Exotic cars in different shapes and makes, reminiscent of the bygone era, started assembling at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi at 12 noon on Sunday. The stadium is the final destination of the cars, where a prize distribution ceremony is organised to felicitate them.

The cars, which are 123 in number, taking part in the 56th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally, had set off from the Statesman House, Barakhamba at 10 in the morning for a brief stopover Noida sojourn on a predetermined route for the rally. They all are back in the National Capital after covering a 40-kilometre distance.

The 56th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally was flagged off by NDMC chairman Amit Yadav at the Statesman House amid a catchy symphony played by a band. On their way to Noida and back these vintage beauties won many hearts with their aura and majestic gait.

All the 123 cars were rolled out in chronological order, with the oldest vehicles being flagged off first followed by their younger fellow travellers.

The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally is the oldest and most prestigious car rally in India that features some of the most stunning automobiles ever manufactured.

Of the cars, the 1914 John Morris fire engine model, which originally belonged to the Nizam of Hyderabad, is now owned by the Rail Museum. The car, the centre of attraction at the event; led the rally.

Aside from that, many beautifully restored cars that represent a legacy, history, and an entire generation, spread their class, were unleashed on the Delhi-NCR roads. Onlookers were amazed at their craftsmanship and legacy.

After the lively event, the cars had a rest in an aesthetically arranged lineup at the National Stadium. During the entire rally, there was a deep sense of affection for these vintage automobiles among the participants and other motorheads.

While the participants were waiting for the price distribution ceremony, The Statesman spoke to a few participants who shared their unique experience.

62-year-old Gurpreet singh, who took part in the rally with his three cars, a 1928 Rolls Royce, a six-cylinder 1948 Packerd and a 1951 Mercedes 151. Sharing his experience of multiple rallies with The Statesman, he said, “I have been participating in the vintage car rallies for the last 20 years, you can say for almost a millennium. Well, I can see these cars carry a legacy for a generation.”

As regards his association with the cars, said, “I think it’s something you grow up with. As you see it in your family, all that happens within your family, your elders indulging it, you are bound to inherit it. So, that’s where you are bitten by this bug. And when the bug bites you and you earn your first money, this is where you start investing in it enthusiastically. And then that goes on, and on, and on, and on… There’s no end to it.”

Another participant Sameer, who participated with a 1933 Austin 7, spoke about the preparations that start much in advance before the rally starts. He said, “Every year, I have to invariably pay a visit to Krishna Motor garage to tone up my car, my prized possession, a few days before the rally. This is because we can’t drive this car every day in the city, not because it’s not allowed, but because it’s also unsafe in view of the traffic. Hence, this is the only time of the year that we actually get to drive it. So, just a few weeks before the rally, we have to get it tuned.”

Pankaj Gondal, another participant, talked about the time and money this passion demands. “It takes a lot of effort, a lot of time, a lot of patience, and a lot of hard work. It’s not easy to procure these cars and maintain them. For many of the spare parts, you need to look to the West. For my car, I have to import parts from the US,” he said,

He conceded that a lot of time has gone into the preparation of the car for the rally. Of course, money too has gone into it, what matters the most is patience. The result is in front of you.”

Talking about the 56 Edition of the Statesman rally, about 20-year-old Yash, who drove the 1947 Ford Galaxie, said, “I feel it should happen every year as in the past. But the pandemic played a spoilsport. It’s good to see The Statesman carrying forward the tradition of organising the rally. As the old cars are becoming a rage these days many others may follow suit so that we could drive the cars on the roads but of course under guidelines set by the authorities. Nevertheless it’s great to be back.”

The enthusiastic participants are competing for 56 trophies that  are further classified into four categories, The vintage section has cars manufactured as far back as December 31, 1939, while the Classic section has beauties from 1940–56.

The post-war section will see cars above 1500 cc and manufactured between 1945 and 1962, while another section, others and 50 Plus, will showcase cars manufactured between 1940 and 1962.