HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
Timeless elegance showcasing over 150 years old exceptional vintage cars and bikes dazzled on the streets of Delhi to Karnal. Celebrating India’s rich automotive heritage and highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship of bygone eras, the HMCI Classic Drive was organised by Noormahal Palace in collaboration with the Heritage Motoring Club of India. This event served as a tribute to the golden era of motoring when elegance and engineering merged seamlessly, vintage car enthusiasts, collectors, and aficionados from across the nation came together for this remarkable classic drive.
Starting from Nexus Select CITYWALK, the drive culminated at India’s iconic architectural heritage landmark Noormahal Palace in Karnal. This stunning fusion of Mughal and Rajputana designs reflects the magnificence of Indian maharajas. HMCI Classic Drive was flagged off by Maharaja Manujendra Shah Bahadur Sahib of the erstwhile princely state of Tehri-Garhwal, Mr.Arjun Sharma, Board Member and Vice Chairman of Nexus Select Mall Management Company and Mr. Chander Shekhar Puri, CGM, Noormahal Palace.
“Vintage cars are more than just vehicles; they are time capsules that transport us back to an era of sophistication and timeless beauty,” said Colonel Manbeer Choudhary, CMD, Jewel Classic Hotels Pvt. Ltd. “The Vintage Car Rally not only celebrates the craftsmanship of these automobiles but also showcases the spirit of camaraderie among collectors who share a deep passion for these treasures. At Noormahal Palace, we are committed to preserving and promoting India’s royal legacy and heritage luxury within and outside the country.”
The rally featured remarkable classic treasures, including the 1919 Citroen Roadster, 1938 Buick 90 L Limousine, 1941 Cadillac, 1952 Citroen Traction Avant, 1957 Bentley, 1959 Ford Consul Deluxe, 1963 Ford Galaxie Convertible, 1965 Mercedes W110, 1965 Mercedes-Benz 110-190c, 1968 Volkswagen Beetle VW1500, 1954 Royal Enfield G Model, 1944 BSA M 20. Both Noormahal Palace and HMCI stand as testaments to our nation’s rich automotive heritage and history. The rally successfully highlighted this legacy, aiming to revive and promote our cultural and national values through the celebration of iconic vehicles and their stories.
The fleet of vintage automobiles took over the streets of Delhi and Karnal highlighting an enchanting lineup of meticulously restored classic cars, each telling its own story that spans generations. “We participate in numerous car-motor events. Typically, we undertake a single long drive every year. Our annual route takes us from here to Jaipur, and we have previously visited destinations like Shimla, Ranthambore, and Alwar. These vintage drives during the monsoon are a special tradition for us, and this year, we headed for Noormahal Palace. The HMCI Classic Drive rally is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the rich heritage of vintage automobiles.” emphasized Diljeet Titus, General Secretary, Heritage Motoring Club of India.
The presence of these car owners such as Mr. Kaleem Khan, Mr. Diljeet Titus, Mr. Shivraj Anand, Capt. Arjun Balraj Mehta, Mr. Uday Bahadur, Mr. Gyanender Dabas, Mr. Ved Prakash, Mr. Ashok Kaicker, Mr. Anjum Siddiqui, Sparky, Mr. Parvinder Singh, Mr. Sanjay Panchal, Mr. Puneet Sharma, Mr. Laddy Bhatia, Mr. Sonu Gill, Mr. Satwant Singh Gaba and Mr. Sudhir Verma added a touch of grace to the event. In the midst of luxury and tradition, it also witnessed the dynamic participation of prominent Indian social media influencers, including Garima Avtar, Anil Kharra, Bhavjeet Sehgal etc.
Speaking at the gala launch, Roop Partap Choudhary, MD, Noormahal Palace Hotel, expressed his delight, saying,” This vintage car rally reminds us of the significance of recognizing the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations. Vintage cars are not just vehicles; they are a symbol of our history, culture, and the progress we have made over the years. They tell stories of bygone eras, and each vehicle in the rally holds a piece of our collective memory. The Noormahal Palace itself stands tall as a testament to our rich heritage. This magnificent palace, with its regal architecture and opulent interiors, showcases the grandeur of the past. It stands as a reminder of the artistry and craftsmanship that thrived in our country for centuries.”
Talking about the event Mr. Chander Shekhar Puri, CGM, Noormahal Palace Hotel said, “This vintage car rally is a unique presentation that not only exhibits automobiles that amaze us but also a journey through time that celebrates glory of our heritage and culture. Noormahal Palace Hotel and this wonderful rally both stand for the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage in India and to the global audience. We are extremely happy that these two have come together to create this splendour.”
The drive concluded at the stunning Noormahal Palace, a remarkable example of Mughal and Rajputana architecture, linked to Raja Karna from the Mahabharata. The palace’s intricate design created a breathtaking backdrop for the vintage automobiles, perfectly blending history and modernity. The HMCI Classic Drive to Noormahal Palace showcased the combination of luxury and heritage, highlighting the enchanting allure of classic treasures.
