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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German luxury automotive brand BMW India has introduced the updated BMW 7 Series range, offering petrol and battery-electric powertrains across the lineup at prices starting at INR 19.5 million (ex-showroom).

The launch includes the BMW i7 M70 xDrive performance model, alongside the local production launch of the electric i7 at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai.

With local assembly of the i7 in Chennai, India becomes the second country after Germany to produce the electric model locally. The performance-focused i7 M70 xDrive will be imported into the country as a completely built-up unit (CBU) with deliveries across the 7 Series portfolio scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Furthermore, the company also introduced actor Ranveer Singh as the Brand Voice for BMW India at the launch.

Pricing for the petrol-powered 740 M Sport and all-electric i7 eDrive50 xDrive M Sport starts at INR 19.5 million, while the flagship i7 M70 xDrive is positioned at INR 26.5 million (all ex-showroom).

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, said: "The new BMW 7 Series is more than our flagship sedan - it is our ultimate statement of modern luxury. It moves the leaders, changemakers and visionaries who are shaping tomorrow. Every detail has been crafted around one idea: those who have reached the pinnacle deserve an experience to match. The new 7 Series sets a benchmark, whether you choose to take the wheel or be driven. It is the new face of the BMW Luxury Class, while offering an early glimpse into technologies that will shape the Neue Klasse era. And with our Power of Choice philosophy, customers can choose from dynamic combustion engines to advanced electric mobility. Because true luxury is not about limiting choices - it is about expanding them. With the new 7, luxury doesn’t end with the drive; it begins there."

"The new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the most powerful 7 Series ever created - where M performance meets first-class luxury, without compromise. It brings together exhilarating electric performance and the refinement expected from the pinnacle of the BMW portfolio. This is a car for someone who wants the thrill of taking the wheel and, equally, the luxury of being driven. Few cars can make the driver’s seat and the rear seat equally desirable. The i7 M70 does. It represents our belief that sustainability and performance are not competing choices. The future of luxury can be electric, exhilarating and extraordinary - all at once," added Brar.

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Kia India has opened pre-bookings for the Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG and Carnival Limousine Hybrid models across its authorised dealer network, expanding the company’s multi-powertrain portfolio in the Indian market.

The additions follow their display at Kia Inspiration Day and introduce alternative fuel options to the manufacturer's multi-purpose vehicle segment. The pricing for all three models is set to be announced at a later date.

Both the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG are based on the G1.5 six-speed manual transmission platform and feature a factory-fitted CNG system with a 60-litre tank capacity. Technical modifications include engine calibration for CNG fuel, revised suspension setups, 16-inch wheels and 16-inch disc brakes. The driver interface incorporates a fuel change switch alongside a 4.2-inch colour TFT display with CNG distance-to-empty logic. Structural changes to the third-row seat-back frame have also been implemented to adjust the recline angle.

The CNG range will include Premium (O) trim for the Carens, while the Carens Clavis will be sold in HTE and HTE (O) trims for retail buyers.

For commercial and business-to-business fleet operations, Kia India has designated the M-Drive trim for the Carens CNG and the HTM trim for the Carens Clavis CNG.

The Carnival Limousine Hybrid introduces an electrified powertrain to the upper tier of the range, powered by a G1.6T HEV engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It is offered in the Limousine+ trim, which features 18-inch dual-tone aero alloy wheels, active air flaps and a virtual engine sound system. Interior equipment includes an air purifier with air quality index display, seat-back tables with integrated wireless charging, ambient lighting and leatherette door trims.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Lounge Edition variant across its Creta, Alcazar and Creta Electric SUVs. The special edition trim updates interior cabin equipment, rear seat entertainment and exterior trim styling across the three vehicle lines.

The primary update across all Lounge Edition models is an integrated 29.46 cm rear seat entertainment system featuring streaming platform compatibility, interactive gaming, an app store and smartphone mirroring, operating alongside an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

On the inside, it features silver interior accents, white ambient lighting, revised seat patterns and branded headrest cushions. Exterior changes feature black trim on the skid plates, side sills, roof rails, rear spoiler and side mirrors, paired with black alloy wheels and a golden bronze paint option.

The Creta Lounge Edition, built on the King trim level, is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an intelligent variable transmission or a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox, with prices starting at INR 1.92 million ex-showroom.

The Alcazar Lounge Edition is offered in a five-seat layout based on the Signature variant, powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic transmission and equipped with a voice-activated panoramic sunroof, priced from INR 2.18 million. The Creta Electric Lounge Edition, based on the Long Range Excellence trim, adds a dashcam and rear wireless charging pad, with prices starting at INR 2.43 million.

Amit Dhaundiyal, Head of Product Strategy and Planning, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai, we continuously strive to create products and experiences that resonate with the evolving aspirations of our customers. Customers today seek experiences that go beyond mobility, and the new Lounge Edition has been designed with this evolving aspiration in mind. From lounge-inspired interiors, engaging digital entertainment and on-the-go gaming experiences powered by rear seat entertainment, to distinctive styling enhancements, every element has been thoughtfully crafted to transform every journey into a more comfortable, connected and rewarding experience. The Lounge Edition reflects Hyundai's commitment to delivering meaningful innovations and greater value across our SUV portfolio, and we are confident it will appeal to customers seeking a unique blend of luxury, comfort, entertainment and exclusivity in their everyday journeys."

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German automotive luxury brand Audi has unveiled the A2 e-tron electric compact model, which marks its most compact green offering, with prices starting EUR 38,200 in Germany.

Developed in Germany and produced at the manufacturer’s Ingolstadt facility, the EV has an energy consumption rating of 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometres under the WLTP test cycle.

The company will open bookings on 10 September, with European deliveries scheduled to begin in December.

The A2 e-tron is offered in four power outputs ranging from 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque in the base specification to 240 kW and 545 Nm in the top variant, paired with rear-wheel drive and permanently excited synchronous motors. Depending on the output, battery capacities are available in 52 kWh, 61 kWh, or 84 kWh gross options, achieving a maximum driving range of up to 646 kilometres under WLTP conditions.

The chassis design incorporates a drag coefficient of 0.24, utilising active cooling air intakes, aero wheels and wheel-arch gap reducers. Bidirectional charging capabilities support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external device powering and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) energy transfer via compatible wall boxes.

On the inside, it features a curved MMI panoramic display housing a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with artificial intelligence assistant integration. Storage incorporates the Fidlock magnetic attachment system as standard equipment, alongside an optional 1.6-square-metre panoramic glass roof.

Audi states that around 300 components across the vehicle are constructed using recycled materials, including post-consumer plastics, aluminium and steel.

The EV assembly utilises 250 existing industrial robots and 1,200 reallocated production components at the Ingolstadt plant, using fixed-sequence manufacturing methods. Standard driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, evasive assist, attention assist and parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

Gernot Dollner, Chief Executive Officer, Audi, said, “The A2 e-tron is more than a new model: It represents Audi’s renewal. It shows how we are rethinking premium for Europe: using resources more intelligently without compromising on quality, technology, or customer experience. Developed for the needs of our European customers and built in Ingolstadt, it demonstrates our ambition to shape the future of premium mobility.”

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