Brandsmith Statesman Vintage Car Rally creates history : HT City Lead Story

Heads turned, onlookers were gripped with curiosity and joyous smiles, as automobile history rolled down the capital’s roads, making people nostalgic. Sunday, 11th February 2007, belonged to the 41st Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally as more then 100 vintage and classic cars travelled between Delhi and Gurgaon on a cloudy day.

The sturdy Fords, little Austins, silver Buick, majestic Rolls Royce, stylish Chevrolets, a pleasing 1914 John Morris, apart from many others in colourful livery swept past busy roads with thrilled by standers taking a close look at the cars. The steering wheels were commanded by passionate heritage motorists from across India, braving the chilly weather and downpour.

Rahul Mittra, CEO of Brandsmith & the organizer of the Statesman Vintage rally was thrilled. “This rally is seen as the Mecca of all vintage rallies in the Indian sub-continent and this year the legendary event has grown even bigger with the maximum number of vintage, classic and post war car entries. We are delighted at the success of the rally.”

Diljeet Titus, the largest entrant of the vintage beauties walked away with the maximum numbers of trophies. “It feels nice to see that my passion for restoration & upkeep of these vintage cars is being appreciated. It’s a moment of pride for me.”

Air Chief Marshall S P Tyagi flagged off the cars from Statesman House after which the rallysts were greeted by a scintillating performance by the band Black Slade. Participants & guests seemed excited exchanging notes at this special afternoon hosted by Brandsmith. Also present were hosts Rahul & Sarina Mittra, Diljeet Titus, Puneet Gupta of Ceres Juices, Maxwell Pereira, etc.

The rally ended at National Stadium where Ms. Vandana Tyagi, wife of the Air Chief Marshal gave away the trophies to the roaring vintage beauties.