AstaGuru will showcase some of the world’s most coveted vintage and classic cars at its upcoming ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction, which will take place from 20 to 22 November 2024.

The auction will offer an exclusive collection of rare and meticulously curated vintage cars, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and automotive enthusiasts to acquire iconic pieces of automotive history.

The auction will feature an impressive lineup of vehicles, including a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine, a 1946 Singer Nine Roadster, a 1946 Bentley Mark VI, a 1947 Lincoln Continental V12 Convertible and a 1948 Jaguar Mark IV, among others. These stunning machines, each a testament to the engineering marvels of their era, promise to transport bidders back in time, celebrating the golden age of motoring.

A Growing Market in India

AstaGuru’s Vintage and Classic Car Specialist, Muzammil Kazi, shared his insights on the evolution of the vintage car market in India. “We did our first auction in 2018, and it was a surprising success,” Kazi noted. “At the time, these cars weren’t available online or marketed in the way they are now. You’d have to go to a dealer or connect with a seller directly, which made it hard to find these rare cars. But our first auction was a hit, with all lots selling successfully.”

The vintage car market in India, according to Kazi, is far from saturated. “The market is 100 percent growing. These cars were imported to India in limited quantities, and you wouldn’t find brands like Ford or General Motors here in the same way as abroad. Cars like the Fiat, Ambassador, or old Maruti SS80 were more common, but the rare vintage gems we are showcasing today are difficult to find.”

Kazi also emphasised that the scarcity of such cars means the market still has significant potential for growth. “The cars we have on display today are curated from various collectors across India, and it’s very rare to see them come together in one auction,” he explained.

Safeguarding Online Bidders

AstaGuru’s online auction platform also ensures that bidders are fully protected throughout the process. “We have a strong set of terms and conditions for the cars we sell,” Kazi explained. “We only auction cars with up-to-date paperwork and in proper running condition. Once a car is sold, we ensure the buyer receives it only after the seller submits a No Objection Certificate (NOC), making the transaction smooth and secure.”

Record-Breaking Bids

The auction has seen some impressive bids in the past. Kazi highlighted one of the highest bids to date: a Mercedes-Benz 111 230S, which was estimated at INR 2.1 million but eventually sold for INR 6.8 million. Another standout was a Rolls-Royce, which had an estimated value of INR 7-8 million but sold for a remarkable INR 18 million.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

For classic car enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction represents an unmissable opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most beautifully restored vehicles in the world. With its rich history and pedigree, each car in the auction is a testament to the artistry and engineering excellence that defined its era. Whether a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage automobiles, this event promises a truly memorable experience for all involved.

As the vintage car market continues to grow in India, AstaGuru is setting the stage for an exciting future for collectors and car lovers alike. The ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction is expected to draw attention from around the world, offering a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.

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BMW India has released the new BMW X5 at prices starting INR 10.03 million (ex-showroom). The cars are produced at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai and come with petrol and diesel engine options.

The ex-showroom prices for the new variants are as follows:

• BMW X5 xDrive30d: INR 10.23 million
• BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport Pro: 11.5 million
• BMW X5 xDrive40i: INR 10.03 million
• BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport Pro: INR 11.3 million

The new X5 models include a BMW Widescreen Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display. The cars also feature Comfort Seats with electric adjustments and lumbar support. Standard equipment includes a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and a 4-zone automatic climate control system.

Both the petrol and diesel engines are equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The 3-litre 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine of the X5 xDrive40i produces 381 hp and 520 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.4 seconds. The 3-litre 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine of the X5 xDrive30d produces 286 hp and 650 Nm of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds. Both engines also feature a 48V electrical motor.

The xOffroad package is now available for the X5, providing four driving modes: xSand, xRocks, xGravel and xSnow. The package also includes reinforced underbody protection.

Safety systems on the new X5 include Parking Assistant Professional with Surround View Camera, Reversing Assistant and Drive Recorder. The cars are also equipped with airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and an electronic immobiliser.

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Maruti Suzuki True Value (MSTV), India's leading pre-owned car retail network, has attained a new sales milestone of selling over 6 million cars since its launch in 2001, which includes 492,697 vehicles in FY2024–25 alone.

The milestone, the company shared, highlights the channel's sustained growth and its status as a preferred choice for consumers seeking quality pre-owned vehicles.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, "As we celebrate the 6 million sales milestone, we are deeply grateful to all our valued customers for their trust in True Value cars," he said. "Established over two decades ago, Maruti Suzuki True Value has consistently been a top consideration for a diverse demography of customers as a reliable and safe pre-owned car channel."

Banerjee also noted that MSTV is especially popular with younger buyers, with an average customer age of 31. Eighty-five per cent of True Value customers are first-time car owners. The company's focus on "industry-leading services" is designed to provide customers with "complete peace of mind."

All Maruti Suzuki True Value-certified vehicles undergo a rigorous 376-point quality check and are refurbished with genuine Maruti Suzuki parts. The company stated it verifies each car's service history and documentation before it is offered for sale. To further build customer confidence, certified cars come with a warranty of up to one year and three free services.

At present, the company’s network includes 606 showrooms across 305 cities in India.

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Skoda has released a teaser video offering the first look inside its upcoming Vision O concept car, revealing a new interior design language. The car will be officially unveiled on 8th September in Munich.

The interior showcases the next evolution of the brand’s Modern Solid design philosophy, focusing on a customer-centric and sustainable approach. The design emphasises a spacious layout with clean lines for a harmonious feel.

Oliver Stefani, Head of Skoda Design, said, “The interior design concept of the Vision O showcases our commitment to combining simplicity and sustainability with enhanced comfort. The combination of clean lines and intuitive functionality reflect our efforts to create a harmonious and functional interior. It features materials and design elements that are not only aesthetically an evolution of our Modern Solid design language but also emphasise environmental responsibility.”

The interior features a minimalist, ergonomic design that prioritises practicality and intuitive functionality. It includes unique 3D-printed headrests for a comfortable and airy feel. Following circular economy principles, the materials used throughout the cabin are sustainable, with a focus on plant-based and compostable components to reduce the car’s environmental impact.

The Vision O will be a look at the future of Skoda’s estate segment.

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Renault India has released the new Kiger, an updated version of its sub-four-meter SUV at prices starting INR 629,000 with prices going upto INR 1.12 million (ex-showroom).

The SUV is an evolution of the previous model, features over 35 updates. It was developed to align with the ‘rethink performance’ philosophy.

The new Kiger has a refreshed exterior and an updated interior. It now includes a multi-view camera system, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps. The Kiger is also equipped with a 20.32 cm touchscreen and a sound system.

The Kiger is available with two engine options: a 100 PS turbocharged engine and a 72 PS naturally aspirated engine. For safety, the new Kiger offers 21 standard safety features across all versions, including six airbags, ESP and Hill Start Assist.

Venkatram Mamillapalle, MD and CEO, Renault India, said, “We are excited to launch the New Kiger in a segment which is growing fastest and contributes 50% to the SUV sales and 31% to the TIV of the country. Kiger has been a unique product in its segment, and with this latest evolution, we are reaffirming our commitment to making expressive design, intelligent engineering, and real-world performance accessible to Indian customers. This marks a pivotal moment in Renault’s India centric transformation journey renault. rethink.”

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Renault India, said, “Renault Kiger has shaped expectations in the compact SUV segment with its aesthetic design, modern details, and bold stance combined with the lightweight CMFA+ platform. The New Kiger remains highly agile and responsive, giving customers the confidence of SUV DNA with the ease of everyday driving on city roads and highways- ticking all that is required for perfect performance.” 

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