Before you read on, you must first understand that although I am a 90's kid by birth, I'm more of a 60's guy when it comes to movies, music and CARS. I would rather own a Lamborghini 350 GT than any of the current lineup of them bulls. So then, what happened on the 10th day of August in 2014 is a memory of a lifetime. Through the likes of Morris, Lotus, Studebaker, Fords, Jaguars, Mercedes, MGs and so much more, I was instantly teleported to the golden era of the automotive history. And all of this happening in my own hometown, Bangalore, makes it a bit more emotional.
The event, as you may wonder, was held by the Karnataka Vintage and Classic Car Club and the rally was flagged off from Windsor Manor, Bangalore. Almost 50 cars, from the 20's all the way till the 1970's, were showcased. Some of the dual-tone body paint, white wall tyres, spoked wheels and convertibles, a strong character of the cars of yester years, were certainly eye-catching to the newer generations like myself.
The theme of the rally was protection of our women and safeguarding them from sexual terrorism. In the wake of terrible rape incidents that took place, the protesting in our city hasn't stopped. So on a cloudy sunday morning in what one would call as typical Bangalore weather, the peaceful rally commenced through the city streets with banners on the car grilles and balloons with strong messages.
This 'car'nival had attracted the crowds large numbers. But for the most part of the crowd you could spot old wise men who probably dragged their grandchildren off their lazy sunday morning routine just to teach a thing or two about automobiles of their generation. That's grandparenting done right, if you ask me. In fact, the Bel Air was quite a sight for most of the people, and one man while touching the rear long fins of the Chevrolet said, "What a waste. What a waste of good metal that could probably be used to make a better car." It's true, the images of American vintage cars are unjust to how massive they really are.
Some of the cars had a crazy attention to detail. The Ford Model A for instance was absolutely stunning. Those large curvy front fenders, that huge shiny grille, and that neat little chain hatch lock for the spare white spoke tyres on either sides. Even the interior was just sublime. Never before had I come across an elegant timepiece on the face of the gear knob. Not even in a Bugatti.
The one car that stole the show for me was the Lotus Elite Type 83. In almost everyone's opinion it apparently didn't fit into the "Vintage and Classic Car Club" bracket as the design language seemed futuristic even to this day. But only the passionate eye can spot a lot of Gandini/ Giugiaro's influence in it's design. The 70s was full of wedge-shaped cars like this one. Oh what a beauty!
The event had visitors from all age groups- older generations that once gave up their wives for the drives that were showcased today, younger generations that wanted to click endless selfies with the cars and everyone in between. Every single face wore a smile and every pair of eyes glared a look of content. That's when a brilliant revelation dawned upon me. Over the years, cars and humans have formed an indelible relationship and no other man made machine (and I hate calling it that) has been able to do that. This event then, along with creating social awareness of important city issues, also celebrates the spirit of cars.
That comment that little girl made in the Mille Miglia of 2012 (read the article here) still rings in my head. In some aspects, what I experienced today almost felt like the Mille Miglia of Bangalore, which is high praise in itself. Kudos to KVCC club.
The fiery desires of my heart were doused and as I drove back home, I was satisfied and could ask for no more.....
...
Or at least I had thought so. But what happened the next day was truly an event of a lifetime. Find out how that's even possible. Read my "Tryst with Destiny".
The fiery desires of my heart were doused and as I drove back home, I was satisfied and could ask for no more.....
...
Or at least I had thought so. But what happened the next day was truly an event of a lifetime. Find out how that's even possible. Read my "Tryst with Destiny".