JOIN USProud owners of vintage cars, bicycles and motorbikes flaunted their mean machines at the Southern Vintage Automobile exhibition on Sunday. The star attraction at the show was the vintage Raleigh bicycle, valued at an estimated Rs one lakh.
The 1933-make bicycle, is among the last of three such timeless beauties left in the world, said owner Kumar. “Initially, we thought it was just a vintage bicycle manufactured in England. Later, we found out that it was a Raleigh bicycle made in 1933,” he said, adding that it took him over a year and Rs 35, 000 to get the bicycle running again.
“I came across the bicycle by chance and then made up my mind to purchase it and restore it,” he recalled.
His family owns a collection 14 vintage bicycles, each of which are at least 25 years old.
Another attraction at the show was the Sun Beam bicycle manufactured in 1914. “The unique thing about this automobile is that it has a little oil bath. Also, unlike the other bicycles, this does not have a rod in the centre,” said owner Srinivasan.
Also on display was the Ford V8, manufactured in 1944, the 1936-make Chevrolet, the Morris Cowley made in 1927 and the 1938-make Sunbeam Talbot.
Kaiser Jeep, the jeep that was once used by the Nizam of Hyderabad and his family, was also seen at the exhibition.
The jeep was manufactured way back in 1960 and was passed on to future generations of the Nizam family.
Venkatadri, a participant who owns many vintage bikes, said, “During my younger days, I was a racer. Now, I am passionate about collecting vintage bikes. Even my younger daughter has the love for it.”
Around 500 timeless classics were on display at the one-day exhibition, organised by the Bangalore Vintage Group, said Vinay Kumar, its founder.