The 50th Statesman Rally Kolkata was held on Sunday, 3rd February, 2019. As is the norm, cars which intend to compete have to be on the rally ground on the Saturday before. The team of judges inspect and appraise all the cars that turn up and for the most part, participants take the judging very seriously and do their best to present their vintage & classic beauties as best they can.
A couple of us had been coaxing KPS to come down for the event and we were very happy when he said he would come!
I have to say, as I drove onto the grounds in the afternoon sun, a number of our young friends that I've fortunately come to know thanks to our regular Classic Drivers of Calcutta (CDC) gatherings, were eagerly waiting to see Bella in her new avatar. Their reaction was enough, they were as happy as I was to see her! The Fiat's of-white paint and fresh chrome glistened under the bright sun and she really looked cute.
Driving in for judging Bella lines up for scrutiny, glistening under the afternoon sun
I wasn't ready for what was to come. I last took part in the rally in my own car in 2005, thereafter I've either hitched a ride in friends cars or driven one of their cars.
14 years later, my humble Fiat was scrutinised by the 3 groups of judges to a level that left me astonished! And a lot of it happened simultaneously, opening the boot, bonnet, starting the car, showing if the switches work etc. I was honestly getting fried but thankfully my friend Rupak who owns the gorgeous 2 tone green 1947 Pontiac & KPS came to my rescue and took over the car while I tried to answer the questions fielded by the judges on various aspects of the car.
I had prepared an account on the restoration for the judges to peruse The dash area showed really well I thought Engine bay I was asked to use the old jack; the judges wanted to see a bit of the sheet metal underneath (pic courtesy KPS)
The rest of it was pretty smooth and I have to say that Bella brought a real smile to my face that day. My young friends at CDC who were present on the grounds & were a constant source of help & encouragement while the car was being restored, sheepishly asked whether they could have a spin in her. I was only to happy to hand them the keys after judging was complete. We firmly agree with the old thought, that we are only the custodians of these cars and letting like minded, passionate classic car lovers directly involved is the best way to create the next generation of custodians so that these cars live on. I could see that they were having a blast in Bella, massive grins on their faces and it made me truly happy. It was a great feeling!
After judging our young friends had some fun in Bella A relieved me with my Fiat post judging! A couple of shots before heading home at the end of the day
The next morning! En route during the 50th Statesman Rally, 2019, KPS navigating Back to the rally grounds after completing the route, Bella was parked into her allotted slot A B&W shot
Honestly, by mid-day I knew in my heart that my humble Fiat had been restored well and she compared favourably with the other beauties that participated with her. That satisfaction was adequate for me. But, when I was informed that the Fiat was to line up to receive an award, I cannot deny that I was thrilled!
With KPS in the car, we were in cue behind other exotic automobiles who were being felicitated in various categories. And then came my turn, I heard the Chief Judge announce my rally number, car name, my name & that I was to collect the award for the best maintained car built between 1956 to 1975! But Bella had other thoughts; the self starter refused to spin, just a 'tak' sound of the solenoid
With the marshals and judges wondering why I was procrastinating, I left the car to KPS and walked over to receive my trophy. I was a little sad that my poor Fiat which had done so well throughout couldn't be with me at that moment but to my absolute joy, as I turned around towards the spectators with my trophy I see Bella approaching the trophy stands with KPS driving! The marshals & KPS managed to push & start her
It was a hilarious sight for all of us there, including me & I won't forget the Chief Judges witty comment - "I've seen dogs following there owners but this is the first time I've seen a car following its owner". I cracked up.
I had no idea that the car which actually won the trophy is on her way KPS steers Bella towards her trophy; I'm thrilled to see her Restorer & owner stand proudly with our Fiat
My friend's 1947 Pontiac picked up awards in 2 categories!
The excellent team of marshals, all friends who are part of CDC With my navigator for the day, KPS! A great day for me & the Fiat
Once everything was wrapped up at the event, on our way home, I decided to stop in front of the Kolkata Town Hall and take a photo. If it weren't for our group of classic car lovers that have come together and met in front of Town Hall for drives regularly since 2017, I wouldn't have met a great bunch of people, including my friend who gave me the lead and a huge push to buy the Fiat. Thank you Soura uncle
Outside the Kolkata Town Hall
Over the next few days, with the weather still cool, I used the Fiat to go to work. I had promised the previous owners that once she was fully restored, I would visit them again and show them the car their father had so lovingly cared for since 1963.
So I drove over one evening, a little unsure of what son & daughter of the original owner would make of 202 in her new avatar. After all, the car was always black and now she looked totally different. They closely inspected the car in absolute silence, not a word from them. That's it I thought, they hate what I've done to their late father's car. Just then, they asked me questions on how I managed to get all those old bits and pieces looking new & where I found them & that it looked fantastic etc. Phew! I could see that uncle really wanted to take his old car out for a spin and I offered him the keys. Without hesitation, he got into the car and was about to start of when I interrupted like an idiot to explain something. He looked at me, smiled, and said - 'I know everything about this car, we've had it since new'. I'm sure fond memories were rekindled. When uncle came back after his drive, a group of students stopped in front of the car to admire it and he stood their proudly explaining to them the history of the model.
Parked in front of the house where the Fiat spent all its life until 2019 The original owner's son From their house
Later, in March, a couple of friends and I drove to a beach town in Orissa for the weekend. We went in Bella & had no issues during the 550 km return trip.
Crossing over from Bengal to Orissa through some great stretches Bella by the beach!