Over 125 vintage automobile beauties, including a 115-year-old Humber from Mumbai and a ...

Over 125 vintage automobile beauties, including a 115-year-old Humber from Mumbai and a rare Rolls Royce from Kanpur, today ruled the streets of Delhi, as part of an international vintage car rally that was kicked off from India Gate.
Heritage enthusiasts and photographers gathered at the venue to catch a glimpse of the metallic beauties that sparkled in bright sunshine on a Saturday.
Besides the 1903 Humber, and the carriage-style 1913 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, two rare models of Cadillac, a 1922 Moon and a 1942 Packard 180 Limo, were also the cynosure of all eyes.
Union Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Sharma, who flagged off the eighth edition of the '21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally', said, such events showcase the rich cultural heritage of India, and "add colours to the vibrant tourism sector of the country".

"The current generation will also get to appreciate the culture of preservation that these car lovers espouse," Sharma said, who also sat in the open-top Humber, that has old-styled lamps on its sides.
Rare models of Bentley, Jaguar, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Buick and Pontiac, Lagonda, Fiat and Ferrari looked stunning, as they made they way through the Lutyens' Delhi, on way to Gurgaon.

Luigi Estero, Charge'd' Affairs, at the Italian Embassy here, who attended the event, said, "It is matter of pride for us to see Italian cars in this rally. Fiat, Ferrari, and Vespa have been part of the automobile history of India too. And, we also want to celebrate our shared culture, including the automobile heritage."

Umama Ibrahim, owner of the 1913 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, came along with her husband and three little children, from Kanpur to participate in the rally.
"We have of 8-10 cars back home, all well-maintained. Our generation has realised the importance of keeping these heritage cars in proper condition. And, we take a lot of pride in our vintage cars, like a family jewel," she told PTI.
The event also showcased a few last surviving editions of cars, such as, 1939 Delage D-8 120 (the US) and 1965 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud (the UK).
A 1937 Rolls Royce 25/30, earlier owned by the Darbhanga Raj family of Bihar, a 1942 Packard 180 Limo, of the Second World War era, along with the restored 1938 Armstrong Siddeley, previously owned by the Kapurthala royal family, were also among the head-turners.

"The vision of the event is to bring India forward, as a world-class global motoring tourism destination," founder of 21 Gun Salute Heritage and Cultural Trust, Madan Mohan said.
The rally ended at the Ambience Greens Golf Course in Gurgaon. On the way, it passed by several historic landmarks.
In Gurgaon, the cars will be on display till February 18.
Besides, the 1922 Moon; 1942 Packard 180 Limo; and 1933 Cadillac V-12 and 1930 Cadillac V-16 (both models being the only ones of its vintage in India), 35 vintage scooters and motorcycles, of Triumph, Norton, Lambretta and other manufacturers, also took part in the rally.