Timeless Classics

Car buffs, especially those who have a weakness for rare and vintage cars, were in for a visual treat as India’s most premium vintage car event, the sixth edition 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally & Concours Show, 2016 was inaugurated on Saturday at Red Fort in the national Capital. Eminent guests and renowned personalities including Suman Billa - Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, government of India, Narendra Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Culture and esteemed members of the Royal Families of India graced the event. Renowned national and international car aficionados and connoisseurs of culture, art and history were also in attendance.

The chief guest for the first day of this two-day mega event was Manohar Lal Khattar, chief minister of Haryana, who inaugurated the display of vintage and classic cars. 

Madan Mohan, Founder and Managing Trustee, 21 Gun Salute Heritage & Cultural Trust said: “Through this event, I take forward my passion and my dream that aims at establishing India as a world-class Motoring Tourism destination and through the 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally & Concours Show, we will surely make a mark on the Global Vintage Rallies Map, attracting lakhs of international tourists from all over the world, in the future editions of the event.” The most precious automobile on display was the Benz Patent Motorwagen- the first car invented by Karl Friedrich Benz - pioneering founder of Mercedes-Benz and the Quadra cycle by Henry Ford.

Vintage and classic cars like the 1939 Mercedes TYP 230 from Jaipur, Jaguar Mark V, 1949 from Ahemadabad, 1935-3.5 litres, Bentley along with 1938 Cadillac Series 90 and 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental from Mumbai, 1929 Mercedes Nurberg from Bangalore, Mercedes Benz Cabriolet 1935 from Rajkot, Dodge 1940-7 seater limo from Pune and international stunners including Maybach SW 38 1937, Horch 780 Cabriolet, 1959, Lister Costin Jaguar and many more were showcased at the event.

The true picture of the vast cultural diversity of the country in the wake of promoting motoring tourism in India came to life when Kathak dance, Kathakali, Gudumbaja and Bharatnatyam, Bhangra and BrajLoknrutya (which is the cultural dance form of Uttar Pradesh) were performed at the event.