The Classic Drivers Club (CDC) recently hosted its fourth Vintage and Classic Car exhibition of the year at a posh Kolkata club bringing together aspirants, owners and restorers of these lost jewels. The event showcased a total of 62 vehicles, while some were left out due to a lack of space.

Among the standout exhibits were iconic British automobiles and motorcycles that defined an era of engineering excellence. The 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 and Colwyn Cabriolet reflected pre-war opulence, while the Morris Minor (1949-1951) and Austin 7 evoked nostalgia for Britain’s golden age of motoring.

Enthusiasts admired the MG Magnette ZA (1955) and Triumph Spitfire 4 (1963), which embodied mid-century sports car charm, while rugged classics like the Land Rover Series 3 (1974) and Range Rover Classic (1984) underscored the nation’s off-road dominance.

On two wheels, the BSA Bantam D1 (1948) and Ariel Red Hunter (1937, 1947) stood alongside wartime legends such as the Matchless G3L (1941) and Triumph 3HW (1940), highlighting Britain’s role in shaping global motorcycling history.

Besides the British automobiles, the exhibition featured a diverse line-up including the Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat 1100 series, Chevrolet Fleetmaster and Mercury 8, alongside Indian icons like the Hindustan Ambassador and Contessa. Legendary two-wheelers such as the Vespa, Yamaha RX100 and Rajdoot GTS 175 added to the show’s global appeal.

These meticulously restored machines weren’t just showpieces but living testaments to automobile ingenuity, drawing admiration from collectors and history buffs alike.

Speaking to Motoring Trends about how these exhibitions serve as a platform for reliving lost times, Pallab Roy, a vintage and classic car owner and restorer averred, “Kolkata, a city steeped in heritage, extends its cultural legacy beyond architecture and historic buildings to vintage automobiles. With growing awareness, these classic cars are increasingly showcased at exhibitions, ensuring preservation and maintenance. Unlike static artifacts, vintage cars require periodic use to remain operational, much like old cameras or watches that deteriorate when left idle. Events like this provide an opportunity to keep them roadworthy, facilitating servicing, cleaning and restoration.”

Among his notable collections was a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230S, a luxury-class model that introduced the monocoque chassis, coolant-based radiators and tubeless tyres—marking significant innovations for its time.

Another highlight of his collection was a meticulously restored 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Sport Sedan with original upholstery patterns, a wood-grain dashboard and factory-matched paint composition. Completing the collection was a 1951 Mercury, a right-hand-drive export model featuring a flathead V8 engine and the distinctive ‘suicide doors’, later phased out due to safety concerns.

“The perception of vintage cars in Kolkata has evolved dramatically. Decades ago, classic automobiles were often abandoned on roadsides or sold for scrap. Today, increased global exposure through the internet and events has fueled a strong collector’s market. Unlike modern vehicles designed for rapid model turnover, early automobiles were built to endure for decades, often requiring in-house maintenance in remote areas. This resilience, combined with growing public interest, particularly among younger generations, has revitalised Kolkata’s classic car scene, ensuring these automotive icons remain in pristine condition for years to come,” he noted.

Reviving eras past

Saikat Dutta, owner of a 1963 Triumph Spitfire, candidly spoke about the difficulties in maintaining classic cars. “I have had this car for nearly two decades but maintaining it presents significant challenges, particularly when sourcing spare parts. Everything has to be imported. Even the smallest bolts are unavailable locally, requiring shipments from the UK or the US, where suppliers like Moss Motors continue to manufacture components.” 

“However, the future of vintage car preservation is uncertain. The number of skilled mechanics proficient in maintaining these machines is dwindling as newer generations focus on modern vehicles. With fewer experts available to service these aging automobiles, ensuring their longevity will require dedicated enthusiasts, continued knowledge transfer and access to specialised parts and expertise,” he added.

His passion for vintage automobiles began in childhood, shaped by a home filled with classic cars. While life briefly took him away from the hobby, a close friend, Sanjay Ghosh, a noted collector, rekindled his enthusiasm, leading him to acquire his 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster in 2007.

Ritabrata Mukherjee, a member of the general committee at CDC, reflected on the organisation’s journey since its inception in 2017 stating, “With a growing community of approximately 150 members collectively owning around 200 vintage and classic automobiles and motorcycles, the club has established itself as a cornerstone of Kolkata’s classic car culture,” said Mukherjee.

Over the years, CDC has hosted nearly 200 events, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as the Calcutta Club, Saturday Club and Hindustan Club. Flagship initiatives include the Alipore Museum Show and the Braille Rally, a unique CSR initiative entering its second year. 

Commenting on how far is the club’s footprint, he noted, “Currently, membership is exclusive to West Bengal, though expansion beyond the state is under consideration. The club organises six to eight annual events including long-distance drives to heritage destinations within the state. Unlike traditional collectors, who view vintage vehicles as static relics, the club emphasises road use, ensuring these machines remain functional.” 

The club has also fostered academic collaborations, recently partnering with IIT Kharagpur and preparing for an upcoming engagement with Jadavpur University’s festival in March, where vintage cars and motorcycles will be showcased.

At its core, the club is dedicated to preserving Kolkata’s rich motoring legacy ensuring that these historic automobiles remain not just museum pieces but living testaments to a bygone era of craftsmanship and design.

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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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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced ‘PRO’ Pack in its popular compact SUV the Hyundai Exter at starting price of INR 798,390 (ex-showroom).

The new Pro pack features wheel arch cladding, side sill garnish, all-new Titan Grey Matte colour and a Dashcam to make the SUV more safer.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At HMIL, we are continuously evolving our product offerings to resonate with the aspirations of today's young and progressive customers. The introduction of PRO Pack in Hyundai EXTER is a step further in this direction, combining bold styling, advanced technology and strong safety to create a truly distinctive value proposition. With its refreshed appeal, the PRO Pack in Hyundai EXTER strengthens our commitment to redefining customer delight and making every drive a PRO experience."

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MOL, Suzuki Motor Corporation and TradeWaltz have announced a new partnership to streamline and decarbonise the automobile trade between India and Africa. The three companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.

This collaboration aims to address current challenges in the trade by leveraging digital solutions and enhancing efficiency. The companies will focus on identifying problems in the supply chain and developing solutions for smoother transportation. A key part of the initiative is also promoting decarbonisation efforts within the logistics process.

The partnership aligns with the ‘Japan-India Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa,’ launched in February 2025. By combining their individual strengths, MOL, Suzuki and TradeWaltz hope to contribute to the economic development of both India and Africa. The companies stated that this MU is the first step toward building a more robust and interconnected automobile supply chain between these two rapidly growing markets.

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Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced a significant increase in the production of its highly anticipated its limited BE 6 Batman Edition, raising the total number of units available from 300 to 999. The decision comes in response to what the company described as an ‘extraordinary outpouring of enthusiasm’ from fans and collectors.

Initially envisioned as a small, limited run, the BE 6 Batman Edition has generated immense excitement, particularly among younger fans of the iconic superhero. The company stated that the overwhelming demand made it clear that fans wanted more, and the production increase aims to meet this desire while still maintaining the vehicle's exclusive nature.

Bookings for the special edition SUV will open on 23 August 2025, at 11 am, with deliveries slated to begin on 20 September 2025, which is International Batman Day. Customers interested in securing a vehicle can pre-register starting 21 August at 5 pm, by visiting the official Mahindra website. This pre-booking process allows for a faster checkout once reservations officially begin.

Each of the 999 vehicles will feature a unique ‘badge number’ from 001 to 999, which customers can select after their booking is confirmed. Mahindra highlighted that this approach focuses on celebrating the individual's connection to the brand and the hero, rather than just the vehicle's exclusivity.

The company hinted at a potential collaboration with other limited-edition models in 2026, building on the success of this partnership.

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