A typically bustling Sunday in Lucknow's Hazratganj district was transformed into a moving museum as the annual Vintage Car and Motorcycle Club rally took over the streets. Organized by Sandeep Das, the event saw a remarkable lineup of classic automobiles, turning the clock back for onlookers and participants alike.
A Parade of Rolling History
The rally was formally flagged off by Sanjay Prasad, IAS, who took a keen interest in each vehicle. He expressed his admiration, stating that every car was a vibrant piece of art and a celebration of craftsmanship rarely seen on modern roads. The procession featured approximately 22 vintage and classic cars from the city's clubs, creating a spectacular sight.
The route was a tour through Lucknow's iconic locations. The cars journeyed from Hazratganj Crossing petrol station through Shaheed Smarak, Bara Imambara, MG Marg, and Lohia Path, culminating at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan. For the owners and drivers, the event was a deep dive into nostalgia and a proud display of automotive heritage.
Stories Behind the Steering Wheels
The participants shared fascinating stories about their prized possessions. Dr. Tarun Saigal participated with his MG TC 1946. Veteran participant Tarun Sehgal, who has been part of the rally since 2001, drove his car all the way from Sitapur, facing a breakdown that required towing. He showcased two cars: an MG TC-1947 and a Standard Herald Convertible-1962, the latter having a cameo in Mira Nair's film The Monsoon Wedding.
Raghav Ratan Bakshi, a connoisseur, presented two meticulously restored Jeep Willys models from 1953 and 1969. He highlighted that the 1953 model still runs on petrol and remains in its original World War II-era condition. MA Khan showcased a 1952 Morris Minor, emphasizing that these vehicles are "heritage on wheels" and deserve the same preservation as Lucknow's famed cuisine and culture.
A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Community
Other notable cars in the rally included a 1926 Baby Austin owned by Amit Gujral, a 1923 Austin Chummy with Hamid Siddiqui and Ibrahim Alam, and a 1966 Triumph Herald Convertible driven by MA Khan. Shrey Shah's 1954 Plymouth Savoy and Nitin Kohli's 1951 Morris Minor added to the diverse collection.
The event, spearheaded by organizer Sandeep Das with support from individuals like Kamlesh Kumar Dixit, served as a powerful reminder of a shared passion. It wasn't just a car rally; it was a statement about preserving mechanical artistry and connecting the city's present to its illustrious past, one vintage engine rev at a time.
