Modern Classic Rally returns this Sunday

As cars today become increasingly more complex with technology, modern classics, thanks to their blend of analogue and electronic nature, are becoming more popular. Here is your chance to witness some of the finest examples of these nostalgic sets of wheels at the Modern Classic Rally 2023.

An Autocar India initiative, the Modern Classic Rally 2023 will be held at Grand Hyatt Mumbai at Kalina on Sunday, March 19. Presented by Vredestein Tyres in association with Gulf Oil, this year’s edition builds on the tremendous success of the 2021 edition, and is set to take the modern classic movement forward. 

What is a modern classic?

Before we dive into what you can expect at the event, here’s a quick look at what makes a car a modern classic. A modern classic is a car usually between 10 to 50 years old, and includes all body styles from sleek coupes, practical vans and rugged off-roaders.

For the Modern Classic Rally, we are looking at cars manufactured from the 1970s to the 2000s, along with some rare supercars that are 10-15 years old. Some of the noteworthy examples of modern classics would include the Mercedes-Benz SL in the R107 and R129 series, BMW's legendary E30, the stunning Ferrari Mondial, early examples of Range Rovers, and iconic sportscars like the Mazda MX5 Miata.  

What makes a modern classic special?

Event curator Perseus Bandrawalla says, "The beauty of modern classics is that they only get better as they age. Plus, they are convinient enough to be used on a daily basis." A large number of modern classics are also naturally aspirated – the holy grail for car enthusiasts. Modern classics also come in all body styles and a wide price bracket, meaning there is something for everyone. 

Modern Classics are especially loved for they offer the best of both worlds. On one hand, they have an organic, mechanical feel and on the other, they are almost as comfortable and refined as modern cars with electronic precision. These factors, along with their sheer nostalgic value, have made modern classics the toast of the car community. 

What can you expect at the Modern Classic 2023 Rally? 

For Modern Classic 2023, we are preferring to showcase the rarest iterations of modern classics. From a long line of American muscle cars like the Chevrolet Corvette C4, Ford Mustang Mach 1 and Pontiac Firebird to British exotics like the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley Brooklands to Japanese icons like the Toyota Supra and Nissan R33 GTR to a long line-up of Mercedes-Benz coupes and roadsters – there will be many cars to feast your eyes on.

For those interested in SUVs, the Modern Classic Rally will also feature time-tested off-roaders like the Range Rovers, Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser 80 series. Some quirky vans like the Toyota Town Ace will also be on display. Fans of Italian modern classics will have lots in store too – from the striking Alfa Romeos to the unique Ferrari Mondial 2+2. Other noteworthy cars on display would be the Citroen DS, the very rare Maserati MC Stradale and the super exotic Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. This edition will also see some iconic motorcycles from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s.

Stay tuned for more!

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