Mangaluru, January 26, 2025: The Vintage Classic Car and Bike Exhibition, organized at Nehru Maidan as part of the Republic Day celebrations, drew an enthusiastic crowd on Sunday. Showcasing 26 vintage cars and 22 bikes, the event highlighted the timeless charm and craftsmanship of classic vehicles, with visitors eagerly capturing photographs and selfies alongside the exhibits.
A key attraction was the collection of Arjun Rao, the 2023 Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) winner, which included a Rolls Royce, a 1948 Bentley, and a 1949 Cadillac.
The exhibition featured several iconic vehicles, including a 1929 Ford, a 1962 Fiat Select, a 1948 Morris Oxford from England, a 1993 Hindustan Contessa Classic owned by Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Yathish N, a 1981 Premier Padmini owned by D. Rathnakar Bhandary, a 1962 Hindustan Ambassador owned by Raghavendra Prabhu, and a 1970 Mercedes-Benz W115.
Two-wheelers also turned heads, with standout models such as a 1972 Lambretta, a 1974 Yezdi B-Type, a 1975 Bajaj LML scooter, and a 1966 Bajaj Sunny. The oldest vehicle on display was a 1933 Chevrolet from the USA, owned by Hemaraj from Moodbidri.
According to Mangalore Motor Sports Association President Sudhir B.K., the exhibition celebrated the fusion of history, art, and engineering, leaving visitors captivated by the elegance and legacy of these classic machines.