The 1914 John Morris fire engine, owned by the Rail Museum, mesmerised automobile lovers at the 59th Edition of The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally held in the national capital on Sunday.
Known for its eloquent looks, the fire engine caught everyone’s attention at the rally that was flagged off by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena from The Statesman House at Barakhamba Road in New Delhi at a glittering ceremony this morning.
The participating vintage and classic cars followed by a drive through the city reached the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium near India Gate on Sunday afternoon.
The John Morris fire engine is one of the priceless possessions of Indian Railways maintained at the National Rail Museum New Delhi. In the rally, it was the centre of attraction at both The Statesman House and Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Car enthusiasts from all age groups, including women, children, and elderly, were seen taking pictures and selfies with the vintage fire engine.
“It is a great experience to see this machine. I have never seen a fire engine like this before,” exclaimed Priyanka, a vintage car enthusiast.
“Every year my husband visits the car rally and takes selfies with The 1914 John Morris fire engine,” she added.
The John Morris Fire Engine, manufactured in 1914, was acquired by the Nizam of Hyderabad for the Nizam State Railway for dousing fires. It was maintained in the Loco and Carriage workshops at Lallaguda, Hyderabad and was retired in 1960. It is the only vehicle in the world fitted with the original Shrewsbury and Challenger Solid Tyres and still retains all the original parts of its fire equipment.
The crowd at the rally flocked to have a glimpse of this most prestigious vintage fire engine.
Smaller vintage and classic cars and outstation cars were among the other highlights of the gala event.
The rally opened a window for the people of the national capital to have a glimpse of the enchanting era through vintage automobiles. Owners of the vehicles 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 Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally is an annual event that takes place in Delhi and Kolkata. It’s one of the oldest continuously running events in India and the sub-continent.
Commenced in 1964 in Delhi, the rally was taken to Kolkata in 1968.