[karlosdeville]

The 2017 Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally in Calcutta was conducted last weekend on the 28th and 29th of January at Calcutta's Ford William grounds. This is one of the oldest events in the country, and my second visit there. Day 1 is the rigorous judging process, and day 2 the rally itself. Attended by the Eastern Command's top brass and with entry via ticket, it is a different experience to what we are normally used to - very enjoyable. Cars are well spaced on the huge grounds, but crowds restrict photography to a minimum. Entries were varied from a veteran Renault over 100 years old to late 1960s cars. I participated in my 1958 Standard Vanguard, which was completed just in time. Here are some pics from the event.





Top brass in attendance


Shiny black Ambys replaced by Marutis


The Army band is wonderful, as always.


Here are pics of most of the cars in attendance, alphabetically.

This pair of red Adlers are regulars, and don't miss the period costume.






Imposing Alvis (Speed 20 / Speed 25?)


Like most events, lots and lots of Austins! Wonder what made these survive in such large numbers compared to their contemporaries... probably supply of spares?








































A regular entrant, belonging to the Eastern Command themselves.

[karlosdeville]

This Austin based special is also a regular


1947/48 Buick Eight


1949 Buick Eight


1949/50 Cadillac


1947 Chevy Fleetmaster has been in the Ghosh family from new I'm told.


Early Citroen Tourer


Superb Crossley Tourer is ex Kalahandi


Daimler saloon


Pair of Dodge Kingsways - the black car is the Commissioner of Police's car, and the red also a family car of the Ghoshs.


Erskine saloon was recently restored, and in the family from new.


Fiat Tourer (Ballila? Arditta?)


Boat tail Fiat Balila roadster is a treat.


Lots of Fiats now getting restored.








This LHD stationwagon is a regular entrant.










Ford Model T belongs to the Statesman Group themselves, and entering events from the 60s. Unfortunately no longer a runner.


Ford Model A with unique body style


Another Model A - note the Grebel (?) spotlight


1932/33 Ford V8 Tourer also a single family owned car


Hillman Minx


Hillman Imp


Humber Hawk?

[karlosdeville]

SS Jaguar convertible


Jaguar Mark 2 recently changed colours from silver to black


Jaguar 3.5 litre debuted from restoration, but after a minor mishap couldn't return the next day. Note John's Fiat next to it, was glad to meet him.


Lots of Jeeps








Mercedes 220S Fintail looked stately


A pair of 115s included this plus the Army car


Messerschmidt another regular entry, grabs the most eyeballs


Beautifully turned out MG TC


Handsome MG saloon


MG Midget


Lots of Morris cars are always seen

[karlosdeville]

Large Nash Tourer


Cute little Opel cabriolet is a rarity


This 1936 Plymouth made her debut post restoration




This 1947/48 Plymouth Special Deluxe also debuted post restoration - rumoured to be a very original car when they started the job, its in long term ownership and still 6 volts! I love the colour




Oldest car at the event is this Renault, no event in Calcutta would be complete without it. Blows me away everytime with how sweetly and effortlessly she runs.




Renault Juvaquattre


Rolls-Royce 20hp, chassis number GCK34


1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30hp, number GZR30, Vanden PLas DHC


1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30hp, number GAR71, Thrupp and Maberly Limousine - in a new colour combination





Rover Saloon


Rytecarft is another eyeball grabber, decorated with a new theme every year. This year? Demonetisation!


Early Standard


Standard saloon


Topless Standard Herald


My 1958 Standard Vanguard Phase III - first time I drove the car!


Studebaker Limousine is in long term ownership


Sunbeam Talbot Saloon


Triumph Mayflower saloon


Triumph Spitfire with fitted hardtop


Lovely VW Karmann Ghia cabriolet


VW Beetle - pre 67


VW Beetle - post 67


Unusual Willys saloon made her debut - rumoured to be one of just a handful of survivors




Wolseley saloon


Wolseley saloon

[karlosdeville]

Here are some of the bikes that were in attendance. I have to admit I couldn't do justice with paucity of time.























All in all great fun, and looking forward to the next event.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Classic Car Section. Thanks for sharing!

[Jr Godzilla]

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[shankar.balan]

Wow. Just Wow!

Amazing lineup indeed. Especially love the Alvis, the Jag SS, the various Jeeps, the Adler and the Triumph Spitfire with its fitted hardtop, which absolutely steals the show and the MG Midget too.

Were there no other British Marques like Land Rovers and Astons and other similar?

I wonder, one day, will the humble Maruti Gypsy, old 800 and other similar vehicles end up as a part of the "Classics"...

[shaggydogg]

Wonderful thread with some fantastic photos!

Question about the Police Commissioner's car - is it still owned and maintained by the department? I see what appears to be a police officer by the car. If so, that's amazing!

[mbz180]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Here are some of the bikes that were in attendance. I have to admit I couldn't do justice with paucity of time.

All in all great fun, and looking forward to the next event.

Karl,

Thank you for your exhaustive coverage! I was out of town and missed going to the rally this year so it's great to see snaps of virtually all the entrants.

Congratulations on the super outcome of your Standard Vanguard and also bagging a top award; perhaps the first post-war Indian assembled classic car to get an award in the Kolkata Statesman?

Originally Posted by shaggydogg

Wonderful thread with some fantastic photos!

Question about the Police Commissioner's car - is it still owned and maintained by the department? I see what appears to be a police officer by the car. If so, that's amazing!

Hi shaggydogg,

Not only is the black Dodge Kingsway still owned by Kolkata Police, it is the number 1 official car of the Police Commissioner. I pass the Police HQ on my drive to work everyday and till recently I used to see the Kingsway glide down with the Commissioner to HQ - yes, she was in regular use. As far as I know, she was retrofitted with an AC to make things more comfortable. Some months back I was walking by the main gate of the HQ and to my surprise I saw a team of Police dept. mechanics and helpers servicing, tidying and polishing the car. I strolled in and chatted with them and they informed me that they had standing orders that the car was to be kept in 'tip-top' shape as it was the pride of the Police fleet.

I haven't see her do duty more recently though; could be that the current Commissioner prefers the SX4

[travancore]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=linze-9Fs1I

Karl and his new around 1:12. Kudos!