally was called off in 1991 due to fuel shortage in India during the Gulf war.  The Rally was also called off in 1965 due to India-Pakistan war.