Cars and motorcycles are such a necessity these days. Given the fact that public transport doesn’t effectively reach every corner of our living spaces, the need for one’s own transport has become extremely important. Thankfully getting a car of your own is easier now with EMI finance schemes and auto loans – but this wasn’t the case a couple of decades ago. In fact, there was a time when having a car was seen as a luxury. In Goa, very few people had their own four-wheeler. Those affluent ones who could afford it usually imported cars from outside the country. As time went by and cars became a necessity instead of a luxury, a lot of these beautiful imported cars went into hiding, but thanks to the Goa Vintage Car and Bike Festival, we get to see these magnificent machines on the road again.
The epicentre of vintage automotive culture
Organised by The Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation, the Goa Vintage Car and Bike Festival is a free-for-all event that aims to bring vintage car and bike enthusiasts together. The fourth edition of the showcase is scheduled to take place at the Inox Courtyard on April 14, and will see participation from owners across India. Car and bike owners from neighbouring states such as Pune, Mumbai, and Bangalore have been frequenting the event for the last few years. Goa is a natural selection for the event since a large concentration of vintage vehicles can be found here owing to the state’s Portuguese colonization that allowed for easy import of these stunning vehicles. The festival is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for owners to display their most prized possessions. Some cars that were showcased at last year’s festival were Suraj and Manoj Caculo’s immaculately restored 1920 Citroën Torpedo Sport and a 1923 Fiat 501, Milind Angle’s 1959 Morris Mini (the first Mini to be imported into India) and a 1960 Mini Traveller.
Rally up and drive
On the day of the event, participants will have a chance to parade their vehicles as part of the rally which will flag off from the Inox courtyard. The vehicles which will be divided into classes such as Vintage and Classic Cars up to 1988, Modern Classics up to 1994, and Future Classics ranging from 1994 to 1998 will run a 9km route up to Miramar Circle and back, along the beautiful Mandovi River. There is also a class for vintage motorcycles and scooters up to 1988. Since the event is free for all, there is no entry fee for the public or the participants. Once the rally is over, the cars and bikes will be parked at the Inox courtyard for the rest of the day.
If you have a vintage vehicle and would like to participate in the Goa Vintage Car and Bike Festival, send an email stating your intention to [email protected] . Alternatively, you can send a Whatsapp message on 9371677604/ 9850077993. Participants will be treated to complimentary snacks and lunch, a kit bag with a festival cap and t-shirt, a participation certificate and commemorative memento, and an official festival catalogue with owner’s name and vehicle details.
