On Sunday 20 January, DI came alive with over 40 vintage and classic vehicles on display. The display was divided into 2 sections, international section and the Indian heritage section. The program was organized in association with Classic Drivers of Calcutta. The entire event was supported by Servo as our Principal Sponsor and Pinnacle Honda as Associate Sponsor.
The beautiful vintage machines were polished and gleaming in the sunlight, their vibrant colours on display in all their glory and their engines gurgling from time to time. Their old time mechanical systems were in full working condition and to their owners’ pride had been pioneering systems in their time. I felt privileged to have been able to sit in a few of them and rev their engines.
The international section was in the Club Parking Lot. This section featured some extremely rare cars like the 1929 Auburn 6-80 for example. It is only one of its kind in Asia and one of only 5 surviving in the world.
The 1962 Triumph Spitfire-4 was another treat for those who love sports cars. Its tiny body and 1147CC engine made it a real speed machine way back then.
At Courtyard@DI too there were plenty of Indian cars on display, featuring brands and models manufactured on our very own soil back in the day. For example we had the 1958 Ambassador Mk-1 as well as the 1966 Ambassador Mk-2. The 1955 Fiat 1100 Millecento however was my personal favourite in this section.
Our Members and visitors enjoyed lunch on the lawn and by the pool. It was a very merry afternoon and the passionate owners of these marvelous machines had a platform to show them off with pride.
Our very own Subhajit Kumar (SK) was instrumental in bringing Classic Drivers of Calcutta to our club. The afternoon ended with beautifully designed mementos being given to owners, enthusiasts, Council members of DI and the members of the CDC, many of whom are regular members at the DI too.
The DI intends to keep this going annually given what a wonderful experience it was for all present. Everyone including participants, car owners, sponsors, visitors, vintage and classic car enthusiasts, and even folks who had just dropped by the club on a Sunday afternoon were all pleased with the initiative.
