![]() | #16 |
Distinguished - BHPian ![]() | ![]() I had the pleasure of going to the 50th edition of the Kolkata Statesman Rally. Bhpian Prithvi Tagore aka mbz180 was kind enough allow me to attend this rally in his 1963 Fiat Super Select named Bella. I was given the privilege to be his navigator! The car was restored by the well known Kolkata based restorer, Bimpu Sircar. Prithvi used all this connections in friends, acquaintances, references, parts shops abroad, as he displayed his obsessive enthusiasm to restore this car to complete originality. The outcome has been fantastic. When acquired, this was one family owned car, very original, though required significant work to bring back to its prime. Prithvi wanted exhibit this car in the 50th Statesman and so the restoration was done over 8-9 months and the car was just in time for the rally. This being my first Statesman Rally, I enjoyed observing the commitment of the car owners to get a favourable judges score. The judges scrutiny was quite detailed and chief judge is very knowledgeable. In Bangalore, we do not do any form of judging the cars and this was a new experience for me. Prithvi had prepared a detailed booklet on the cars restoration. He had to document his commitment to the restoration and make them appreciate the effort taken to bring back to spec. Additionally, fine details were highlighted. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() On the Judging day, we reached by 3 pm for the car to be scrutinized. ![]() Lined up as per the instruction of the Judges ![]() The engine bay looked great ![]() Weber carbs! ![]() The seats in the original pattern ![]() Folding seats was demonstrated at the time of judging ![]() Prithvi demonstrating to the judges that all the switches are functional ![]() Demonstrating a working jack and also enables to Judges to ensure that the body lines are good even in a jacked position ![]() We wrap up late evening after discussing how the judging went and Prithvi was very confident that things were going as per plan ![]() We sign off for the evening ![]() On Sunday, Prithvi rightly stands very proud in front of his car. Great feedback from the fellow participants made his smile wider and wider as the day went by! ![]() Prithvi, picks up the ITC Sonar Trophy for the Best Maintained Vintage and Classic Car between 1955 & 1975. As we waited in the sun to receive the trophy, the car refused to start!. So Prithvi walked up to receive the prize and in the mean time, we got her started and I drove the car to pick up Prithvi with his prizes! ![]() With the restorer Bimpu Sircar ![]() With the navigator, KPS! ![]() We end the day with the customary snap at Townhall, the starting point for the CDG drives ![]() It was wonderful experience and thanks to mbz180 for being such a wonderful host and allowing me to be part of his journey Cheers KPS |
![]() | ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() | #17 |
Distinguished - BHPian ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() ![]() |
![]() | #18 | |
Newbie Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Delhi
Posts: 24
Thanked: 26 Times
| ![]() Quote:
That is really painful to watch. And not painful in the same way when you see a car is disrepair or not taken care of. I have so many abuses on the tip of my tongue for whoever decided it was okay to do this. It looks horribly put together as well. The owner should sell the car if they do not have materialistic desires. | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | #19 | |
Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mumbai
Posts: 4,020
Thanked: 3,108 Times
| ![]() Quote:
He may sell, or he may just continue its existence as it is as a vehicle for the Deity. Just my take. Cheers harit | |
![]() | ![]() ![]() |
![]() | #20 |
Newbie Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Delhi
Posts: 24
Thanked: 26 Times
| ![]() Thats a much better take on it than mine Harit! Im not opposed to the idea of the temple-car. Rolls Royces have been made into trucks, ambulances, tanks, the whole lot. You would only imagine that being a Rolls, anything you decide to do on it / to it, would be to the standard of a Rolls. I think had he done it tastefully, this car would have a rather unique history 20 years down the line. And yes, the one thing I totally agree with is at least it hasnt been exported like many Calcutta Rolls'. That was quite a travesty. |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | #21 |
Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurgaon, Delhi NCR
Posts: 1,233
Thanked: 579 Times
| ![]() Ooh Calcutta! It's always so much fun there. All those old Fiat 1100s bring back the memories of the era gone by. Lovely moments, cherished moments of a time when life was so simple. I used to drive out my father's Premier Padmini in 1987 and used to get 26.3 litres of Petrol filled in it for Rs. 200. A car from Patna too - BRA 205. We owned BRA 209 a Fiat 1100 and I remember that till 1970 it was there. The Ford Mercury is superb. Brilliantly restored. How come Uday Bhan Singh did not enter one of his 20 odd Jeeps? There was a Statesman rally here in Delhi too on February 10, 2019. Wonder if anyone has pictures of it. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
![]() | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Delhi: The Statesman Vintage Car Rally to be held on February 11, 2018 | TusharK | Vintage Cars & Classics in India | 1 | 11th February 2018 01:39 |
Report & Pics: The 50th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally | karlosdeville | Vintage Cars & Classics in India | 11 | 22nd March 2016 08:00 |
The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally. 19th Jan 2014 @ Kolkata | dreamseller | Vintage Cars & Classics in India | 36 | 19th November 2014 17:52 |
Kolkata Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally - 2013 | john a milne | Vintage Cars & Classics in India | 73 | 29th June 2013 10:57 |
The 2012 Kolkata Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally | mbz180 | Vintage Cars & Classics in India | 96 | 16th January 2013 21:06 |