Exhibition of vintage classic cars and bikes in Mangaluru steals show on Republic Day

Mangalore Motor Sports Association President Sudhir B K said that the oldest car that was on display was a Chevrolet 1933 model made in the USA owned by Hemaraj from Moodbidri.

Mangaluru: As many as 26 four wheelers and 22 two-wheelers were on display during the exhibition of vintage classic cars and bikes organised by Mangalore Motor Sports Association during the Republic Day event at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru.

Visitors were thrilled to get a view of the vintage beauties and were seen clicking selfies and photographs.

Krishnappa Uchil who had brought his Ford 1929 model said that he owns three vintage cars. “I have been pursuing my passion for the past 20 years. I also have a collection of 10 vintage bikes including a Norton 500 cc double cylinder. Occasionally, I drive these vintage cars,” he told DH.

Aroor Arjun Rao, champion of Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2023, who had come out with his collection of 1948 Model Rolls Royce, Bentley manufactured in 1948, Cadillac manufactured in 1949, said “maintenance of these vintage cars are difficult. Parts have to be imported from the UK and USA and getting a mechanic to fix it is also a difficult task. Vintage cars cannot be driven daily.”

The oldest car that was on display was a Chevrolet 1933 model made in the USA owned by Hemaraj from Moodbidri, said Mangalore Motor Sports Association President Sudhir B K.

Some of the vintage cars on display were Moris Oxford England 1948, Hindustan Contessa Classic 1993 model owned by DK SP Yathish N, Premier Padmini 1981, Hindustan Ambassador 1962, Mercedes Benz W115 manufactured in 1970, Fiat Select manufactured in 1962. Some of the bikes that were on display are Lambretta 1972 , Yezdi 1974, Bajaj LML scooter 1975, Bajaj Sunny 1966 and others .