The Town Hall of Calcutta threw opened its doors to the public on March 22, 1814. Since that day, the Roman Doric style two-storied building, which stands in a rectangular block with two porticos, supported by rows of pillars has remained witness to many important gatherings of historic importance. Fast forward 210 years to a wintry Sunday morning of December 1 and this grand edifice stood testament to yet a marquee heritage vehicle event – the flag off of the EIMG Vintage Fiesta 2024 – presented by Club De Golf.

Now in its fourth year, the EIMG Vintage Fiesta 2024 was 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 Fiesta 2024 included as many as 60 rare heritage two and four wheelers which were selectively handpicked by EIMG Founder & President Shrivardhan Kanoria, himself a restorer and collector of national repute.

By 8.30 AM, the vehicles started to arrive and aided by the team of EIMG marshals led by Ms. Siddique Cowper, these vehicles were parked in a predetermined sequence in front of the majestic Town Hall. What a sight it was to behold with these horseless carriage basking in the winter sun.

Once the lining up of these heritage vehicles concluded, it was time for EIMGians to share some camaraderie, exchanging notes and valuable information about these ageless beauties, over a hot cuppa and some delicious packed breakfast arranged by fellow EIMGian Ajay Kejriwal.

There were several noteworthy heritage vehicles which participated in this vintage gala. Few worth mentioning were Shrivardhan Kanoria’s 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Limousine and a 1948 Bentley Mark 6 owned by Azam Monem, both stunning cars making their Kolkata debut; a beautifully restored 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Saloon owned by Tamalika Naha, Ananda Choudhury’s 1913 Stoewer (the oldest participating car and a huge crowd puller), SK Lahiri’s 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe (formerly owned by legendary signer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and fondly referred to as Nilu by its present owner), a very popular 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster owned by Saikat Dutta, Shubhajit Kumar’s 1963 Standard Herald, a 1956 Land Rover owned by Sumit Periwal, Kunal Banerji’s 1926 Studebaker Erskine, Debaprem Chatterji’s 1950 Austin A40, and a 1940 Triumph owned by Terrance Lobo. But the one that really stood out among the galaxy of heritage stars was Kanoria’s ultra rare 1934 SS1 Tourer.  A real headturner!

Post a quick briefing session by the EIMG President and the group photograph, it was time for these heritage motors to be flagged off from Town Hall for the final destination – Club De Golf in the New Town. Imagine a convoy of 60 heritage vehicle driving down the majestic Red Road flanked by the Maidan on one side. It was a sight for the City of Joy to watch as these beauties elegantly rolled together towards New Town.

It is worth mentioning that on this day alone, each of these heritage vehicles clocked around 60-70 kilometres on their odometers (garage to garage) which is an incredibly great deal for these vehicles and a testimony for the superlative effort put in by the owners who have kept the fire burning in their hearts.

After reaching Club De Golf located inside the picturesque New Town Golf Club, 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 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 among few other dignitaries. 

This was followed by a fascinating auto quiz which made all the EIMGians put on their thinking cap. It was brilliantly organized and proved to be a great learning experience for everyone present as many unknown trivia and facts about cars were revealed. The icing on the cake was the sumptuous cocktail brunch hosted by Club De Golf for all the members of EIMG.

Photographs by Sourish Meryson