Mangaluru's Vintage Car Carnival 2026 Attracts Enthusiasts with Rare Collection
The 24th Vintage - Classic Cars & Bikes Carnival 2026, organized by the Mangalore Motor Sports Association as part of Republic Day celebrations, drew an enormous crowd to Nehru Maidan on Monday. This annual event has become a cherished tradition for automobile enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a nostalgic journey through automotive evolution.
Rare Mercedes Miniature Steals the Show
The undisputed centerpiece of this year's carnival was a meticulously maintained Mercedes SL 500 Miniature, skillfully driven by Dr Shishir Shetty. This remarkable 1980-model miniature originally belonged to his uncle, the renowned Dr BR Shetty, adding a personal historical dimension to its display.
Dr Shetty elaborated on the vehicle's unique characteristics: "This German-made Mercedes SL 500 Miniature features a 400 cc engine and represents an extremely limited-edition model. With its three-gear configuration - first, second, and reverse - this car was originally used by Dr BR Shetty's son during his childhood. After transporting the vehicle to India, we took great care to preserve all original components."
The miniature Mercedes benefits from expert maintenance by a dedicated team from Wagen Tunen in Mangaluru, who perform regular servicing to ensure its pristine condition. Sandeep Bantwal of Wagen Tunen provided additional context about these special vehicles: "Mercedes SL 500 Miniatures are traditionally presented as exclusive gifts to royal families when they purchase premium brand automobiles in Dubai. During our restoration process, we employed advanced 3D printing technology to carefully reconstruct any missing parts, maintaining historical accuracy while ensuring functionality."
Impressive Array of Vintage Vehicles
The carnival presented automotive enthusiasts with an extraordinary collection of vintage vehicles spanning several decades:
- A rugged 1958 Willys alongside Mercedes-Benz models from 1967 and 1970
- A distinctive 1949 left-hand-drive Cadillac boasting a powerful 5,400 cc engine
- Classic Indian automobiles including a 1962 Ambassador and 1960 Standard Herald
- International classics such as a 1952 Chevrolet Deluxe and 1961 VW Beetle
- Historical vehicles including a 1947 Ford Jeep and 1929 Ford model
- Luxury automobiles featuring a 1948 Rolls-Royce and 1948 Bentley, both equipped with 4,250 cc engines
- Numerous other classic cars and motorcycles representing automotive history
Official Inauguration and Cultural Significance
District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao formally inaugurated the carnival, expressing genuine enthusiasm for the event's success. He highlighted how such exhibitions evoke cherished memories of bygone eras while celebrating India's rich automotive heritage. The carnival successfully blended historical preservation with contemporary appreciation, creating an engaging experience for visitors of all ages during the Republic Day festivities.
The Mangalore Motor Sports Association's continued dedication to organizing this event demonstrates their commitment to preserving automotive history while fostering community engagement through cultural celebrations.
