HMCI opens the rally season in flamboyant style

Twenty yesteryear classics such as Austins, Buicks, Chevrolets, Jeeps, MG’s and Mercedes graced the driveway of the Panchsheel Club on October 2, 2009 to celebrate the Heritage Motoring Club of India’s (HMCI) 8th anniversary, ready to be driven by their proud owners and collectors to Agra.
At 8 am, the vintage car rally was flagged off by Shri M.S. Gill, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. The 500 km endurance drive which began at the Panchsheel Club ended at the Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre in Agra at 1.00 P.M.
The Heritage Drive to the Taj was organized by HMCI to celebrate the message of Love, Peace and Non-violence on the day of Gandhi Jayanti. The club in its heritage drive also celebrated the beautiful monument of love – the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Over 20 enthusiasts with their cars participated in the rally. The cars were either vintage or classic vehicles including classic icons such as 1947 Buick, 1962 Mercedes 190, 1965 Chevrolet Cotvair Convertible, 1956 Norton Dominator , 1960 Ford Galaxie to name a just a few.
K.T.S. Tulsi, Senior Advocate and President, HMCI, who was a part of the heritage drive with his 1948 Buick said “It’s a heartening response that we have received and it indicates that our love for heritage and the good things of life is still very alive and thriving.” Other participants of the drive were Mr. Diljeet Titus of Titus & Co. with his 1957 Chevrolet BelAir and Mr S. B. Jatti with his classic Mercedes.
For the uninitiated, vintage cars are really old cars. More specifically defined, a vintage car is any car built upto 1939 while a classic car can be defined as one made after that period and up to 1970 when many new features were introduced including heating systems, radios, power steering and four wheel braking.
The HMCI organizes these events in order to provide a day or two of fun for car enthusiasts, car collectors, and people who are just interested in seeing the cars. During a vintage car rally, a group of vintage car owners drive their vintage cars from one point to another on roads open to the public. So, even people who have no idea that a vintage car rally is going on may be in for a treat if they happen to see the vintage cars pass by. Just like any other kind of car rally, a vintage car rally may take place in any part of the country, preferably during the cooler months of the year and through pleasant weather conditions.
“Joining a car club gives you the chance to mingle with other car enthusiasts, as well as check out the cars in their collections. It also allows you to participate in car runs, shows, and competitions,” said Mr. Diljeet Titus, General secretary, Heritage Motoring Club of India.
The rally will start on its return journey from Agra on 3 October at 3.00 P.M. and arrive in Delhi by 8.00 P.M.

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