 When
it comes to upholding a legacy, Bangalore has always been
a trend setter. The recently held Vintage Car Rally, which
highlighted the need to preserve these priceless mechanical
possessions, also emphasized the need to bring back beauty
to the city.
 It
was a fascinating line up of Gigantic Chevrolets, Jaguars,
majestic Merecedes, Triumphs, Austins, Morises, Willy jeeps
along with Royal Enfield and BSA motorbikes. To the amazement
of the huge crowd that had gathered on the cool Sunday morning
of October 29, 2000, the riders were also aptly dressed in
period costume of the the 50's and 60's. This glorious spectacle
owes thanks to Karnataka Vintage and Classic Car Club
(KVCCC) for having organised this rally of old beauties that
had gathered together from all over
the state. The rally that flagged off at around 10 AM, cruised
through Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, M G Road, St. Marks Road,
Ulsoor and Indira Nagar before terminating at White Field.
The assembled crowd along these roads cheered the cars and
bikes all through. The owne rs
were in high-spirits and proudly paraded their possessions
in public. Papanna, who was on his 1936-make Jaguar
with his family, was heard saying, "This is one of the
very few occasions we get to drive our Vintage cars. This
rally is a great occasion for the owners who strive hard to
maintain them all through the year."
Notable vehicles in the rally were Dr Ravi Prakash's
1918 Sunbeam, Government owned Dennis fire engine of 1925,
a Renault (1903) and DB27 Daimler (1947). Dr Ravi Prakash,
Secretary of KVCCC said, "Whenever we hold an event, it
is done with a purpose, and this time the purpose was to restore
Bangalore to its old and beautiful self". The placards
projecting from the cars displayed poignant environmental
slogans like-Keep Bangalore clean; Plant more trees and
the like, all reflective of rally's theme-Bring Beauty
Back to Bangalore.
 There
were accolades for the best beauties, be it the car or the
costume of the person driving it. Afzal Sharief, who
took part in the rally with his Chevrolet, won the costume
round. While Nanda Gopal on his 1938 Mercedes became
the first runner up, Sabeena on her metallic Sunbeam
bagged the second runner-up title.
Some cars needed rest in between the rally because of their
age. A Willy jeep (1952-make) was too tired at one point of
the rally and had to be towed by another Willy till it got
back on the tracks. Altogether, the rally was vintage fare
for onlookers, taking them back to leisure-filled, glorious
days of yesteryears.
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4:33:13 AM 
