Heritage on Wheels – Vintage Car Exhibition in Nagpur, India

Heritage on Wheels – The vintage car exhibition, organized by the Raman Science Centre in collaboration with the Central India Vintage Automotive Association, Nagpur, was a grand spectacle. Held in the heart of India – Nagpur, on 16th February 2025, this event brought together automotive enthusiasts, collectors, and curious onlookers eager to get a glimpse of the golden era of automobiles.

My husband is a huge vintage and classic car enthusiast, and over the years, his passion has rubbed off on me and our kids. This exhibition was an absolute treat for us, offering a nostalgic journey through the evolution of automobiles. So on this sunny Sunday, we all woke up early and eager, packed our water bottles and snack bags, and drove to Raman Science Centre for a day spent in proximity to some vintage beauties.

Our exploration began with the scooters on display, featuring a stunning lineup from the 1950s and 60s, including iconic models like Vespas, Bajaj Super, and Lambrettas. The Italian manufacturer Innocenti truly created some of the most stylish and sought-after scooters of their time, with their sleek curves and distinctive design that made them a favorite worldwide.

 

Next, we moved on to the motorcycles, marveling at the BMW R71, R50, and R26 models, each a testament to the brand’s engineering excellence. The 1938 Norton 16H, owned by Dr. Owais Talib, was an absolute showstopper. This model, once widely used by the British military, has a rich history of being deployed in World War II. Alongside it were the military-green Matchless bikes, which further added to the exhibition’s historical significance.

A particularly fascinating exhibit was the 1942 Chevrolet Bus owned by Rajesh Gupta, which is still fully functional—an incredible feat for a vehicle of its age. Equally captivating was his 1922 Harley Davidson with a sidecar, bearing a registration number starting with “CP,” a nod to Nagpur’s history when it was part of the Central Provinces.

Among the cars, the bright red duo of the Singer 9 Roadster (1948) and the MG TC (1946), owned by Rukshad Bhagwagar, were true crowd-pullers. The MG TC, an emblem of post-war British motoring, was especially noteworthy as it played a crucial role in popularizing sports cars in America. The striking yellow Austin A40 Devon (1948) owned by Aqueel Ahmed, with its classic post-war design and spacious interior, was another highlight.

The exhibition featured more timeless beauties like the Austin Ten (1945), the stylish Ford Consul (1955), and the formidable Dodge Kingsway, a car that was once a symbol of prestige and power. The lineup also included the black Hindustan Motors Landmaster—the predecessor to the Ambassador—and the majestic Ambassador Mark II in light blue, a car that once dominated Indian roads. Adding to the charm was the elegant black Fiat Select, a classic that still holds a special place in many Indian hearts.

One of the most stunning vehicles on display was the maroon Triumph TR4, a British sports car from the 1960s, known for its sleek lines and impressive performance. However, my personal favorite was the Volkswagen Microbus (1972) in bright lime green, owned by Shreesh Deodhar. The VW Microbus, often associated with the free-spirited hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s, always brings to mind scenes from the film Little Miss Sunshine. Its iconic design and spacious interior make it one of the most beloved vehicles ever produced.

We also adored the two adorable VW Beetles on display. With their distinctive rounded shape and enduring popularity, the Beetle remains one of the most recognizable cars in the world.

A particularly remarkable exhibit was the true-to-size, working model of the 1886 Benz Motorwagen, the first automobile ever built. Crafted from scratch in Nagpur by Iqbal Ahmed, this remarkable feat of engineering was a tribute to the invention that revolutionized transportation.

The exhibition also paid homage to classic Jeep models, ranging from the Ford GPW to the rugged Willys models from the 1940s and 50s. These sturdy machines, originally designed for military use, became beloved for their durability and off-road capability.

Our visit concluded with a display of modern classic bikes, including Indian favorites like the Yamaha RX 100, Yamaha 350, Rajdoot Excel-T, Suzuki Shogun, Yezdi, and the legendary Royal Enfield Bullet. A standout among them was the beautifully maintained 1962 Jawa 350 in red and black, owned by Raju Naidu, a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy.

Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to interact with many proud vehicle owners, who enthusiastically shared intriguing stories about their automobiles, some of which had been in their families for generations. Their passion and dedication to preserving these mechanical masterpieces were truly inspiring.

This vintage car exhibition was an incredibly educational and engaging experience for all of us. It was exhilarating to witness such a diverse and well-maintained collection of vintage cars and bikes right here in Nagpur. The crowd, comprising enthusiastic youngsters, nostalgic parents, and curious children, reflected the universal appeal of these timeless machines. For our vintage car-loving family, it was an unforgettable day celebrating automotive history and heritage.