Classic Chronicles from the Vintage Car Show in Delhi

The 11th Vintage Car Show in Delhi was held at the Gurgaon Ambience Golf Course from February 21st to 23rd. The 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance featured around 80 vintage cars displayed across various parts of the golf course. The event showcased a stunning collection of some of the most valuable vintage cars in India, including Rolls-Royce, Bentley, MG, and Cadillac.

Every car has a story, reflecting its history of innovation and ownership. Some vehicles have had single ownership, meaning they remained in the hands of a single family for generations, while others were owned by Maharajas, identifiable by their red number plates. “When you see a red number plate on a car, it means it belonged to a Maharaja.” Said Rajeev Khar from Delhi who owns a 1934 Packard.

Rajeev Kher from Delhi fell in love with the car 50 years ago and finally acquired it twenty years ago. “I have not owned it for so long—I have owned it for 20 years, which, in terms of car ownership, is not much. But I have been in love with this car for 50 years. It is my oldest love affair. I have been chasing this car since I was a teenager, and I finally managed to buy it. I have taken this car to six shows and won in five of them. It has traveled to Italy, France, England, and America.”

Judging Criteria

Whitney and Brian, two jury members from the United States, spoke about the judging criteria. Brian explained, “We work in a team of three. We look at the car and evaluate it based on a 100-point system.”

Daman Thakore’s 75-year-old MG, which the family lovingly calls “Lal Pari” (“Red Fairy”), has won many national and international awards. The Thakore family, along with their car, was celebrated by the media when they embarked on a road journey from Dubai to the United Kingdom, traversing 16 countries and covering 12,000 kilometers.

Which route was taken to reach the United Kingdom?

“We traveled from Dubai through Iran, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, up the Balkans, Italy, and Switzerland.”

What awards has the car won?

“It has won the Best of MG Class award and the Founder’s Cup award.”

Two Rolls-Royces from the golden era belong to Kolkata-based collector and restorer Shrivardhan Kanoria. 

Meanwhile, Durai Moorthy from Chennai, who owns 18 vintage cars, including a 100-year-old Chevrolet, was asked which car he loved the most.

Which is your favorite car in your collection?

“The way you are asking is like asking which baby…”

When questioned whether the ease of driving made him prefer vintage cars over classic cars, he simply replied, “It’s because of our passion from old times.”

Most vintage car owners drive their vehicles on weekends and are deeply passionate about preserving them in their original condition, ensuring that only authentic parts are used for repairs, even after decades of ownership.

Milind Angel is one such owner and probably has the only surviving Morris Mini 1959 in India. The Mini 1959 was handed down from his parents, who had acquired the car from the first production batch in the UK. This was during Portuguese rule in Goa, and the car was originally white. The Mini 1959 was also owned by celebrities like The Beatles. Milind Angel has painstakingly ensured that the originality of the car is maintained by sourcing all the original spare parts.

Showing a certificate, he said, “This was issued to me in 2019 as part of the 50-year celebration.”

He also displayed his car being featured in Mini Magazine as part of the 55-year Mini celebration.

“If any part of the vehicle is worn out, I make sure to get the original. I know some sources, so I managed to find it. There is no compromise in altering or replacing parts with new ones—I don’t do that. This headlight glass is the same factory-fitted one that came with the car in 1959, and I am still using it. I am very particular about these things—small details, but I ensure that the originality is maintained.”

When asked the common mileage question, Kitna deti hai?, Milind Angel responded:

How much fuel does it hold?

“25 liters.”

In the past, how many kilometers could you travel with 25 liters?

“With one full tank, I used to travel to Belgaum and back, which is 150 kilometers from Goa.”

Do you still get the same mileage now?

“I haven’t tested it yet, and I am not interested in doing so. I am not bothered about fuel consumption. Back then, we were conscious of it, but we would just casually discuss how much it came to.”

Overall, the Vintage Car Show in Delhi offers a unique experience, transporting visitors back in time by 50 to 80 years of automobile history.