The 1928-make Ford Model T and owned by The Statesman will be part of the The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally after many years. The car was used by the Editor of The Statesman.

Almost two decades ago, the car used to be brought to the rally ground and was driven by a senior official of The Statesman.

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Later, it developed a starting problem and was grounded for many years.

Mr Rajiv Ghosh, a well-known restorer, who has given a new life to the vehicle, said the engine block had developed cracks and the body was badly damaged.

The gear box has been thoroughly repaired along with the differential.

“Now, she is doing very well and the car has been given a new lease of life,” said Mr Ghosh.

The car has been given a new coat of paint and a new cloth-made roof has been made. Mr Ghosh said fine tuning of the vehicle will be done after the rally. Ford Model T was one of the most popular models introduced by Ford Motors around 125 years ago.

Many zamindars in Bengal had Ford Model T as the vehicle could be driven on muddy, non-metalled roads.

The restoration of the vehicle will add more colour to The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally.