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Old 17th March 2016, 10:01   #1
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Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car rally is - subject to correction - the oldest continuously held vintage and classic car event in India, first held in Delhi in 1966. It has been widely been regarded as an event of high prestigious, given its disciplined nature of judging - I counted six stations earmarked for a participating vehicle to be scrutinised! 2016 is a landmark year, celebrating 50 years of the event. The event was held on the 28th of Feb last month.

Entries to the event I am told are restricted to older cars, and smaller, newer more popular cars as seen in other events are not encouraged in an effort to maintain exclusivity. Having said that, many cars not participating do come just to visit.

This was the first time I was attending, hitching a ride with BHPian Shivraj in his daily-driver 1934 Ford Model B.

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-ss09.jpg

Here are some pictures of most of the cars attending.

No Statesman event would be complete without a host of baby Austins - I counted at least 7, maybe I missed a couple.

This was probably the oldest of the lot, a 'Chummy'
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin01.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin02.jpg

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Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin06.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin07.jpg

A couple more later models too were in attendance.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin08.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin09.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin10.jpg

Awini's 1927 Austin 12/4 finally made her debut. In the family from the 60s and under restoration probably shortly after that the car has turned out superb. A rare bodystyle with coachwork by Mulliners, Awini has kitted the car with a host of very cool period accessories.

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin11.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin12.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin13.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin14.jpg

In contrast to the other 'people's car Austins' was this pair of VandenPlas Princess'.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin15.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-austin16.jpg

1939 Bentley 4 1/4 litre MX, #B79MX. I believe what makes this car even more special is that I'm told it was the only James Young Sedanca built. Ordered new for the royal family of Nabha, more recently the body was reworked in an attempt to create more sporty lines.

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-bentley01.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-bentley02.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-bentley03.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-bentley04.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-bentley05.jpg

1948 Bentley Mark VI Standard Steel Saloon, #B148AK, ordered new by Darbhanga, was the other Bentley present.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-bentley06.jpg

Last edited by karlosdeville : 17th March 2016 at 16:49.
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Old 17th March 2016, 12:42   #2
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re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

I counted an impressive 8 Buicks attending, including a trio of 1940 models.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-buick01.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-buick02.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-buick03.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-buick04.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-buick05.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-buick06.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-buick07.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-buick08.jpg

Stunning 1938 Cadillac V16 was visiting from Bombay.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-caddy01.jpg

Early Chevy Tourer, around 1926 or 27.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-chevy01.jpg

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-chevy02.jpg

Early Citroen tourer must have been the oldest car at the event. We missed seeing the 1914 Morris Fire engine this time which is otherwise a regular participant.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-citroen01.jpg

1959 Daimler SP250/Dart was an entry from Jaipur.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-daimler01.jpg

1952 Daimler DB18
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-daimler02.jpg

A later Daimler limousine
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-daimler03.jpg

1947/48 DeSoto
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-desoto01.jpg

1947/48 Dodge was ex Nabha, and a very original car prior to restoration
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-dodge01.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-dodge02.jpg

A pair of colourful 1954 Dodge Kingsway convertibles. Growing very quickly in desirability along with their DeSoto and Plymouth counterparts.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-dodge03.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-dodge04.jpg

1955 Dodge Kingsway
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-dodge05.jpg

1956 Dodge Kingsway
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-dodge06.jpg

Pair of prewar Fiat Balillas.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-fiat01.jpg

1960 Fiat Spyder was featured in the hit Rajesh Khanna song Chala Jaata hoo
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-fiat02.jpg

Trio of Ford Model As
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-ford01.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-ford02.jpg

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-ford03.jpg

Last edited by karlosdeville : 17th March 2016 at 13:00.
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Old 17th March 2016, 13:08   #3
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re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

A pair of Ford B Tourers, and a Sedan
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-fordb01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-fordb02.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-fordb03.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-fordb04.jpg

A pair of English Fords, a Consul and Prefect
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-fordconsul01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-fordprefect01.jpg

A rare Frazer - these are rarely seen at events.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-frazer01.jpg

A beautifully presented Hillman.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-hillman01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-hillman02.jpg

Shivraj's other entry, a Hillman Minx DHC. Pretty rare in this bodystyle.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-hillman03.jpg

Jaguar Mark II with modernised bits including bumpers and wheels
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-jagmk201.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-jagmk202.jpg

Jaguar Mark V
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-jagmk501.jpg

1951 Jaguar XK140 DHC, ex Pataudi
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-jagxk01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-jagxk02.jpg

A few Jeeps were in attendance, including a lone Station Wagon
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-jeep01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-jeep02.jpg

1935 Lagonda M45 (ex Bikaner) has attended almost every Statesman event since the 60s, and proudly carries the stickers
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-lagonda01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-lagonda02.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-lagonda03.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-lagonda04.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-lagonda05.jpg

Last edited by karlosdeville : 17th March 2016 at 14:20.
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Old 17th March 2016, 15:24   #4
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re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

1937 Mercedes 170V Roadster
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-merc01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-merc02.jpg

Another Mercedes 170V, with full length ragtop
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-merc03.jpg

Mercedes-Benz Ponton
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-merc04.jpg

Mercedes-Benz Fintail 190 W110
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-merc05.jpg

1946 Mercury V8
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-mercury01.jpg

1949 MG YT
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-mg01.jpg

A later MG Midget
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-mg02.jpg

Early Morris Minor saloon would have excited Kartik
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-morris01.jpg

Pair of Morris 8 Tourers
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-morris02.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-morris03.jpg

Morris Minor high light convertible
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-morris04.jpg

1946/48 Oldsmobile
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-olds01.jpg

Overland Tourer
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-over01.jpg

1934 Packard 8 ex Datia attended from Bombay
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-packard01.jpg

1938 Packard was formerly campaigned in Preservation Class, now restored
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-packard02.jpg

Peugeot 403
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-peugeot01.jpg

Unusual to see a trio of 1930s Plymouths
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-plymouth01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-plymouth02.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-plymouth03.jpg

1947/48 Pontiac
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-pontiac01.jpg

Renault Dauphine was a unique entry
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-renault01.jpg

This Riley is a regular in Delhi events
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-riley01.jpg
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Old 17th March 2016, 15:29   #5
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re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

1922 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Hooper Tourer, #23TG, Kaslia from new.
This highly original car has been with the Kalsia family from new, and has been undergoing restoration for decades. Mechanically the car is nearing completion, with the chasis being driven around the property. Next I suppose they will tackle the cosmetics.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-rolls23tg01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-rolls23tg02.jpg
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Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-rolls23tg05.jpg

1936 Rolls-Royce 25/30hp, H J Mulliner Landaulette, #GTL9
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-rollsgtl01.jpg

1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25hp, Windovers Sports Saloon, #GWX1
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-rollsgwx01.jpg

1936 Rolls-Royce 25/30hp, Salmons Sedanca DHC, #GXM5
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-rollsgxm01.jpg

Singer Roadster
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-singer01.jpg

Early Standard Herald convertible was spotted visiting in the morning
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-standard01.jpg

1930 Studebaker Commander, in Awini's family since new.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-stude01.jpg

1930 Stutz Series M
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-stutz01.jpg

Sunbeam Roadster
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-sunbeam01.jpg

A pair of VW Beetles were seen, not sure if they participated
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-vw01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-vw02.jpg

Wolseley DHC
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-wolseley01.jpg

A lot of enthusiasts visit the event in their recent classics too. We spotted this neat late BMW and Jag, as well as this Morgan replica

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zbmw01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zjag01.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zmorgan01.jpg

Flag-off was, if I'm not mistaken, by the Chief of the Air Force. The new Suzuki standing outside proudly bore plates "IAF 1"
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zss01.jpg

While this Mitsubishi Lancer had a large participation sticker across, we can be sure it was not a participant
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zss02.jpg

Prizes are a big deal for the event, and they have beautiful trophies in comparison to what I am used to seeing at our end. Multiple prize-winners are understandably proud of their achievements.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zss05.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zss03.jpg

A very nice touch was allotting a fixed spot for each participant, identified by the competition number. Given our space crunch we don't have such luxuries in Bombay though.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zss04.jpg

In conclusion, as most enthusiasts always say, the best part about these events is simply meeting old and new friends and having a jolly good time. An impromptu picnic seemed to be having the most fun. No place to sit? Pull the seats out of the Ford, and problem solved.
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zss06.jpg
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-zss07.jpg

Last edited by karlosdeville : 17th March 2016 at 16:28.
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Old 17th March 2016, 16:37   #6
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Re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Classic Car Section. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 17th March 2016, 17:09   #7
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Re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

Quote:
Originally Posted by karlosdeville View Post
Early Morris Minor saloon would have excited Kartik
Thanks Karl, This car has a mix of parts from 1930 to 1933, here is another picture from the rally.

Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally-12803085_978999038821697_4089753837287376337_n.jpg
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Old 18th March 2016, 13:17   #8
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Re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

Wow. This is some great coverage ! When I started viewing the thread, I was secretly wishing the presence of a BMW E30 M3 even though the car is 1985-1992 compared to likes of other ol' timers which were clearly the highlight of the event. Lo and behold, my prayer was answered and it was red in color too! The E30 M3 is one of the greatest cars ever produced which is why it is also my avatar on this forum. Knowing that I can probably serendepetiously spot one in Delhi has made my day. Also, I am no Sherlock Holmes but my guess is that the Mitsubishi Lancer took the number from the VW beetle which you weren't sure was in the event or no
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Old 18th March 2016, 19:04   #9
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Re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

Quote:
Originally Posted by karlosdeville View Post
Early Standard Herald convertible was spotted visiting in the morning
Glad to see a Herald attending these 'major' events again!
That's NOT a convertible though, just a saloon with roof taken off and a "kaenchi" (scissor) top fitted!

But even then, its a welcome sight; pity I couldn't make it for this event- or any Statesman one (yet) for that matter!
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Old 19th March 2016, 21:51   #10
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Re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

What a super collection of cars. Amazing to such a number of high quality Buick's.

Thanks Karl for the wonderful report and pictures. Did share it with the KVCCC Group to make them appreciate the quality of cars in the other parts of the country.

Cheers

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Old 21st March 2016, 21:36   #11
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Re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

Great coverage and, by and large, a wonderful collection of cars. Apart from the few awful, cringe-inducing examples, like the silver Mark II / S-type Jaguar - a splendidly awful example, with the ghastly alloy wheels and those incredible bumpers! In direct contrast to the Lagonda and Stutz which capture the grace of the period so well.

Last edited by shashanka : 21st March 2016 at 21:37. Reason: grammar
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Old 22nd March 2016, 08:00   #12
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Re: Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

Beautiful cars each one of them. The Fiat 1960 Spyder looks startlingly modern in its stance. That would be a nice car to drive in cool weather on a lazy day.
The Heralds were nice little cars too in their time.
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