This is about a small report I made on some car enthusiasts, restorers and collectors. Somehow I wasn't able to publish it. Now if I can provide a light to their work with your help it would be happy.
Vintage Cars - In a league of their own
Glowing chromes, a scent of fresh paint and petrol, the silent purring of the engine, traditional lantern-styled headlights, and leather cushioned seats. The royal feel you have always wanted; arousing the noble character in you. That is what a Vintage beauty can give you. Of course! Not to mention the appreciative stares from passer-bys. For years, Vintage cars have always had a unique ambience, status and aroma built around them. Dig down the history and you’ll find that these gorgeous antique cars have been priceless possessions of maharajas of Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur or some of the high ranked British laureates. Since than to now upkeep of these cars has been a costly affair. Jaguars, Chevrolets, Fiats, Mercedes, Austins, Morris’, Sunbeams and Citroens are some of the majorly famous vintage cars, each one standing in a league of their own. In the year 1979 to further ignite their passion for vintage cars some old car collectors and restorers came together to form a group of their own coined as Karnataka Vintage and classic cars club. The main objective of the Club was to support the restoration and preservation of vintage cars and motorcycles in the state. Talking about the club one of a old restorer and member Mr Pradeep Roy Kandelkar says “ Every year we have two to three events sponsored by Airtel, Vincent Manor and Taj Westend etc generally for some good cause like, girl Child, destitute children’s or to keep Bangalore clean. Parades, Rallies, exhibitions are some of the routine affairs of the club” Talking about his interest he says “ I started collecting these cars at the age of 35. The first car I possessed was Austiin-8 a 1926 make and later on grew interest in this field. Basically I do cars for my clients nowadays”. Throwing some light on the history of vintage cars he tells us “ Vintage cars are divided into three categories. Edwardian (1920’s), Vintage (1920-1940), Classic (1940-1965) and cars after 1965 are known as modern cars. Similarly Dr Ravi Prakash secretary of the club shares the same passion “ I was into racing and driving and was into national championship racing. Twenty five years ago I took off my gloves on racing and started collecting vintage cars” he says. Dr Ravi alone owns 80-100 vintage beauties for the club. The club owns nearly 400 antique cars with 450 members in its tally, which is constantly growing and spreading. “Its not an easy hobby to pursue. You have to be financially sound with all the knowledge about these cars” Mr Khandelkar tells us. But from where to get these cars? Both Mr Ravi and Pradeep Roy have to say the same thing. “Its not easy to collect cars. From reading snippets to convincing car brokers or owners it’s all part of the game.” Mr Khandelkar says “We mostly get these cars in bits and pieces which has to be restored into original shape. Most of the parts are exported from England and other manufactures in local garages by some talented mechanics. The Club owns some of the antique cars belonging to Motilal Nehru to stables of maharaja of Bikaner.” In the coming future the club plans of its very own Clubhouse, which will be one of a kind in the country, housing a Vintage car museum. Mr Ravi Parkash in the end says “ We are always as a unit there to promote the cause and are deeply concerned. Anyone interested to join the club can do that by just giving a membership fee of Rs 5500/ with a old car of his own.” On the occasion of its silver jubilee the Karnataka Vintage and Classic car Club is organising a International Vintage car Rally in which Cars from Pakistan, Bangladesh and United Kingdom are expected to take part. It would be a International project looked on by all Vintage care enthusiasts.
Email:: vikassharda2000@yahoo.com
