Vintage car rallies are always a pleasing site, not just for the cars themselves but the entire aura that surrounds such an event for you truly feel that you have gone back in time. Having said that, the recently held Teachers Origin Heritage Celebration Vintage car and Classic car rally proved to be a rather spectacular journey, for there was no option but to be mesmerized by the timeless machines that took part.
Set on a lazy Sunday, the Teachers Origin Heritage Celebration rally comprising of 50 exquisite vehicles was flagged off from the exclusive DLF Emporio mall in Delhi and the participants had to make their way to Pataudi Palace and back, covering a distance over 100 kilometers. Onlookers were visually treated to showstoppers such as a 1964 Ford Mustang, a 1950 Jaguar XK 120, a 1934 Rolls Royce, a 1952 Cadillac Coupe de Ville and 1937 Mercedes 170 V amongst other fine metal that includes a 1957 Chevy Bel Air and a number of Buicks. A magnificent site none the less.
Standing as a testimony to India's solid motoring legacy, most of these vehicles at some point belonged to royalty. Each car has a story to share and each story involves numerous ups and downs, however the cars have been refurbished to the minute detail and the fact that they are still capable of making such a drive with ease goes to show the amount of engineering excellence that these machines possessed. In the very essence of the drive, the rally was a great way to experience the beginning!
The 1934 Rolls Royce 20/25 7 Passenger Sedan was ordered from Rolls-Royce by the Maharaja of Baroda on July 27, 1934. This is the only known Rolls Royce in India with coachwork by Kellner, Franc. The Mercedes 170V, Roadster, is known for its stunning lines and breathtaking performance, built for the great German Autobahns, this particular piece of engineering marvel was once the prized possession of yester year's prominent Bollywood actress Mrs. Mumtaz Madhwani.
The 1952 Cadillac, Coupe de Ville, Series 62, USA is a Cadillac's Golden Anniversary model and was characterized by a distinct, higher rear deck lid contour. The 5422CC V8 engine produced 190 HP and it also featured power steering. Cadillac had the most powerful car in the American industry in 1952. This model was referred to as 6237 DX. Previously owned by the Maharaja of Barwani and then by the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal.
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, Sedan, USA is an ultimate classic with 4500 cc silk and dynamite V8 engine. It has gold anodized trim and is one of the most desirable collector cars produced in North America. This Chevy four door sedan was previously owned by the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal. The 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville, USA is a four door sedan with a 6500 cc V8 engine developing 325 horse power. This car featured the tallest tail fins in world production car history, twin bullet tail lamps, a distinctive roofline; new jewel-like grille patterns and matching deck latch lid beauty panels personified these cars. The car was previously owned by His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur, Rajasthan.