Adventurous rides on royal wheels are things of past. The imperial vintage cars that once fleeted on the streets of Rajasthan, are now restricted to the silver screens and museums. We’ve often seen these beauties in song sequences and Bollywood movies, such as 1938 Dodge Brothers owned by Ghani Autos (Goliyon ki Rasleela Ram-Leela and the upcoming movie Baadshaho). Likewise, the two-door convertible Cadillac 1956 model was first seen in the Oscar winning movie Gandhi. It was also featured in hit movies like Veer and Zubeida. However, last week, about 100 vintage beauties stopped by the Pink City.
Capital city Jaipur hosted the ‘19th Vintage and Classic Rally’- an ultimate 2-day car exhibition wherein 100 cars, where put on display. The exhibition was organized by RASCC (Rajputana Automotive Sports Car Club) and Rajasthan Tourism Department. The rally was flagged off by Rajasthan legislative assembly deputy speaker Rao Rajendra Singh whereas the exhibition was inaugurated by Princess Diya Kumari (MLA from Sawai Madhopur).
The event was attended by key officials Nawab of Loharu Duru Mian, Kesri Singh Mandawa (hotelier) and Additional Director general of police Pankaj Singh. The fest also saw 1956’s Jaguar-XK, a milky white beauty, which was once owned by Late Rajmata Gayatri Devi. Sudhir Kasliwal is the new owner of the Maharani’s car.
Nawarantan Nahata’s 1956 Plymouth model was the talk of the town. The main highlight of the car was its gold ignition key. Besides, the model also won the award for being the second best restored car of the event. The rally was attended by several native and overseas tourists. Many of them clicked pictures with the key.
The owner, who participated in the rally for the first time was quite overwhelmed with the public response. He felt that the idea of having a key made of real gold must’ve attracted public attention.
This event successfully concluded with the fleet of cars taking a quick trip across the city this Sunday. Seeing the awesome response of public, the organizers will plan something big for next year’s event!
