Vintage vehicles set for show at Ooty on August 6

Paul Paramanandam, secretary of NIVICCA, said, “This year we expect around 60 cars and over 40 vintage bikes from Udhagamandalam, Coimbatore, Salem, Chennai, Palakkad and Cochin to take part in the event.”

Some of the cars and motor bikes that will take part in the event will be more than 80 years old but they are maintained so well by the owners that they will be in excellent condition, he explained.

Most of the vehicles will be driven up the hill. Less than a handful of them will be brought in trucks as their engines do not have the capacity to climb a hill, he elaborated.

“But these cars are still in running condition and will take part in the rally on Sunday,” Paul said and added that the rally which will be flagged off at Tamilagam at 9 am, will conclude at the YWCA Ground where the vintage beauties will be on display till evening. He said models that will take part in the event will be known only on the day of the event as some of the vintage collectors choose a model from their collections every year.

Prizes have been announced by the organisers of the event for the oldest car, well-maintained car, daily-used car and most-loved car. Vehicles driven for the longest distance to participate in the show and the youngest vintage vehicle collector will also be awarded prizes. Vintage jeeps and bikes will also be honoured with special prizes. Vintage car lovers from Canada and Sri Lanka will be special invitees for the event.

The event is usually organised during the annual Summer Festival in May. It is generally the highlight of The Nilgiris Summer Festival.

But this year the event could not be held in May due to unavailability of ground for the car show. NIVICCA secretary said that last year more than 50 vintage cars took part in the event.