Classic beauties roll out again

The oldest on display is from 179 years ago, and the most recent is from the 1980s

Some of the world’s oldest cars are on display at UB City till March 17. Bengalurean car lovers are in for a treat this weekend as the Federation of Historic Vehicles of India (FHVI) is showcasing 42 historic vehicles (vintage and classic cars).

If you have caught a glimpse of these beauties in the movies, or just heard of them, you should get there and see them in their full glory.

On display are cars from 1909 to the 1980s: Wolseley, Mercedes, MG’s, Jaguars, Ford, Buick, Chevrolet, Morris, Austin, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, Lincoln and Daimler.

Sulaiman Jamal, president of the Karnataka Vintage and Classic Car (KVCCC) Club, is showcasing four of his vehicles.

“I am bringing in a 1946 Daimler DE 27 used by the Mysore Maharaja. You will also see an MG Y 1947, Chevy Belair 1959 and 1957 Mercedes 219,” he says.

1886 Benz
Patent Wagen

Mechanics who can keep them in good condition are hard to come by.

“With time, it is going to become more difficult. While our generation managed, the generations to come may not be able to have a collection of cars, at least not on this scale,” Sulaiman says.

The event has attracted members of FIVA from Holland, England, France and Sweden.

Tony Davis, vice-president of events for FIVA, England, is on his first visit to Bengaluru.

The aim of the event is to show people the culture and heritage of vehicle manufacturers and people who use them, and take them
back in time, he told Metrolife.

“There was a time when people used the cars every day, and in some parts of the world they continue to be a part of the country’s heritage,” says Davis.

Shows like this bring together like-minded people. “We understand what roles cars played in history,” he says.

While most people find it difficult to source spare parts, Peter E, senior vice-president of FIVA, Sweden, says vintage cars are easier to maintain than new cars, which are computerised.

“So you cannot mend them yourself and have to depend on an expert with knowledge in computers,” he says.

When you don’t find spare parts for vintage cars, you can make them yourself, if you have the knowledge and resources at your disposal.

Peter owns 18 vintage cars and two motorcycles. “I have a few old Austins, a couple of Alvis, and a Panhart from France,” he explains.

Tibbo Bresters from the Netherlands owns a fleet of Volkswagens.

The Bow Wagon for Bikaner, is among the rare piece
s on display at UB City. It is 179 years old.

“These are easy to maintain because people know how they work. The mechanics and techniques are easy to grasp,” says Tibbo.

He also says events back home give people an insight into the history of these vehicles.

To Nandi Hills

On March 17, at 8 am, 40 historic cars will go on a heritage drive from UB City to Bogha Nandishwara temple, Nandi village. A magnificent Chola dynasty temple stands there.

Why are they called historic cars?

Dr Ravi Prakash, president, Federation of Historic Vehicles of India (FHVI), says vehicles more than 30 years old used to be called vintage and classic but now they are called historic cars because they are an integral part of the heritage and automotive history.

“Like how humans have evolved, automobiles too have also evolved. These vehicles are a sign of how far the country has progressed,” says Ravi.

It is not just the men who are an integral part of FHVI, but even their families participate with equal fervour. “This ensures the family takes the passion forward.”