Vintage and classic cars are slowly disappearing from our roads. Once common sights, these beautifully-built machines are now rare because they are difficult to maintain and even harder to restore. Modern fuel, lack of spare parts and the shortage of skilled mechanics have made preserving these old vehicles a serious challenge. However, for many families, these cars are priceless pieces of history.
Keeping this heritage alive, The Statesman is set to host the 55th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally this Sunday at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) Polo Grounds, Hastings. Started in 1968, it is the oldest running vintage car rally in the country and remains a much-awaited event for car lovers.
Around 160 vintage and classic cars and nearly 50 two-wheelers will take part in the 30-km rally. The line-up will feature iconic marques such as Rolls Royce, Studebaker, Plymouth, Austin, Morris, Chevrolet and Dodge, among others.
Among the standout heritage cars is the 1928 Studebaker President 8 State Limousine from the Roy family. This rare eight-cylinder car is believed to be among the very few fully restored examples left in the world. With its glass partition, intercom system and broadcloth upholstery, the car represents an era of regal motoring and meticulous restoration.
Equally evocative is the 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, fondly called ‘Nilu’. Once owned by legendary singer Hemanta Mukherjee, the blue car has been with the Lahiri family for over five decades. The six-cylinder blue sedan is deeply intertwined with family memories and stands as evidence of emotional bonds that often outlive generations.
The 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III, a former Vice-Regal car now owned by Azam Monem’s family, adds extra grandeur. Powered by a V12 engine, it is one of the rarest Rolls Royce models in the world. According to Monem, “Maintaining such cars today is very difficult. Modern fuel damages old engines, and trained mechanics are hard to find. Owners have to understand their cars.”
Despite these challenges, the Statesman rally continues to be a vital platform to protect and showcase India’s motoring heritage. Monem emphasised, “The Statesman does a fantastic job. It provides a platform that brings together car enthusiasts and helps keep the vintage cars running.”
This year promises to be no different. It aims for similar passion, pride and celebration.
Passes are available from The Statesman Kolkata office till 9 January.