Annual VCCFI Vintage and Classic Car Rally enthralls enthusiasts in Mumbai

This year’s VCCFI Vintage and Classic Car Rally was flagged off from Omkar 1973 at Worli and ended at the Sofitel Hotel in BKC. In attendance were some of the best vintage and classic cars and bikes from around the country.

Amir Jetha’s Rolls-Royce Gurney Nutting Streamline Coupe, which was one of the many star cars, was originally commissioned by the Maharaja of Jodhpur in unique paint scheme – a green and off-white – which was the official colour of the Jodhpur Maharaja’s polo team. This model, with chassis number UK62, is believed to be the last Phantom II Continental ever built.

Another eye-catching model was Viveck and Zita Goenka’s 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220SE. The immaculately restored model was displayed alongside his Land Rover, which is believed to be the oldest surviving example of its kind in the country. Amal Tanna had a few cars on display – his 1919 Packard Twin Six Limousine is said to be the only one of its surviving kind in the world, while the ex-Maharaja of Patiala’s Fiat Corsa race car is another of his prized possessions.

Dinesh Lal showcased his 1947 Buick Super 8 Convertible that originally belonging to Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, while Ravi Pittie had his 1937 Daimler 24EL Limousine showcased too. The 24EL Limousine was originally ordered by the Princess of Kolhapur, who got married as a child and then was widowed at an early age of 13. As a young widow, the princess was very conscious about the colour of her clothes and wore only white – as was the case with most widows back then. When it came time to order a new car, the princess chose to order a completely white car with white exterior paint, white wheels, white brakes, white carpets on the interior and even a white engine block! This is the only car of its kind anywhere in the world.

VCCFI Chariman Nitin Dossa had his stunningly gorgeous Alvis Speed 25, with coachwork by Vanden Plas, at the rally. The car – originally belonging to the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj – was parked alongside an extremely rare 1921 Ansaldo Tipo F also owned by Nitin Dossa. Some of the other notable cars at the show included a 1934 Chevrolet 1 ½ ton Series PA owned by Kaizad Engineer built in Bombay by Chevrolet with a 3,179cc engine. It was originally used as a water tanker for the Mandsor Fire Brigade and after which, it was used to water the racecourse in Pune. It was then restored and displayed with an open loading bay, which was period correct. A 1961 Ford Thunderbird owned by Viveck & Zita Goenka was another show piece. The car had belonged to the Maharaja of Gwalior and has a unique tilt-away steering for easy entry for the driver into the car. Its immaculate interiors and period correct upholstery in the boot left the crowds astounded.

There was entries from other cities too, such as Dhananjay Badamikar who drove down from Pune in his Fiat 1100 and Shrinivas Thakur, who brought his rare Mercedes-Benz 250S (W108) from Pune. Pradeep Naik drove down from Goa in his Mercedes-Benz 240D Limousine (V123).

Some of the most interesting bikes on display included Sailee Bhiwandkar’s 1985 Honda VF500, a 1975 Honda CB550 owned by Purazar Fouzdar and Jehangir Foroogh’s 1927 AJS H7, which won the Best Maintained vintage motorcycle award. In the Indian Heritage category, Anil Bhingarde’s 1986 Yamaha RX 100 won the best maintained bike award while Autocar India’s Cyrus Dhabhar had his Suzuki AX 100 on display as well.

Speaking on the occasion, Viveck Goenka, President, WIAA  said that this event is the largest of its kind, and has laid the foundation of the vintage and classic car movement in this part of India. He also said that he was delighted to see the zestful participation by young and old car enthusiasts.  Entries have been growing by nearly almost 20 percent every year, with many new cars participating for the first time.

The rally saw cars drive from Worli across the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, to BKC, which was followed by lunch and a prize distribution ceremony. Seeing the level of enthusiasm and participation this year, it can be said with certainty that next year’s rally will be a can’t-miss event.