Sun Oct 20 14:41:56 UTC 2024: Published – October 20, 2024 08:11 pm ISTAbout three dozen classic beauties on two and four wheels evoked nostalgia on the National Highway 44 between Delhi and Karnal on October 19.
As part of the second edition of the classic car drive organised by Heritage Motoring Club of India (HMCI) and Noormahal Palace Hotel, Karnal, old cars and rare bikes that are seldom seen in public, were pulled out of their garages, painting a pretty picture through the 140-kilometre route on the Grand Trunk Karnal Road, via Sonepat, Panipat and Murthal.
HMCI Classic car drive | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Owners from across Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Noida showcased their vintage grit at the wheel, says Diljeet Titus, the president of HMCI. Last year, the car drive was held in July and the monsoon rains had its share of fun and charm for the dozen participants. This year, the number was more than double with 30 participants.There were 20 restored cars, all dated pre-1970, bringing back treasured memories of another era. The glorious spectacle included a 1919 Citroen Roadster, the only model seen in India. It belongs to Kaleem Khan from Jamia, whose family has been running a car restoration workshop in Nizamuddin since 1948.
The 1919 Citroen Roadster at HMCI Classic car drive from Delhi to Karnal | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
My father bought the car in a scrap condition from a Nawab’s family in Bareilly 15 years ago. There is a charm in restoring old cars,” says the third-generation restorer, who has 35 antique cars including a 1925 Chevrolet. In the past three years, Kaleem took the 1919 Citroen to a few rallies in Delhi and Gurugram. This time, he drove the small convertible two-seater single-door sports car of yore for pure enjoyment. “The 105-year-old beauty cruised at 40kilometres/hour with a service car following it as this was one of its longest drives,” he adds.“Automobiles are a world of passionate experts, and for all our members, classic old cars define design, character and heritage,” says Diljeet. “The idea behind the long drive was to raise awareness and sensitise the public about the importance and value of heritage. People are drawn to everything new and modern, but they should not forget to appreciate and be proud of the old things,” he adds.
1938 Buick at the HMCI Classic Car drive from Delhi to Karnal | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Every vehicle has a story to tell. Diljeet took his 1938 Buick which was earlier owned by the Travancore royal family, and later, by Kunnath Ayyath Balakrishna Menon’s family, the producers of India’s first indigenous car, Aravind. Two decades ago, Diljeet’s father bought the run-down Buick from a rubber plantation owner in Thiruvananthapuram and restored it.
“A lot of research goes into restoration. You require consistent passion to do things right and feel proud; the Buick was restored to its stately glory and has won several awards” says Diljeet, a lawyer by profession.HMCI Classic Car drive | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For Parvinder Singh from Shahjahanpur near Neemrana, Rajasthan, the event was an opportunity to meet other vehicle owners and enthusiasts. “To hear the stories of repair and restoration of the timeless machines gives a different high,” he says. Parvinder showcased the 1938 Norton 16 World War II bike, which has been with him for 30 years and has gone to 40 rallies.
“When the classy and elegant cars glide down the roads and people applaud in admiration and take photos, you are reminded of the journey through time with vehicles as a symbol of our history, culture and progress,” says Roop Pratap Choudhary, Executive Director of Noormahal Palace Hotel where the drive culminated and allowed the locals in Karnal to see the cars, sit in them, enjoy short rides and celebrate automotive history.
The classic car ride as flagged off from Nexus Select CityWalk Saket, Delhi and the vintage vehicles took three hours on an average to reach the destination.
HMCI Classic car drive | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Published – October 20, 2024 08:11 pm ISTvintage cars / lifestyle and leisure / technology (general)
Copyright© 2024, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD. or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.
Terms & conditions | Institutional SubscriberComments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.
First Piper 