Vintage joyride
Delhi shared its royal date with vintage mean machines. The world’s oldest and timeless classics like the 1947 Buick, 1962 Beetle, 1949 MGYT, 1930 Ford clubbed with the Royal Enfields mesmerised the city streets in a vintage car and motorcycle rally, 21 Gun Salute Classic Parade” organised on a Sunday morning by 21 Gun Salute, a dining restaurant along with Heritage Motor Club of India.
The rally was flagged off from Panchsheel club and passed through the key landmarks of Gurgaon after culminating at 21 Gun salute, Sector 29.
Hailed from the exotic lands of United States, United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe and India, 500 odd participants splendidly flaunted more than 60 vintage cars and motorcycles. From 1920s era to the glorious time of 1965s, most of them are the unfathomed saloons and convertibles from the imperial houses of Rolls Royce, Stutz, Buick, Ford, Chevrolet, Austin Martin and Bentley.
Madan Mohan, organiser of the rally and a proud owner of 200 vintage cars says such rallies keep alive the saying of “old is gold”. “I have full fledged restoration centre for these cars for their maintenance. I have brought these priceless processions from maharajas, and collectors. I love my 1925 Rolls Royce 1925, which makes head turn when on the road,” says Madan, who bought his 1928 Dordge, 1927 Chevrolet and 1942 Ford war jeeps to the rally. Keeping his fascination for old cars alive, Diljeet Titus has 56 restored vintage cars over the period of 14 years. “These vintage cars are like blank canvas, which after restoration, turns masterpieces. I love them for their distinct character and colours. Driving my pink painted 1935 Auburn Speedster, simply cheer me up. If maintained well one can cover long distance with them. I have travelled to Shimla, Ranthambore, Neemrana with these cars. My 1947 Austin A40, gifted to me by my grandmother is closest to my heart. These are beautiful pieces of nostalgia and I treat them like my daughters,” he adds
Sharing the tips to maintain vintage cars, H.W Bhatnagar, an owner of 15 such cars including Ford V-8 1935, Buick 1938, Ford Model A woody says, “My father’s passion for collecting vintage cars has been passed on it. The crucial points to keep in mind during the maintenance of such cars are that one should keep engine and battery in good state, change the oil regularly, keep the lubrication gear oil at the right point in the gear box and differential. One should keep checking brakes of the cars and should not wash them often.”
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