First vintage car exhibition in Odisha captivates enthusiasts in Bhubaneswar

Odisha Concours D'Elegance, the first vintage and classic car exhibition kicked off at Baramunda playground in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The two-day vintage and classic car show was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

A stunning collection of several vintage and classic cars that are more than 100 years old are being displayed at the exhibition. The expo features an impressive array of 52 historic automobiles, including Benz Motorwagen, Rolls-Royce, Ford, Jaguar, Bugatti, British Classics, and Mk V.

Vintage car enthusiasts can have a glimpse of the rare and unique vehicles which ruled the roads 100 years back. The event promises a nostalgic journey through automotive history, celebrating the timeless elegance of these iconic automobiles. These classic vehicles are not only old model cars; rather these are part of the rich golden history. 

Once, these cars were the status symbols of the then kings and royal families. Now these classic cars have become the most important treasure for some people. Though most of these cars have crossed 100 years, they are kept in very good condition. It seems as if those shining vehicles have been bought fresh from the showrooms.

As per the organisers of the exhibition, the event promises a nostalgic journey through automotive history, celebrating the timeless elegance of these iconic automobiles.

“This kind of exhibition is being organised in Odisha for the first time. As many new things are taking place in Bhubaneswar and Odisha these days, we wondered why we should lag behind in organising this unique exhibition. We will try to make it an annual event,” said Dharmaditya Patnaik, one of the organisers.

“Let the people of Odisha watch some rare collections of classic and vintage cars in the exhibition and let this culture grow in the State. We are planning to make this exhibition a huge one next time,” said Biraj Patnaik, another organizer.

Car enthusiasts have categorized distinctions between vintage cars, antique cars, and classic cars. As per the classification, a vintage car in the most general sense is known as a vehicle made from 1919-1930. Similarly, antique cars are from the period 1930-1975 and classic cars from 1975-2000.

A Limousine model of Rolls Royce of 1938 was used by the then kings and is on display at the exhibition. There is a glass partition inside the vehicle so that the driver will be able to hear the talks of the king. Moreover, there is also a walkie-talkie facility inside the vehicle that helps the king give orders to the driver. There is another rare and attractive Rolls Royce car of 1937 displayed in the exhibition which is attracting many car lovers. 

A blue colour vintage car from 1920 named Moon has also become the cynosure of all the eyes. As per the organisers, only two cars of this brand are currently available in the world. A 1928 Rolls Royce Phantom car that was used by the then Bhavnagar king is also attracting eyeballs. The vehicle has the facility to keep guns inside it. The most attractive among those vehicles is Alvis 25 DHC model car. The black colour luxurious car was used by the Mayurbhanj Royal Family in 1937.

“I bought a vintage car in 2001-02. It was one of the most graceful vehicles in the world. After buying the vehicle, I took five to six years to restore it fully,” said a vintage car collector from Punjab.