More than 100 vintage and classic cars and bikes grabbed the attention of tourists and residents of Udhagamandalam at the 11thannual vintage car show, organised by Nilgiris Vintage and Classic Car Association (NIVICCA), on Saturday. As many as 66 cars and jeeps and 36 bikes and scooters, all in working condition, were brought for the show.
The day-long event, flagged off by District Collector P. Shankar, began near the Collector’s bungalow. Proud owners of the vintage beauties paraded through Stephen Church, Charing Cross, Ooty Market, Bus Stand and YWCA for about five km before the vehicles were exhibited.
Highlight of the show this year was a 1932 model Dodge Brothers caravan. Its owner and NIVICCA president R. Rajinikanth said that it was owned by the Dharmapuram Adheenam in Mayiladuthurai.
The 1930-model caravan has two beds at the top and other facilities including toilet and kitchen. “It is a rare luxury vehicle,” he said.
Other rare cars that stole the limelight were a 1931 Chevrolet Independence, a 1928 Studebaker Erskine car, with wheel disk made of wood, and a 1929 Morris Royal mail car used as for the postal mail service by the British. The event that attracted hundreds was a feast for lensmen.
Fourteen prizes were given away to the top cars, jeeps and bikes that were handpicked by a three-member panel of experts, including a joint transport commissioner. In the car category, a 1951 Morris owned by Ganesh of Coimbatore and the Plymouth of Rajan from Kerala bagged the top prize.
Among jeeps, the Ford jeeps owned by Gypsy Babu and Boopathi came first. Among two-wheelers, an Enfield, Rajdoot and Vespa bagged the top prizes.
Coordinator of the association K. Paul said that prizes were also given for the maintained car, car which travelled the longest distance to participate in the show, most prestigious vehicle and vehicle with most original parts.