On Sunday, December 28, Calcutta Cricket and Football Club (CC&FC) set up a special date with heritage motoring. This winter Sunday morning was made even more charming with the presence of 35 fabulous heritage vehicles, owned by Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) members, that were showcased at the CCFC – EIMG Vintage Car Display 2025.
The CC&CC members and their guests were in for a visual treat as Kunal Banerjee’s 1926 Studebaker Erskine, followed by the 1927 Dodge Brothers, 1928 Ford Model A and the 1929 Essex – all three owned by Surendra Dugar, and Partha Banik’s 1930 Ford Model A rounded off the list of the five oldest cars in attendance at the CCFC – EIMG Vintage Car Display 2025.
While Krish Ajmera’s 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25, 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 owned by the Karnani Family, Avik Naha’s 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30, Azam Monem’s 1948 Bentley Mk VI, 1936 Bentley 3.5L and 1938 Rolls-Royce owned by Shrivardhan Kanoria made jaws drop with awe and admiration.
An enviable sight ensued as one lay their eyes on Swapan Kumar Lahiri’s 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster & 1963 Triumph Spitfire owned by Saikat Dutta, Sumit Periwal’s 1954 Land Rover S1, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180A owned by Prithvi Nath Tagore, 1948 MGTC owned by Himanshu Ajmera and Gadai Chandra Dey’s 1938 Alder Trumph.
Other praiseworthy cars showcased at the CCFC – EIMG Vintage Car Display included Shubhajit Kumar’s 1963 Standard Herald, 1937 Ford 7W10 owned by Saurjya Pratim Mitra, Ranajit Gooptu’s 1952 Austin Somerset, 1970 Range Rover owned by Vivekananda Chanda and Ahmed Monem’s 1987 Land Rover Defender.
A thanksgiving ceremony followed by a sumptuous beer luncheon wrapped up the last Sunday afternoon of 2025 in great style and elegance.
After a successful 2025 season in which McLaren Motorsport claimed its first FIA World Endurance Championship, returned to the top step of the GT World Challenge Europe podium, and secured GT4 titles in both Britain and Australia, 2026 is set to be an even bigger year as McLaren Motorsport confirms its expanded roster of 16 Factory Drivers — a distinguished and international lineup representing the brand’s competitive racing DNA across leading global GT series.
As an integral element of McLaren Motorsport’s GT racing proposition, the Factory Drivers form part of McLaren’s customer racing programmes globally, while feeding into the development programmes of the GT3, GT4 and Trophy car range.
German racer Marvin Kirchhöfer once again heads the Factory Driver line up, with Briton Dean MacDonald, Benjamin Goethe, Arthur Rougier and Simon Gachet returning. All had strong campaigns last year in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance and Sprint Cup series.
Joseph Loake graduates from the previous Junior Pro category to become a fully-fledged Factory Driver after impressing on his GT debut last year. The 2023 Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award winner previously raced single seaters in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.
The programme has now been streamlined, with the previous Junior Pro and Graduate categories merging to form the McLaren GT3 Junior Driver category. Benefitting from the tutelage of former McLaren Factory Driver, and now McLaren Motorsport Sporting Director, Rob Bell, ten drivers will become GT3 Junior Drivers. DTM driver Ben Dörr returns, as does Josh Rattican, who extends his stay on the programme into a fourth year. 2023 McLaren Trophy Europe champion Tommy Pintos also remains and is joined by 2025 champion Jayden Kelly, who moved into GT3 racing late last year.
Six new members include Garage 59 driver, and overall GT World Challenge Endurance Cup race winner in Barcelona, 27-year-old Monégasque-Italian Louis Prette. He is joined by Garage 59 teammate and recently announced FIA World Endurance Championship driver Tom Fleming. In 2025, the Essex-born Fleming dovetailed his GT World Challenge campaign with a European Le Mans Series programme.
Also in the McLaren factory GT fold for 2026 are James Kell, Mikey Porter, Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer and Zak Meakin. Kell, who has previously raced a 570 GT4 and GT3 EVO McLarens in British GT undertook a combined GT Open and GT World Challenge programme last season. Similarly, Porter raced in both championships for stalwart McLaren Customer Racing team Optimum Motorsport. 2022 GT World Challenge Europe Silver Cup champion Jean Baptiste joins the programme after two years of racing prototypes in the European Le Mans Series Zak Meakin was the 2024 British GT GT4 champion and a 2025 McLaren Trophy Europe race winner.
With both Tommy Pintos and Jayden Kelly on the programme, there is now a very clear progression from the McLaren Trophy one-make championships to becoming full Factory Drivers. Introduced in 2025, the McLaren Trophy Academy will be enhanced this year to provide greater experience to the professional drivers competing in the McLaren Trophy series, as well as drivers of an eligible age. The full line-up of McLaren Trophy Academy drivers will be announced in June.
Giorgio Sanna, Head of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive, “I am really pleased that we have a strong group of drivers making up the Factory Driver programme. Marvin, Dean, Benji, Simon, Arthur and Joseph are all top GT drivers, and it is a credit to our factory roster that we have them onboard. The eight GT3 Junior Driver members are all promising talents coming from McLaren Trophies and GT4 and we will be keeping a close eye on their progress. The renewed McLaren Trophy Academy programme dedicated to the best talent drivers competing in our one make series has the target to be a reference GT drivers development program at global level , 2026 is shaping up to be a very exciting season.”
Rob Bell, Sporting Director, McLaren Automotive, “Once again, we have been able to move the McLaren Motorsport Factory Driver programme up a gear. With an expanded line-up and a clear development focus the future is looks very bright. With Marvin, Benji and Tom racing in WEC this year we can now support a straight-line progression from McLaren Trophy to the peak of GT racing in the World Endurance Championship.”
In the summer of ’24, Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG), a community of heritage vehicle collectors and restorers organised the inaugural edition of the EIMG Indian Heritage Car Rally. The event made history by becoming India’s first Indian Heritage Car Rally in the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) format organised under the guidance of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) – the apex body of motor sports in the country.
Fast forward to January 2026, as EIMG jointly with Kolkata Automotive Sports Association (KASA), organised the EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026, for the third consecutive year. Around 27 Indian heritage cars participated in this rally making this the biggest event of its kind. The event also received multiple entries from All Lady Teams.
The EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026 was flagged off from the Town Hall on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 10.00 AM. Mr. Debasish Kumar, Honourable MLA & Mayor-in-Council (Kolkata Municipal Corporation) was present at the flag off ceremony as the Chief Guest. He was joined by Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria, Founder & President (EIMG) and Mr. Swapan Kumar Lahiri, Committee Member (EIMG) who flagged off the bevy of Indian Heritage beauties. The rally covered a distance of around 35 kilometres culminating near Maddox Square. The gala prize distribution was held at Dalhousie Institute that very evening which was followed by cocktail and dinner over camedaririe .
Time stood stand still as the immaculately restored Hindustan Contessa, Hindustan Ambassador Mark I, Fiat 1100D, Fiat Select, Hindustan 14, Fiat Super Select, Hindustan Ambassador Mark III, Contessa Classic, and Maruti 800 among several other notable Indian heritage cars were flagged off against the majestic backdrop of the iconic Town Hall in perhaps India’s only Indian Heritage Rally to be run in the TSD Format under FMSCI.
The EIMG Indian Heritage Bike Ride 2026 was run parallel to this event. Around 17 Indian heritage two-wheelers took part in the ride. Some beautifully restored two wheelers to take part in the EIMG Indian Heritage Bike Ride 2026 included 1986 Yamaha RX100, 1983 Yezdi D250, 1980 Rajdoot 175, and 1995 Yamaha RX135.
The 1952 Hindustan 14 and 1971 Bajaj 150 were the oldest Indian Heritage Car and Bike to take part in this event and successfully complete the route.
This rally is the brainchild of EIMG Secretary Shubhajit Kumar and has been specifically conceived to address the general apathy displayed by other motoring organisations towards the Indian heritage vehicles. The EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026 aimed to not only celebrate the timeless charm of Indian heritage automobiles but also paid homage to the enduring spirit of Indian motoring culture. As participants navigated through the scenic route, they not only reminisced about the glory days of automotive design but also embraced the camaraderie that united enthusiasts of all generations.
“In essence, this rally will be much more than just a showcase of Indian heritage cars; it will be a tribute to passion, perseverance, and the enduring bond between man and machine”, said Mr. Shubhajit Kumar, Secretary, Eastern India Motoring Group, the organizers of the EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026.
And as the engines roared and the wheels turned, the EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026 left an indelible mark on the annals of Kolkata’s motoring history, reminding us all of the timeless allure of Indian heritage automobiles and the joy of the open road.
Results:
Cars manufactured from 1950 to 1974
Winner: 1959 Fiat Super Select owned by P. S. Basha and driven by Sudip Kumar Ghosh and Arindam Ghosh
First Runner Up: 1968 Fiat 1100D owned by Debaprem Chatterjee and driven by Sourajit Dutta and Suvrajit Dutta
Second Runner Up: 1956 Fiat Super Select owned by Nilanjana Cahtterjee and driven by Arman Hussain and Soham Pal
Cars manufactured from 1975 to 2000:
Winner: 1994 Fiat S1 owned by Debaprem Chatterjee and driven by Sekhar Chowdhury and Souradeep Dutta
First Runner Up: 1975 Hindustan Ambassador Mark II owned by Divisha Chatterjee and driven by Debaprem Chatterjee and Prasenjit Roy
Second Runner Up: 1997 Maruti Zen owned by Mubarak Maseeh and driven by Mubarak Maseeh and Raj Kumar Mundra
Best All Lady Team
Winner: 1990 Hindustan Contessa Classic owned Shubhajit Kumar and driven by Anuja Kumar, Sreerupa Sarkar, Jhilik Digpati and Antara Majumder
Oldest Car to Complete the Rally
Winner: 1952 Hindustan 14 owned by Satrajit Mukherjee
Volvo Cars has announced the appointment of Thomas Ingenlath as Chief Design Officer, effective February 1, 2026. The appointment marks the return of one of the most influential designers in the company’s recent history and reinforces Volvo Cars’ leadership in design. Thomas Ingenlath will join the Executive Management Team and lead Volvo Cars’ global design organisation across the product portfolio.
“I am delighted to be returning to Volvo Cars. Design is fundamental to what Volvo stands for. I look forward to working closely with the teams across the company, developing cars that are distinct, relevant and true to the Volvo brand.” says Thomas Ingenlath.
Thomas Ingenlath previously served as Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Cars, where he played a central role in shaping the company’s contemporary Scandinavian design identity and establishing design as a defining element of the brand. More recently, as CEO of Polestar, he led the creation of a design-led, electrified performance brand from its early stages, translating progressive ideas into production vehicles in a highly competitive market.
“Design is one of Volvo Cars’ greatest strengths and will continue to differentiate us in shaping the future of premium, electric mobility,” says Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. “Thomas Ingenlath will strengthen our design leadership with his proven experience and vision, ensuring we continue to design cars that reflect our values and resonate with customers around the world.”
Volvo Cars would like to thank Nicholas Gronenthal, who has served as Interim Head of Global Design, for his leadership and contribution during this period and congratulate him on his new appointment as Head of Design Americas.
Emily Cox is the new brand ambassador for Volkswagen. The Austrian actress with Irish-English roots, known from international Netflix productions such as The Last Kingdom and the German comedy series Jerks, stands for versatility and authenticity. In her roles, she embodies multifaceted characters while remaining approachable and down to earth – values that also characterise Volkswagen. This Christmas, she celebrated the world premiere of her latest film in Germany – The Physician 2.
As a Volkswagen brand ambassador, Emily Cox drives a Tayron and tests the spacious SUV in everyday life with her family. Jens Katemann, Head of Communications for the Volkswagen Brand and Brand Group Core, says: “Volkswagen has been accompanying families for generations and stands for reliable mobility. With Emily Cox, we have gained an authentic and down-to-earth brand ambassador who credibly brings our values into everyday life. She embodies exactly what Volkswagen stands for: approachability, openness, and the feeling of being part of our customers’ lives.”
The actress herself associates personal memories with the brand. She says: “Volkswagen was already part of my childhood – our first family car was a Golf. That makes it even more special for me to now drive a vehicle of the brand with my own little family.” Professionally, Emily Cox travels a lot and regularly commutes between Vienna, Berlin and other filming locations. “As a mother, I especially appreciate the safety of a Volkswagen – as well as the generous space and comfort of the Tayron,” she adds.
Currently, Emily Cox stars in the leading role of The Physician 2 (Constantin Film), which premiered in German cinemas on 25 December. She has previously appeared in German-language productions such as Achtsam Morden and Jerks. Her international breakthrough came with the Netflix series The Last Kingdom, where she played the Viking warrior Brida.
It is the world’s most successful compact sports car: the Golf GTI. The original in its class. More than 2.5 million units have been produced to date. In 2026, the Golf GTI will turn 50 – and this will be celebrated with a variety of national and international classic events, the exclusive anniversary model Golf GTI EDITION 501, and the world premiere of the first all-electric GTI.
A success story since 1976. When the Golf GTI was launched in 1976, no one could have guessed that the 81 kW (110 PS) Volkswagen, with its red grille surround, black wheel arch extensions and golf ball gear knob, would soon become the world’s most successful compact sports car. Only 5,000 units were planned, but in the first year alone dealers sold 10 times as many vehicles. In total, 461,690 first-generation Golf GTI cars were built.
It was the unusual overall package that struck a chord: a highly precise sports car for lonely Alpine passes and, at the same time, a practical companion for every day of the year, extremely economical and instantly a timeless style icon. The price was also a hit: 13,850 Deutschmarks in Germany. The media spoke of the democratisation of the sports car. And indeed, the performance of the 182 kmph Volkswagen was impressive: with a sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 9.0 seconds, the 1976 Golf GTI left behind numerous sports cars and coupés that were easily 10,000 Deutschmarks more expensive.
The DNA for the past 50 years – and for tomorrow. The unique interplay of agile engine, lightweight front-wheel drive, balanced chassis, perfectly fitting sports seats and crisp, no-frills design still characterises the Golf GTI today. It is this synthesis that Volkswagen has continuously refined over 50 years – making the Golf GTI an authentic sports car and the original in its class. The fact is: today, when people say GTI, they mean Volkswagen. The crowning glory of this world-famous product brand in the anniversary year 2026 is the Golf GTI EDITION 50 – the most powerful production Golf GTI to date, with 239 kW (325 PS). The anniversary model is already available to order in some European markets, with the first units to be delivered in 2026. Volkswagen has also proven that the GTI philosophy is successful in other model series, especially with the Polo GTI. In 2026, a new Polo GTI will take off: the ID. Polo GTI. With 166 kW (226 PS), it will transfer the GTI philosophy into the electric drive era for the first time – there could not have been a better debut year for the first electric GTI.
Classic GTI in Paris and Bremen. The first five decades of GTI will be the focus of various major classic events in 2026. The celebrations kick off from January 28 to February 1 in Paris at Rétromobile. The classic car show at the Port de Versailles will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2026, just like the Golf GTI. Almost simultaneously, the first German show for classic vehicles begins in the Hanseatic city of Bremen: the Bremen Classic Motorshow. Here, the Golf GTI will be in the spotlight from January 30 to February 2. Both shows are therefore not only the opening events for the European classic season 2026, but also for the GTI year 2026.
Is this by far the best Christmas present for a Land Rover collector? Collecting Cars is offering a true piece of Land Rover history with exceptional provenance. Now live and open for bidding is the final Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition, and the fourth-to-last Land Rover Defender of any variant to roll off the line.
Built to celebrate the legacy of HUE 166, the very first pre-production Series I Land Rover from 1947, the Heritage Edition marked the closing chapter of classic Defender production. With a total UK allocation of just 400 vehicles, these factory-built specials have become firm favourites among collectors worldwide, with a delivery-mileage example selling for a six-figure sum back in 2023.
This specific Land Rover Defender 90 Heritage Edition is finished in iconic Grasmere Green metallic with an Alaska White roof and has covered just 4,597 miles since 2016. It proudly displays all the hallmarks that make the Heritage Edition so sought-after: heritage-style grille and headlamp surrounds, body-coloured heavy-duty steel wheels, a silver front bumper with black end caps, clear indicator lenses, and Indus Silver door hinges. Aluminium heritage badges adorn the grille and rear, while authentic HUE 166 graphics grace the front wings, completing the period-inspired look.
Inside, the cabin blends traditional Defender toughness with subtle luxury. Highlights include a perforated leather steering wheel rim, gear lever and handbrake, Bright Aluminium trim to the air vents and door furniture, and Almond Resolve Cloth seats with heritage logos and HUE 166 tags. Practical touches such as rubber floor mats and a padded cubby box ensure it remains ready for use as well as admiration.
This Defender 90 was built on 29 January 2016 – the last day of Defender production – and is confirmed as the final Heritage model to leave the factory. It remains original and remarkably well-preserved, with just one private owner from new, accompanied by a full folder of documentation evidencing this car’s exceptional provenance and significance, including several magazine feature articles.
Commenting on the auction listing, Edward Lovett, founder of Collecting Cars said: “Special edition Defenders like the Heritage consistently attract strong interest from bidders all over the world. They capture everything people love about the classic Defender, with the reassurance of being factory-built and carefully specified from new.
“As the last one to roll off the production line, this is quite literally the ‘ultimate’ Defender Heritage, and as such represents an unmissable opportunity in the market – so we anticipate strong interest from collectors.”
Offered from the UK yet open to worldwide bidding, this low-mileage, single-owner Defender 90 Heritage Edition is an outstanding opportunity for collectors seeking one of the most characterful modern Land Rovers ever produced. The seven-day auction will conclude on 30 December, exclusively on the Collecting Cars platform.
Now in its fifth year, the EIMG Vintage Car Fiesta 2025 was presented by Club De Golf and organised by Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) – a community of serious heritage vehicle collectors from all across Eastern India.
The line up for the EIMG Vintage Car Fiesta 2025 included as many as 35 rare heritage four wheelers which were selectively handpicked by EIMG Founder & President Shrivardhan Kanoria, himself a restorer and collector of national repute.
The most notable among the heritage cars on display included 1936 Bentley 3.5 & 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 owned by Shrivardhan Kanoria, 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 owned by Avik Naha, Swapan Kumar Lahiri’s 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, 1930 Ford Model A & 1950 Triumph Mayflower owned by Partha Banik, Sumit Periwal’s 1953 Land Rover Series 1, and 1932 Austin 10 owned by C.P. Verma.
Also seen on display were Gadai Chandra Dey’s 1938 Adler Trumph, 1961 Ambassador M1 owned by Baladev Majumdar, 1963 Standard Herald owned by Shubhajit Kumar, 1990 Contessa Classic owned by Anuja Kumar, Ranajit Gooptu’s 1951 Hillman Minx & 1952 Austin Somerset, 1926 Studebaker Erskine owned by Kunal Banerjee and Amrit Roy’s 1964 Ford Anglia.
The Club De Golf is located inside the picturesque New Town Golf Club, where the heritage vehicles were displayed for a vintage rendezvous with their Club members and visitors.
A thanks giving ceremony followed where each of the owners were felicitated with a beautiful memento for upholding the legacy of heritage motoring. Present on this special occasion was Ms. Akansha Pandey, Owner – Club De Golf and Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria, Founder & President – EIMG along with other respected dignitaries and patrons.
This was followed by a fascinating auto quiz and trivia session which made all the EIMGians put on their thinking cap. It was brilliantly organized by quiz master Somen Sengupta and trivia narrator Sanjib Sarkar. This proved to be a great learning experience for everyone present as many unknown trivia and facts about cars and Kolkata were revealed.
The icing on the cake was the sumptuous cocktail brunch hosted by Club De Golf for all the members of EIMG.
Photographs courtesy: ICMP and Mohammed Adnan Aslam
Nissan’s all-new game-changing seven-seater B-MPV will be called Gravite and will be launched in early 2026. It is the first product to be rolled out under the brand’s refreshed and strategically curated line-up for India.
Purpose-built for modern Indian families, the Gravite delivers exceptional versatility and modularity, redefining convenience for value-conscious households while accelerating the expansion of Nissan’s revitalized product portfolio.
Announced in July 2024 as the second model in Nissan Motor India’s ambitious product offensive, the Gravite underscores the company’s forward momentum. The product roadmap includes the launch of the Gravite in early 2026; followed by the Tekton in mid-2026 and a 7-seater C-SUV in early 2027 — reaffirming Nissan’s deep and ongoing commitment to diversifying, strengthening, and revitalising its offering for Indian customers.
A Name that Reflects Nissan’s Ambition
The name “Gravite” draws inspiration from the word gravity, signifying balance, inherent stability, and powerful attraction. This choice reflects Nissan’s core vision of designing vehicles that perfectly anchor families in comfort, superior versatility, and seamless connectivity. Inspired by 1.4 billion Indians and the 19,000 vernaculars and rituals that form the foundation of the nation, the Gravite is the perfect companion for the aspirational and versatile Indian.
Interior: Pioneering Modularity and Comfort
The Gravite transforms family journeys with exceptional cabin roominess and pioneering, class-leading storage innovations. Every aspect has been meticulously crafted for versatility and intuitive use—from ultra-modular seating that effortlessly adapts to changing passenger and cargo needs, to smart space utilization that makes both daily commutes and extended family road trips equally seamless.
Set for its grand debut in early 2026, the All-New Gravite will be manufactured locally in Chennai. This production milestone reinforces Nissan Motor India’s unwavering commitment to deliver vehicles specifically tailored to the evolving demands of Indian customers. As the second critical model in Nissan’s rejuvenated lineup, the Gravite represents a decisive step in the brand’s product renaissance in India.
Design and Inspiration
The All-New Gravite establishes a bold and distinct identity aligned with Nissan’s global design language. Its signature C-shaped front grille—a defining element of Nissan’s DNA—ensures instant recognition and a bold on-road presence. The Gravite’s sleek horizontal proportions and confident, muscular stance combine modern elegance with practical and everyday usability.
The Gravite is the only vehicle in its segment to feature distinctive hood branding along with unique rear-door badging—a bold design choice that powerfully amplifies its exclusive identity. The rear fascia continues to echo Nissan’s signature C-shaped interlock theme, ensuring the MPV’s unmistakable presence on every road.
Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), commented: “India continues to be a strong contributor to AMIEO’s performance, and Nissan Motor India plays a pivotal role in our strategy. Over FY25, we have strengthened our business operations, expanded our portfolio, and delivered on every promise made under our 2024 product offensive. The upcoming line-up—shaped by global insights yet deeply attuned to the needs of Indian customers—reflects our commitment to this dynamic market. With new models developed in and for India, and exports to several international markets, India remains both a growth driver and a strategic hub for Nissan Alliance. The reveal of the GRAVITE demonstrates our continued momentum and reinforces our confidence in the road ahead.”
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, stated: “The All-New GRAVITE is a testament to Nissan Motor India’s renewed focus on the evolving Indian market. Deeply rooted in the fabric of the country, it is designed to be the perfect companion for the diverse needs of our customers. As the second model in our all-new product line-up, the GRAVITE marks a pivotal step in our transformation journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with the aspirations of Indian consumers.”
To support this growth, Nissan is fast-tracking the expansion of its nationwide dealership network, ensuring greater accessibility and enhanced customer experience across the country.
Building on this momentum, the Nissan Magnite continues to strengthen the brand’s global footprint as one of its most successful ‘Made in India’ models. Now exported to 65 markets across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the Magnite’s strong acceptance underscores India’s pivotal role as a manufacturing and export hub for Nissan.
Further strengthening its future-ready product roadmap in India, Nissan revealed the Tekton in October 2025—its upcoming premium SUV. With its commanding design and modern technologies, the Tekton sets the tone for the brand’s next phase of growth, complementing today’s introduction of the new Gravite and signalling a robust, multi-segment offensive tailored for the Indian market.
The sky was bright and clear. Winter had already tiptoed into Kolkata bringing the mercury down significantly. As members of Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) made their way with their heritage vehicles to the Calcutta Rowing Club that Sunday morning, little did they know that this day was going to turn into a very special experience wrapped with compassion and love.
Let’s quickly rewind to 1986. What began as a small effort in the Baranagar-Belgharia area turned into a life-changing mission that would go on to positively impact the lives of thousands of under-privileged children. While an expressway was under construction, children living on the streets risked their lives collecting coal remnants instead of going to school. Moved by their plight, Mr. Kallol Ghosh began teaching them with his own pocket money.
Realizing the deeper dangers these children faced—exploitation, trafficking—he founded OFFER (Organisation For Friends Energies and Resources). Despite early doubts and various obstacles, his vision endured. Today, OFFER supports nearly 50,000 children – differently abled and living with HIV, offering them safety, education, and hope for a better future. Outstanding initiative to say the least!
Fast forward to Sunday, November 30, 2025: For the very first time, EIMG joined hands with OFFER to organize a unique heritage convoy drive from Calcutta Rowing Club (CRC) to Anandaghar in Gobindapur called ‘EIMG Legacy on Wheels’ with the objective to raise social awareness about children living with HIV and also mark the inauguration of a new unit at Anandaghar which provides care and protection to orphan and young adults living with HIV and strives for successful integration of youth in the mainstream society.
Around 40 heritage cars and bikes took part in this unique convoy drive which included S.K.Lahiri’s 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, Shrivardhan Kanoria’s 1936 Bentley 3.5, 1948 Buick Super 8 owned by Avik Naha, Shubhajit Kumar’s 1963 Standard Herald, Sumit Periwal’s 1953 Land Rover Series 1, 1951 Austin A40 owned by Debaprem Chatterjee, 1990 Mercedes Benz W124 owned by Mubaraq Maseeh, Krish Ajmera’s 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25, Chandan Basu Mallik’s 1949 Norton Dominator, Sarojesh Mukerjee’s 1958 Standard Vanguard, 1940 Triumph owned by Terence Lobo, 1963 Triumph Spitfire owned by Saikat Dutta, Kunal Banerjee’s 1926 Studebaker Erskine, 1989 Yezdi Jawa owned Onurag Chatterji and Ranajit Gooptu’s 1952 Austin Somerset just to name a few.
What really stood out is that many of the children who are being currently supported by OFFER not only got an opportunity to see these heritage beauties from up close, but some of them also got a joy ride in these vintage and classic vehicles from CRC to Anadaghar. A very special memory to cherish for both EIMG members and the children. Later, the EIMG members enjoyed a delicious lunch served by Café Positive, an initiative supported by OFFER which employs young adults living with HIV.
Power Drive 