Kolkata's Vintage Car Show 2026 Blends Heritage with Youthful Passion
The city of Kolkata transformed into a nostalgic dreamscape last weekend as the Vintage and Classic Car and Bike Show 2026 unfolded on the picturesque lawns of the Alipore Museum. Organized by the esteemed Classic Drivers Club, this spectacular event featured an impressive array of automotive history, from majestic Rolls-Royces and elegant Fords to cinematic vintage motorcycles that captivated all attendees.
INTACH Heritage Awards 2026 Honor Custodians of Motoring Legacy
In a significant highlight, the event also hosted the INTACH Heritage Awards 2026, which celebrated dedicated individuals preserving India's rich automotive heritage. Open to the public, the showcase became a vibrant fusion of nostalgia, personal stories, and enthusiastic admiration from photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Young Enthusiasts Step Up as New Custodians of the Past
A remarkable trend emerging from the show is the increasing involvement of Kolkata's younger generation in heritage preservation. These new custodians combine inherited passion with modern research techniques and digital expertise. Many grew up observing their elders meticulously care for vintage machines, fostering a deep connection to automotive history.
Fourteen-year-old Syed Arbaazuddin Hossain perfectly embodies this generational shift. After restoring his father's Lambretta scooter, he emphasized, "Not just automobiles, it is important to take interest in our heritage and be proud of it." This sentiment reflects a broader movement among youth who view vintage vehicles as cultural treasures rather than mere machines.
Kolkata Emerges as Premier Restoration Hub
Kolkata has firmly established itself as India's go-to destination for vintage car restoration, attracting enthusiasts from across the country. Prithvi Nath Tagore, a prominent figure in the restoration community, attributes the craft's success to emotional dedication: "The secret is passion, research, and patience."
Veteran restorer Shrivardhan Kanoria, who has revived an impressive seventy-seven cars, stresses the importance of authenticity in preservation work: "You can't claim to be restoring a vintage car by assembling it with new parts." This commitment to original craftsmanship ensures that each restored vehicle maintains its historical integrity and unique character.
Darshan Sanghvi notes the growing trend: "There are a lot of young restorers coming up in Kolkata." This influx of youthful talent promises to sustain and evolve the city's restoration legacy for future generations.
Iconic Vehicles Steal the Spotlight
The show featured an extraordinary collection of automotive gems that brought history to life on wheels. Highlights included a stunning 1949 Cadillac Series 62 convertible, once favored by Maharani Gayatri Devi, and a meticulously preserved 1928 Ford Model A. Each vehicle told a unique story, connecting attendees to India's royal and industrial past through their gleaming chrome and polished finishes.
Restoration as a Labor of Love
For vintage car owners, restoration transcends mechanical work—it represents a profound emotional investment. Sourajit Palchoudhuri, custodian of his family's 1928 Ford Model A, explains: "Unless you take a personal interest, the soul of the car is lost."
Anil Mohan Kamat, who drove from Mumbai with his 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible—previously owned by Sawai Man Singh II—echoed this sentiment: "These are like family members to us." Such personal connections underscore why preservation efforts require both technical skill and heartfelt dedication.
Social Media and Visibility Fuel Youth Engagement
Darshan Sanghvi observes that "greater visibility and social media are drawing more young people towards vintage motoring." Digital platforms have become powerful tools for sharing restoration journeys, connecting enthusiasts, and raising awareness about heritage conservation.
GM Kapur of INTACH reinforces the cultural significance: "At INTACH, we recognise heritage automobiles as cultural and industrial treasures worth preserving." This institutional support validates the efforts of both seasoned experts and emerging restorers.
Enthusiast Ritabrata Mukherjee captures the essence of the movement: "When you revive a vintage car, you're not just reviving a vehicle, but a piece of our collective heritage." The Vintage and Classic Car and Bike Show 2026 in Kolkata has brilliantly showcased how passion, tradition, and innovation can converge to preserve India's automotive legacy for generations to come.
