Vintage car rally @ Ooty
The vintage car rally passing through Charing Cross in Udhagamandalam.Thousands of persons including many tourists got a chance to see some rare old cars on Wednesday, thanks to a vintage car rally organised under the aegis of the Nilgiris Vintage and Classic Cars Association and the district administration here.It was a highlight of the Nilgiris Summer Festival, which is now in progress. The rally which was flagged off at the boat house by the Nilgiris Collector Santosh K. Misra passed through the heart of the town and concluded at the Breeks HADP Open Air Stadium. The heavy traffic and the presence of a large number of pedestrians notwithstanding, the event passed off without a hitch.A notable feature was that the drivers and occupants of many of the vehicles were dressed up like those belonging to the princely class during the days of the Raj.Stating that it was the second year in succession that the association was organising a vintage rally in this hill station, its president R.Rajinikanth told that it had been meticulously planned.
Of the 21 vehicles which participated those which caught the eye were an Austin (1934), Morris Cowley (1936), Woolsley (1947), Ford Prefect ( 1948), Morris Minor (1952), Dodge Kingsway (1954), Cheverlet Fleet Master (1954) and a sleek black plymouth (1954) belonging to the Defence Services Staff College. Some had been brought from distant places like Bangalore and Palakkad.Pointing out that the prizes would be distributed after a treasure hunt which would be organised here on May 23, he said that it would be conducted as per international specifications with the help of motor clubs in Erode and Coimbatore. The distance would be 80 kilometres.Cash prizes are up for grabs.
