The Royal Calcutta Turf Club Polo ground came alive on Sunday as the 55th edition of The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally unfolded in a festive atmosphere. In the warm winter sunshine, the Polo Grounds in Hastings turned into a lively space where heritage, entertainment and nostalgia came together.
As the vintage wheels took to the city roads, the rally offered enthusiasts and onlookers a rare glimpse into the golden age of motoring. While the vintage and classic cars remained the central attraction, the rally went far beyond an automotive showcase. It became a day-long celebration marked by musical performances and a special cinematic moment, drawing visitors from across the city. From early morning, spectators gathered at the venue and strolled leisurely between rows of gleaming automobiles and motorcycles. Conversations flowed easily as enthusiasts discussed design, restoration and family histories linked to the vehicles.
Children posed for photographs, while senior visitors reminisced about an era long past. Adding to the visual charm, many participants and visitors embraced period fashion. Flowing dresses, tailored jackets, hats and scarves evoked the elegance of a bygone time. The setting resembled a living museum, where history was not only displayed but also worn and lived. A major highlight of the day was the screening of the teaser of the upcoming Kakababu film, ‘Vijaynagar’er Hirey.’ The presence of director Chandrasish Ray and actor Prosenjit Chatterjee, along with other cast members, added grandeur to the event. Based on Sunil Gangopadhyay’s popular novel, the film revolves around the search for a mythical diamond in Hampi.
The teaser screening added a strong cinematic flavour to the event and drew enthusiastic responses from both film lovers and rally visitors. Speaking at the event, Prosenjit Chatterjee highlighted the importance of the rally in keeping the motoring heritage alive and said he was delighted to be part of such an occasion. Following the screening, Prosenjit Chatterjee was seen taking a round of the Polo Grounds in a 1936 Bentley owned by Shrivardhan Kanoria, with the car being driven by Kanoria himself. The moment drew considerable attention from visitors and photography enthusiasts.
The celebratory mood was further elevated by musical performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the day. Well-known singer Anik Dhar took the stage and enthralled the audience with his performance. Actress Chaiti Ghoshal and singer Deb Chowdhury also attended the event as special guests and were felicitated on the occasion. For car owners, the rally remained a deeply personal affair. Supratim Basu, owner of a 1922 Austin, said the rally has been part of his life since childhood. “I have been coming here since I was five years old. Now I am 31. Every year, this feels like an annual festival for our family,” he said. He added that the car, bought by his great-grandfather, has remained with the family for over a century. “It is no longer just a vehicle.
It is a family member,” he shared. Basu also explained his traditional Bengali attire, noting that such dress symbolised elegance during the era when these cars were first owned. Another participant, Gautam Sureka, said the rally continues to be an important platform for preserving heritage. “These cars are recognised in very few places today. This is one of the biggest and oldest platforms in Kolkata,” he claimed. Speaking about his attire, Sureka said he chose an Italian-inspired look to match his 1929 Fiat. “Every year we try something new. The idea is to keep the spirit alive,” he added. Visitors also shared their impressions of the event. Sanjay Goenka of SEVARTH said he has been attending the rally for the past 25 years.
“It is always something I look forward to. You rarely get to see such beautiful vintage cars anywhere else in the country,” he stated, praising The Statesman for sustaining the event over decades. First-time visitor Mohammad Shahzeeb, Zonal Manager of Bank of Maharashtra, described the experience as overwhelming. “The atmosphere is wonderful. These vehicles are beautifully maintained, and their designs remind us of a kind of beauty we seem to be forgetting today,” he affirmed. He added that he hoped the rally would grow even bigger in the coming years. As the day progressed, the atmosphere remained relaxed and cheerful. The rally concluded on a formal note with the distribution of awards. The event once again reaffirmed its reputation as not just a tribute to vintage automobiles, but a celebration of culture, memory and shared enjoyment.