Spend a winter morning enjoying vintage and classic cars whizzing {or at least slowly making their way} around Kolkata’s streets. Here’s why you can’t miss it!
Here's Why You Need To Go For Kolkata's Iconic Vintage Car Rally
Shortcut
...Because It's Legendary
The vintage car rally {aka the Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally} happens every year usually in the month of January. This Kolkata edition began back in 1968. Kolkata and Delhi are the only two proud hosts of this unique event. This is the day that grand, old cars will get dusted off and rev to life on city roads. Expect to see four-door sedans from 1937 Germany, Rolls Royces, city’s oldest and coolest cars hit the streets in an amazing showcase of the past. The folks at The Statesman had taken out an old Ford Model T from early 20th century last year. Hopefully we get to see that this year as well.
...Because It's The Best Way To Spend A Winter Morning
Are you an early bird? Love winter mornings? Make the most of the last few days of the pleasant weather and wake up early to catch the best of Kolkata’s cars on display. If you’re planning on watching them drive past, 9 am is the ideal time to try and spot them.
...Because Everyone Is Really Enthusiastic About It
Thought you were the only one jumping up and down in excitement? Think again! Everyone takes this one day really seriously. Car owners prep the cars for days in advance — repairing and painting them and doing ‘touch ups’. It gets better! Those riding in the car even dress up in old-school attire {think hats, gloves and frilly dresses} to set the mood. If you watch them go by, they’ll wave.
...Because It's Open To All
You don’t have to be a vintage car owner to enjoy the event. Anyone can pick up passes from The Statesman office to see the showcase of cars at the end of the rally. Even if you don’t have passes, you can still enjoy the event. Just keep a look out in The Statesman newspaper a few days before the event when they release the route the cars will be taking and pick a spot along the route where you can sit and watch the cars from. We know that Red Road has been a favoured route.
...Because Your Instagram Will Love It
These cars are seriosuly gorgeous. Expect a line-up of Bentleys. Daimlers, Morris Minors, Adlers, Stoewers, and Baby Austins. Watch out for what’s supposed to be the oldest one in the city — a 1906 Renault Frères. You can ask the owners’ permission before you take pictures with {and if you’re lucky then — in} the cars.
...Because If You Love Cars, It Should Be Your Annual Pilgrimage
Not just car owners, car restorers and car lovers also flock to the rally. You’ll meet people who are genuinely enthusiastic, knowledgable and passionate about cars. Most of the owners have had the vehicles in their family for generations. And most of the cars and lots of ‘history’ and stories around them.
Anything Else?
#LBBTip
Pack some breakfast {or pick some up!}, park the car along the route and watch the vintage cars drive by — it’s honestly the best way to enjoy the morning.