New Delhi, Delhi, The much awaited auto event of India, the 10th Auto Expo 2010, is not only be about concept cars and the latest technology in automobiles but also provides visitors an opportunity to admire cars that have had a glorious and lively past. Some of the beautifully restored vintage and classics on display, dating back to the early 1920, were once driven by maharajas, princes, industrialists, film actors, philanthropists and style icons of the times. It is thanks to the effort and initiatives of the Heritage Motoring Club of India (HMCI) which has worked vigorously over the past Ten years in bringing the private collections of vintage and classic car and motorcycle collectors to the general public.
This year, the HMCI Pavilion will be the first pavilion to be inaugurated by Shri M. S. Gill, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. He will also release "The Classic Heritage of India", a Vintage & Classic Car Wall Calendar 2010 featuring photographs of automobiles by well known automotive photographer K. Jairaj Chaudhari.
The HMCI pavilion, spread over 22,000 sq. ft. of covered area, and located near` the main entry at Gate 2 (Bhairon Marg), will display over 75 Vintage & Classic Automobiles. According to Mr. K. T. S. Tulsi, President HMCI, "We are the only classic auto club that has participated in each of the past four Auto Expos of 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. This year too we will showcase the best restored thoroughbred classics including some rare, exotic, iconic and popular models of classic automobiles from 1920-1970 in order to create greater understanding and appreciation of our passion".
Curiosity over how auto-engineering has evolved over a century attracts several motor car enthusiasts to the HMCI stall. Visitors to the pavilion can look forward to seeing yesteryear beauties such as Buick Series 90L, Jaguar XK120, Mercedes 180 Pontoon, Mustang 1966.
According to Mr. Diljeet Titus, General Secretary, HMCI, one of the primary objectives of the show is to provide a perspective of how automobile engineering has evolved over the years. Cases in point are Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet BelAir, Mercedes 170V Sports Roadster. This year the number of participants has increased to 75 from the first year 65.
HMCI vice-president S. B. Jattis says, "My dream of trying to attract more young people and telling them about our centuries-old assets is bearing fruit. Our pavilion drew record visitors in 2008 and Im sure this time too it will be a crowd puller."
In addition to the display of vehicles, the club has also organized a slew of activities for visitors to the Heritage Pavilion. These include:
Automotive Fine Arts Exhibition:
The HMCI in a unique initiative will honour captains of the Indian Auto Industry with Mementoes and also exhibit paintings and fine examples of automotive art. These will be from the private collections of Mr. Farhan Kidwai, Mr. Sandeep Katari, Mr. Jairaj Chaudhari, Mr. Sunil Sahai and Mr. Diljeet Titus. Throughout the Auto Expo, children will be invited to participate in a painting competition.
Tour for Children and the Elderly:
HMCI will organize a special tour for underprivileged children from the SOS Children Village. The elderly from Helpage India will also get a chance to visit the Auto Expo and a take a trip down memory lane with cars from their childhood which will be followed by lunch.
Auction of a Classic Car and Automotive Painting:
At the HMCI pavilion, visitors can bid for an auction of a restorable classic car. Money raised from the bid will go towards a charity. Visitors will also enjoy a live rock n roll show by Black Slade every evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. performing music from the 60s and 70s.
Other features of the pavilion:
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A display by Manjit Bhullar of three classic Bullet motorcycles - modified versions.
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The Heritage Stock Exchange will offer tips to the visitors on restoration of a vintage car and advice on buying and selling collectibles.
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The pavilion will also have a stall distributing Classic Wheels, wall calendars, posters, t-shirts, caps, badges, classic auto books, classic auto models.
Notes to Editor
About Heritage Motoring Club of India
The Heritage Motoring Club of India was founded in 2001. It has 200 members across India owning more than 3000 Vintage & Classic Cars. The club actively organizes two to three events every month throughout October to March when the weather is ideal for running vintage cars over a long distance.
Since its inception, HMCI has organized a number of purpose driven events, made contributions to public causes and is actively working towards allocation of land to set up the National Museum of Vintage and Classic Automobiles.
It also launched Classic Wheels, a first of its kind of journal in India devoted to the collection and preservation of vintage and classic automobiles. HMCI is India nationally recognized and professionally managed Club that is spearheading public participation in and enthusiasm for Vintage and Classic Automobiles. It has a unique vision in communicating and sharing its passion for Vintage and Classic automobiles with the people of India.
