New Delhi: People participate in Statesman Vintage Car Rally 2016 in New Delhi, on Feb 28, 2016. (Photo: IANS)
New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS) Sleek vintage beauties, including a 1919 Citroen, a 1920 Willy Overland and several Buicks, Austins and Dodges, were the focus of attention as they drove down Connaught Place here at the golden Statesman Vintage and Classic Car rally on Sunday.
Among the other rare cars on view were a 1930 Stutz, a 1942 Packard, a 1947 Buick, an exquisite 1949 MG, a 1936 Plymouth, a 1936 Cadillac, a 1939 Bentley -- all in perfect condition and sheen intact -- as they drove to the National Stadium, where the rally ended. There were some old Fiats, Fords and Mercedes Benz too.
The 50th edition of The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car rally, flagged off by Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, at the Statesman House on Barakhamba Road saw 88 cars participating.
The 1919 Citroen was the oldest car at the rally. Owned by Vir Srivastav, the car was one of the top winners.
Over 500 enthusiastic car lovers, including one who flew down from Kolkata, turned up to watch the event.
There were nearly 50 trophies, including in categories such as Most Elegant Car, and Best Overall Performance.
Among the winners was the 1920 Willy Overland, the 1930 Stutz, the 1939 Bentley, a 1938 Buick, a 1926 Austin, a 1929 Morris, a 1939 Hillman, a 1937 Rolls Royce, a 1934 Lagonda, a 1939 Singer, a 1942 Packard and a 1939 Riley.
The cars were in prime condition, with gleaming bodies -- highlighting the great love and care showered on them by their owners.
Some of the cars that did not make it to the winners list got commendations. Nine cars were unable to complete the rally.
A performance by the Border Security Force band rounded off the event.
