1919’s Citroën Roadster, Royal Enfield shine at vintage car rally in Karnal

A vintage car rally titled “Classic Drive” took motor vehicle enthusiasts on a nostalgic journey through automotive history. Organised by the Heritage Motoring Club of India (HMCI) in collaboration with Noormahal Palace, Karnal, the event featured a stunning line-up of vintage cars and two-wheelers that showcased the craftsmanship and grace of a bygone era.

The rally saw a diverse collection of automobiles on display, each with its own unique charm and legacy. Among the standout participants were a 1919’s Citroen Roadster of Kaleem Khan, 1938’s Buick of Diljeet Titus, 1954’s Royal Enfield G Model of Laddy Bhatia, 1957’s Bentley of Uday Bahadur, 1960’s Willys Jeep of Gyanender Dabas, 1965’s Mercedes- Benz 110-190c of Ashok Kaicker, 1966’s Standard Herald of Anjum Siddiqui, 1966’s Vespa of Sonu Gill, and 1966’s Royal Enfield of Mihir Banerjee among other vehicles. These timeless machines provided a rare opportunity for spectators to witness over a century of automotive innovation.

The rally began with a flag-off ceremony at City Select Mall, New Delhi, by dignitaries, including Manu Yashvendera Shah, Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, Arjun Sharma, CMD, City Select Mall and Heritage Hotel, Manesar, and Chander Shekhar Puri, Corporate General Manager, Noormahal Palace.

After a long drive from Delhi, the convoy arrived at Noormahal Palace, Karnal, where Col Manbir Choudhary (retd), CMD, Noormahal Palace, Binny Choudhary, MD, Noormahal, Roop Partap Choudhary, founder MD of Colonel Saab Hotel in London (UK), welcomed the participants. Scores of people also gathered to catch a glimpse of vintage vehicles while clicking photographs and appreciating the history behind each model.

A panel discussion on the theme “Preserving the past, embracing the future: Exploring contemporary heritage and design” was held in which Manu Yashvendera Shah, Diljeet Titus, secretary, HMCI, Col Manbir Singh (retd), Roop Choudhary, and Inderjeet, who owned a 1957 vintage car, discussed challenges in preserving heritage vehicles.

Col Manbir said the rally aimed to celebrate the rich legacy of automotive design while highlighting the importance of preserving historical treasures. Maharaja Manu Yashvendera Shah emphasised on the need to preserve the beauty of heritage in every form. Appreciating efforts of Noormahal Palace he said with its royal grandeur, it provided the perfect backdrop for the celebration of heritage.

Col Manbir spoke about challenges of preserving both buildings and automobiles, which combine technology with history. “It is a privilege and an honour to conduct this rally, which reflects not only time and era, but also incredible craftsmanship of these vehicles. We are grateful to the Heritage Motoring Club of India for making this possible,” said Col Manbir.

Mihir Banerjee also shared his experience of owning the 1966 model Royal Enfield. He said his father Moti Lal Banerjee had purchased this Royal Enfield from Chandigarh in 1966 and since then it had become a family member.

“It is a legacy which my father has passed to me and in future I will transfer it to my daughters,” said Banerjee. Gagan Banerjee, Mihir’s wife, said they maintained this old classical beauty passionately. “Old is gold for us,” she said.

One of the participants, Gyanender Dabas, proudly shared the history of Willys Jeep, which had been used by the American army during World War II. “I purchased a 1960 model Jeep from Bhopal. I love driving it in these vintage car rallies,” said Dabas, a civil contractor with Delhi Metro.

Atul Anand, owner of a 1949 MG YT, spoke passionately about his experience of preserving and showcasing his vintage car, while expressing the joy of sharing his piece of automotive history with others. Sonu Gill, owner of 1966’s Vespa, said he brought parts of his scooter from Italy. Chander Shekhar Puri said it was the second occasion when Noormahal Palace hosted such an event which was organised last year also.