Vintage cars are a delight to watch even as they race past swifter, sturdier and technically advanced cars of today.

Be it a 1937 Morris, a 1947 Rolls-Royce or a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle. These cars radiate an aura of antiquity while gracefully depicting the history and the evolution of automobiles, transporting people to a different era.

The vintage cars may not be seen on the roads except during car rallies, but they have a charm of their own. That perhaps explains why people still hold on to the cars of yore.

However, as the late Kumar brothers of Bollywood – Ashok, Anup and Kishore – would have us believe through their yesteryear blockbuster “Chalti Ka Naam Gadi” these cars have to be in running condition.

To make them ‘chalti’, roadworthy and running is no mean task as it involves a huge expenditure.

The thrill of recapturing a past icon and being the centre of attention at a car show makes classic car enthusiasts spend a fortune on it.  The financial outlay for the restoration of these cars varies from car to car depending on the make, condition and the extent to which a car has to be given a makeover.

A full-blown restoration may cost lakhs of rupees.

It may require total dismantling of the car. For parts not available, new ones may require further fitment modifications.

Replacing the combustion engines in classic cars with electric motors and batteries is catching up in India too, albeit at a huge cost.

Paint refinishing and car detailing would alone cost a good sum. It costs the same to paint and prepare an Austin Metro as it does a Porsche 911.

Then there is the interior makeover. Replacing car seats, floor mats and carpeting is required for a premium feel. The interior roof light, the door and the window rubber beadings if they are hard and cut have to be changed.

For safety and a better look, the tyres may need replacement along with oil filters, rubber hoses and belts. New suspension and shock absorbers or bushes may have to be procured.

Air-conditioner, windscreen-washer and all lights have to be prim proper and in working condition. For more individual comforts like a music system, new sun-film or better headlamps, more expenses would be incurred.

And, if the vintage car is newly-bought, then the registration cost is Rs 20,000 for vehicles 50 years older than their original first date of registration.

Besides the cost factor is the problem of replacement of parts. It’s tough to find authentic parts and good workshops.

Finally, after refinishing another worry is that vintage cars are fuel-guzzling. With most providing a mileage of just 5-6 km or less per litre of petrol whose prices are now skyrocketing.

However, even though the cost of classic car restoration to an aesthetically pleasing level can be costly, in time it will increase in value.