Mysuru: It was a classic show of style, an enchanting whiff of old world charm as 50 vintage beauties from across the country and abroad, flagged off by CM H.D. Kumaraswamy from Bengaluru, arrived in Mysuru on Sunday for the three-day Dasara pre event – ‘Royal Classic Car Drive to Mysuru’ leaving residents of the Heritage City spellbound.
As the antique cars rode from Lalitmahal Palace via the heritage buildings of Mysuru to reach the illuminated Mysuru Palace at 7.30 pm, several Mysureans lined up for selfies and photos alongside them. The vehicles dating back to the period from 1925 to 1980 including Lanchesters, Mercedes, Jaguars, Fords, Buicks, Chevrolets, Morris, Austins, Alfa Romeos, Triumphs, Volkswagens and Lincolns among others.
While 15 cars are from overseas, 12 are from Sri Lanka, one from France, two from England. 16 from Bengaluru and the rest from other parts of India including those of the erstwhile Maharajas of Jaipur, Lucknow and Goa and of well known industrialists.
The Lanchester 40HP of 1925 was the oldest car in the rally driven by its proud owners, 75-year-old Mr Peter and 70 year old Ms Susie Noble from England.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, 71 year old Mr Patrick Rollet, President of the Federation International Vehicle Anciens (FIVA, official partner of UNESCO), from France who has come here in his 1955 model Jaguar, said, “This is my fourth trip to India. Worldwide, there are two million enthusiasts who own vintage and classic cars including the oldest one dating back to 1899 in France. Vintage enthusiasts from the US own the largest number of cars followed by Great Britan. India has over 10,000 enthusiasts who own classic cars.”
On October 1, 12 of these vehicles will leave from Lalit Mahal Palace for Mysuru palace and then to KR Circle, with 6 cars in front of the Dasara elephants and 6, behind them.
