Vintage Cars Drive Past The Historical Corridors Of Kolkata
- By Gaurav Nandi
- February 16, 2025
The iconic red walls along the Judges Court Road in Kolkata, which once housed the famed Alipore Central Correctional Home, recently welcomed hundreds of visitors to marvel at the sight of classic and vintage cars and bikes.
The century-old establishment once again served as host to the Vintage and Classic Car and Bike Show organised by Classic Drivers Club (CDC), which entered into its second edition. The show is also recognised by the Federation International des Vehicules Anciens, which is the worldwide federative association of historic automobile clubs.
As the Sunday crowd stepped through the towering doors of this renowned symbol of societal order and rehabilitation, eager for a glimpse into the lives of inmates, their eyes were drawn to the vibrant signage that read, ‘The Alipore Museum & Classic Drivers Club Presents The Vintage & Classic Car & Bike Show.’
As one entered the courtyard through the gate, their eyes were immediately drawn to a stunning display of vehicles—cars elegantly arranged in a semi-circle on the left and bikes lined up neatly in the center. To the right, another delightful sight awaited, captivating both seasoned car enthusiasts and the young, eager crowd.
The excitement didn’t end there. As one walked past the exhibits on the right, another collection of motorcycles came into view. Stepping back and entering a side lane that led to a former jail storage space, visitors were greeted by a line-up of classic cars, featuring icons such as the Hindustan Motors Ambassador, Contessa and Willys MB.
The corridors were bustling with the murmur of the crowd that crossed the 6,000 mark by 3pm. Sound of camera clicking resonated through those thick walls. People from far-off places had come to lay eyes of these historical masterpieces that were still in optimum shape.
A man in his early 70s moved from car to car in a wheelchair, guided by his granddaughter. He paused in front of a 1923 Rolls-Royce 20 HP, lost in nostalgia, while his granddaughter snapped a selfie in front of the magnificent machine.
The automobiles had come from far-off places like Jamshedpur to give a glimpse of history. A total of 89 vehicles were exhibited including 64 cars and 25 motorcycles.
The Ford Model A (1930) and Chevrolet Fleetmaster (1947) stood proudly among the elegant line-up, their gleaming chrome reflecting the soft afternoon sun. Nearby, the Morris Minor (1951) and Austin 7 Ruby (1935) evoked memories of a bygone era, while the unmistakable curves of the Volkswagen Beetle (1958) drew curious onlookers.
As visitors moved through the display, the Rolls-Royce 20 HP (1923) stood as a testament to British luxury, positioned beside the sleek Triumph Spitfire (1963), a symbol of spirited motoring.
The two-wheeler section was just as mesmerising, with the legendary Yamaha RX 100 (1985) capturing the hearts of many, alongside the timeless Royal Enfield Bullet (1960s) and the Italian charm of the Vespa VBA 150 (1956). As the afternoon crowd swelled, nostalgia filled the air, with every turn revealing another masterpiece that had once ruled the roads, now standing as tributes to automotive history.
Speaking to Motoring Trends on the condition of anonymity, a car mechanic responsible for the upkeep of some of the cars said, “It is not easy to maintain these jewels, as original spare parts are hard to find, especially in the classic segment. Moreover, duplicate spare parts have flooded the market, hindering the performance of these powerful machines. I recently sourced a monogram for the owner of a 1962 Ambassador, which was transported from Bengaluru for a whopping INR 15,000 after a six-month search.”
He noted that the cars are taken to the roads at least twice a week and the engines are powered each day to keep them in running condition.
Besides the exhibition, an award ceremony was held at the auditorium to honour the owners, though it was strictly limited to CDC members. The event also included a special programme recognising the unsung craftsmen who work tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain historic vehicles in pristine condition.
As the sun set over the historic walls of Alipore Jail Museum, the echoes of admiration lingered in the air. The event was more than just a showcase; it was a celebration of automotive heritage, craftsmanship and nostalgia. With each gleaming car and roaring bike, the past came alive, reminding everyone of the timeless charm of these mechanical marvels.
Honda Cars India Launches Elevate ADV Edition At INR 1.52 Million As New Flagship Trim
- By MT Bureau
- November 03, 2025
Honda Cars India (HCIL) has introduced the Elevate ADV Edition at prices starting INR 1.529 for the MT single tone edition and INR 1.66 million for the CVT dual tone edition.
The new trim is positioned as the new flagship grade in the popular Honda Elevate SUV line-up.
The ADV Edition features a number of external upgrades, including a new Alpha-Bold Plus grille with black surround and a hood decal accented with orange highlights. The overall exterior appeal is enhanced by black roof rails, ORVMs (Outside Rear-View Mirrors) and window beltline moulding. Distinctive touches include ADV emblems on the fenders and black alloy wheels with orange accents.
Inside, the cabin features a black interior theme with vibrant orange accent detailing. A standout feature is the ADV Terrain Pattern Backlit Illuminated Instrument Panel Garnish, described as creating a futuristic style. Customers can also opt for a 360degree surround view camera.
The Elevate ADV Edition is powered by the 1.5-L i-VTEC petrol engine, available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT automatic transmission with Paddle Shifters.
Safety features include Honda Sensing, the advanced driver-assist system (ADAS), which incorporates Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. The vehicle is built with the ACE Body Structure and includes six airbags and a LaneWatch camera.
Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The Honda Elevate has received a positive response from customers across the country due to bold looks and highly engaging performance. With the introduction of the Elevate ADV Edition as the top trim, we aim to offer more choices to customers with different preferences. This new model features an even bolder and sharper design, blending style with Honda’s trusted quality and refinement, making it the perfect companion for every journey. We are excited to welcome more customers to experience this exciting new addition.”
Honda Cars India Reports 10,518 Unit Wholesales In October 2025
- By MT Bureau
- November 01, 2025
Honda Cars India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported total wholesales of 10,518 units for October 2025.
The company recorded domestic sales of 6,394 units for the month, which marks a 15.3 percent growth as compared to 5,546 units last year.
Honda also exported 4,124 units in October 2025. In comparison, exports in October 2024 stood at 4,534 units. The company noted the strong performance of the Honda Amaze as a key driver of the growth.
Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The festive sales and GST 2.0 announcement fuelled robust demand across our line-up of City, Amaze and Elevate during October. The Amaze being the only car under 10 lakh price segment to offer ADAS safety and smooth CVT performance has been strongly appreciated by consumers registering strong sales growth.”
JSW MG Motor India Reports 9% Decline In October Sales
- By MT Bureau
- November 01, 2025
JSW MG Motor India has reported a decline of 9 percent in it wholesales for October 2025, with sales of 6,397 units, as compared to 7,045 units sold for same period last year.
On the other hand, the company reported a 20 percent YoY increase in wholesales during the August–October 2025 festive period.
The MG SELECT model retained its second position in the luxury electric vehicle (EV) segment, registering an impressive 62 percent MoM growth.
Hyundai Motor India Reports 53,792 Wholesales In October
- By MT Bureau
- November 01, 2025
Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has achieved total monthly sales of 69,894 units in October 2025. The volume includes 53,792 units in domestic sales.
The company stated its performance was driven by the domestic market, and it also bolstered its position as a global manufacturing hub, with exports touching 16,102 units, marking an 11 percent YoY growth.
Furthermore, the Hyundai Creta and Venue SUV duo achieved their second-highest-ever combined monthly sales of 30,119 units.
Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director & Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “October 2025 was a month driven by the festivals of Dussehra, Dhanteras and Diwali, further complimented by the positive impact of GST 2.0 reforms. This provided a significant boost to the Indian automotive industry. At Hyundai Motor India, we witnessed robust market demand and high consumer enthusiasm leading to second highest monthly sales of our formidable SUV duo – the Hyundai Creta and Venue combined, with 30,119 units sold. We expect to accelerate this momentum with the upcoming launch of all-new Hyundai Venue, which is already open for bookings.”
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