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.
Kia India Sells 22,700 Cars In September
- By MT Bureau
- October 01, 2025
Kia India, a leading mass premium carmaker in the country, has reported strong domestic sales in September 2025, reaching 22,700 units, up 15.8 percent compared to August 2025.
The company attributes the sales surge to a combination of market factors, specifically the recent GST reforms and the start of the festive season. The streamlined taxation framework is noted for having enhanced affordability and strengthened overall customer sentiment.
Kia India stated that its entire product portfolio, including the Sonet, Carens, Carens Clavis, Seltos, Syros and Carnival, continued to resonate with customers during the month.
Atul Sood, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “September 2025 marks a significant milestone for Kia India, driven by the positive impact of GST reforms and the festive season demand. The streamlined taxation framework has enhanced affordability and encouraged stronger customer engagement across our product portfolio. This robust growth reflects the enduring trust customers place in our brand, the strength of our innovative and feature-rich lineup, and our commitment to delivering superior mobility solutions.”
Kia India also reported strong year-to-date (YTD) sales, with 206,582 units sold in 2025 so far. This represents a 7.2 percent growth compared to the 192,690 units sold during the same period last year.
In addition the company exported 2,606 units in September 2025.
Exports Boost Nissan India’s Record 9.3% Sales Growth In September
- By MT Bureau
- October 01, 2025
Japanese automaker Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has recorded consolidated sales of 10,500 units in September 2025, reflecting a 9.3 percent YoY growth over September 2024.
Domestic wholesale sales totalled 1,652 units, while exports reached 8,872 units, including 1,120 units to South Asia, marking Nissan's highest-ever sales in the region.
During Q2 FY2026, the company also launched a segment-first 10-year warranty for the New Nissan Magnite, which drove sales for the month.
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “September was an exciting month for Nissan Motor India. The GNCAP 5-Star rated new Nissan Magnite with a segment-first 10-year extended warranty continues to resonate strongly with our customers and the recent GST-driven price benefit helped accelerate deliveries."
"We would like to thank our customers for an over-whelming response to the recently introduced Kuro Special Edition and the exciting new Metallic Grey colour brought to market on strong customer demand,” he added.
The company is aggressively expanding its dealership network, targeting 180 dealerships by end-FY2026 and 250 by end-FY2027. Nissan is preparing for new launches, including the upcoming all-new 7-seater B-MPV, 5-seater C-SUV and 7-seater C-SUV.
"With our dealership expansion now rapidly underway, we are focused on enhancing customer accessibility and delivering an exciting product portfolio, including the upcoming all-new 7-seater B-MPV, 5-seater C-SUV & 7-seater C-SUV,” concluded Vatsa.
Skoda Auto India Drives Record Growth In Q3 CY2026
- By MT Bureau
- October 01, 2025
Skoda Auto India has reported exceptional growth for the Q3 CY2025, registering a 110 percent YoY increase in sales over the same period last year. The brand sold a total of 17,161 cars between July and September, marking a record-breaking performance.
The company said its momentum was highlighted by robust monthly sales in September, where Skoda Auto India sold 6,636 cars, marking 110 percent YoY growth.
The company stated that the sales surge was ‘fuelled by the sustained demand for the Kylaq, along with steady contributions from the Kushaq, Slavia and Kodiaq.’
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The festive season, coupled with the simplified GST framework, has created a strong tailwind across the industry. Our September and Q3 results reflect the strong customer response to our product portfolio, particularly the Kylaq, which has become a true growth driver for us. With our growing network and value-driven ownership experience, we remain focused on building deeper connections with customers while accelerating Skoda’s growth journey in India.”
The company stated that its success in 2025 is largely anchored by its product offensive and network expansion including the Kylaq, which crossed 34,500 units in sales since launch. Year to date sales, the company achieved total sales of 53,355 units. Furthermore, to celebrate 25 years in India, Skoda has expanded its customer touchpoints to over 315 locations across 177 cities.
Maruti Suzuki India Sales Down 8% In September
- By MT Bureau
- October 01, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for September 2025 and Q2 FY2026.
The company sold 132,820 vehicles in September, which was down 8 percent, as compared to 144,962 units sold for the same period last year. The major decline in sales was witnessed in its mini (-30%) and SUV portfolio (-21%), while the compact segment grew by 11 percent.
Maruti Suzuki India attributed the decline in sales to ‘logistical constraints towards the last part of the month.’
In terms of exports, the company clocked its highest-ever monthly sales with 42,204 units last month, as compared to 27,728 units a year ago.
The automaker stated that with the revision in GST rates, the company has seen positive consumer sentiment, which reflected in its highest-ever deliveries of 165,000 units in the first 8 days of the ongoing Navratri festivals.
On the other hand, for Q2 FY2026, the company reported sales of 795,556 units, down 6 percent YoY, as compared to 844,614 units last year. Barring the compact vehicle segment, all segments reported a decline in sales.
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