The passion for vintage cars in India is no longer limited to a select few; it has evolved into a nationwide obsession, writes GYANESHWAR DAYAL, captured by PANKAJ KUMAR
Love for Vintage cars is no less than a romance of a lifetime. The person who falls for the beauty and demeanour of these old ladies has a love of a lifetime. For the uninitiated, recall Farhan Akhtar of the iconic Bollywood movie Zindagi namilegidobara who goes nuts just seeing these old cars in bright colours of red and sky blue.
From the stunning curves of a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II to the bold presence of a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air, these 'old ladies' have a charm that is unmatched. Over the past few decades, the passion for vintage cars has seen a remarkable surge in India, with collectors and enthusiasts taking this love to new heights.
For many vintage car enthusiasts, the fascination goes beyond aesthetics. These cars represent a bygone era of luxury, precision engineering and hand-crafted beauty. Owning
and restoring a vintage car is akin to preserving a piece of history, with each vehicle carrying a unique story. Be it the grandeur of a Buick Super Eight or the timeless appeal of a Hindustan Landmaster, vintage cars have a soul that resonates deeply with collectors.
The Growth of Vintage Car Culture in India
In recent years, India has witnessed a rising trend in vintage car appreciation. What was once a niche hobby has now turned into a thriving community of collectors, restorers, and automobile historians. Vintage car rallies, exhibitions, and heritage drives have become a common sight in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Events such as the 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally and the Cartier Concours d'Elegance have provided a platform for enthusiasts to showcase their prized possessions. Moreover, social media has played a crucial role in connecting vintage car lovers across the country.
Challenges and Triumphs of Restoration
Unlike modern vehicles with readily available spare parts, vintage cars often require extensive research and sourcing of original components. In India, restorers and mechanics specialising in vintage cars have become increasingly sought after. Cities like Chennai and Pune have seen the rise of skilled craftsmen who can meticulously rebuild engines, repair bodywork and replicate period-correct interiors. Interestingly enough the earlier cars were made of wood and a metal sheet was plastered over it to give a metallic look. Besides their spoke wheels and their carriage style gave them a majestic look. Many of these cars are painstakingly restored and are at display in Heritage Transport Museum in Delhi NCR. "Restoring old cars is like preserving a piece of history. It's a meticulous process to bring them back to their original glory," says Tarun Thakral, whose passion brought the Heritage Transport Museum to life. Despite the challenges, the joy of seeing a beautifully restored classic on the road is unparalleled.
Preserving Automotive Heritage
With the growing interest in vintage cars, there is also a renewed focus on preserving India's automotive heritage. Museums and private collectors are working to document and showcase the evolution of automobiles in India. Efforts are being made to protect historically significant vehicles from being scrapped or lost to time.
Vintage car clubs, restoration garages and automobile historians are ensuring that the legacy of these "old ladies" continues to thrive. Their dedication highlights that these cars are symbols of history, art and engineering excellence.
The 21 Gun Salute: Concours d'Elegance
To honour vintage cars, numerous rallies are organised across the country throughout the year, with some gaining increasing popularity. One such event is the 21 Gun Salute.
The heart of New Delhi witnessed an extraordinary spectacle as the 11th edition of the 21 Gun
Salute Concours d'Elegance. A breathtaking parade of over 125 rare vintage cars and 50 vintage motorcycles, capturing the essence of India's rich motoring history.
The event featured an impressive lineup of iconic vehicles, including the 1939 Delahaye, the 1903 De Dion Bouton-one of the oldest cars in the concours-the 1917 Ford Model T Roadster and the regal 1935 Cadillac Fleetwood. The three day event concluded at the Leela Ambience, Gurugram.The coveted Best of Show award was claimed by the majestic 1922 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost of Mayurbhanj princely state, owned by Dhanraj Gidwani since 1992,Gidwani remarked, "All the cars in this event are special and priceless." The 1935 Buick 90L (ex-Ayodhya), owned by Diljit Titus, secured first prize in the Post-War American Coupe category.
A Growing Investment Opportunity
This event is a tribute to India's motoring legacy. Besides the sentimental value, vintage cars have also emerged as lucrative investments. As the demand for well-maintained classics rises, so does their market value. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for rare models, and auctions have seen skyrocketing prices for pristine examples. Owning a vintage car is now seen not only as a passion project but also as a valuable asset that appreciates over time.
Vintage cars: The royal touch
The erstwhile Maharajas of India had a deep fascination with luxury cars, particularly Rolls-Royce, which symbolised their opulence, status and power. During the early 20th century, Indian royalty became one of the biggest patrons of Rolls-Royce, commissioning custom-built models adorned with gold, ivory and exquisite embellishments. It is estimated that more than half of the Rolls-Royce cars produced in the world during that era were made for Indian Maharajas. These cars were not just transport; they showcased wealth, used in ceremonies, hunting, and even garbage collection.
From thrones to trails
Post-independence in 1947, the princely states were integrated into the Republic of India, and the economic realities shifted drastically. The newly independent nation imposed high taxes on princely wealth and the Privy Purse-financial allowances given to the former royals-was abolished in 1971 by the Indian government. Stripped of their vast fortunes, many Maharajas had no choice but to sell off their prized possessions, including their magnificent Rolls-Royce collections, to collectors and museums worldwide. Today, these cars remain a testament to a bygone era of regal extravagance.
The classification of old cars
Contrary to popular perception not all cars are vintage cars.Old cars are classified into different categories based on the era of their manufacture, reflecting historical and technological advancements in automobile design. Here's a rundown of the key classifications:
Veteran Cars (Pre-1905)
Also known as the Brass Era or Pioneer Era cars.
Characterized by hand-built craftsmanship, steam, electric, and early gasoline engines.
Example: 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the first car by Karl Benz.
Edwardian Cars (1905-1918)
Named after King Edward VII's reign in Britain.
Marked by improvements in internal combustion engines, the introduction of the steering wheel (replacing tillers), and mass production.
Example: Ford Model T (1908), which revolutionized the automobile industry with assembly line production.
Vintage Cars (1919-1930)
Cars produced between World War I and the Great Depression.
More advanced engineering, stronger steel chassis, and luxurious coachbuilding.
Example: Rolls-Royce Phantom I (1925), Bugatti Type 35.
Pre-War Cars (1931-1945)
Includes both Depression-Era Cars and World War II Vehicles.
Innovations like independent suspension, hydraulic brakes, and streamlined designs.
Example: Cadillac V16, Mercedes-Benz 540K, Volkswagen Beetle (designed in the late 1930s).
Post-War Classic Cars (1946-1959)
The post-WWII era saw major automotive growth with more stylish designs, tailfins, and the introduction of muscle cars.
Examples: Chevrolet Bel Air, Jaguar XK120, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing.
Classic Cars (1960-1979)
Covers muscle cars, early supercars, and the transition to modern engineering.
Examples: Ford Mustang (1964), Porsche 911 (1964), Lamborghini Miura (1966).
Modern Classics or Youngtimers (1980-1999)
These are not officially vintage yet but are recognized as emerging classics.
Includes early supercars, high-performance sedans, and experimental designs.
Examples: Ferrari F40 (1987), McLaren F1 (1992), BMW E30 M3.
Each of these categories reflects the evolving design, engineering, and cultural significance of automobiles throughout history.
