Army chief flags off vintage car rally in New Delhi

New Delhi [India], Feb.19 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, on Sunday, flagged off the seventh edition of 21 Gun Salute Vintage Car Rally, country's most premium vintage car event, in New Delhi. The rally was organised by the 21 Gun Salute Heritage and Cultural Trust in collaboration with the tourism ministry. General Rawat flagged off the car rally from the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and also took a ride in some of the vintage cars. "I have had the opportunity to witness some of them (vintage cars). I think they have been excellently maintained and the heritage of vintage and classic cars is being kept alive because of the dedication of the owners and those who work behind the scenes in maintaining these beauties," said General Rawat. The international vintage car rally also saw participation of foreigners, who were seen driving the classic cars. The foreign participating countries included France, the US, Germany, Italy and the UK. "It is a proud moment for us that thousands of foreign visitors arrived here and witnessed cars and admired them. And, it was the motive of Ministry of Tourism and 21 Gun Salute to bring India on world heritage motoring travel map. We have become successful in that," said the chairman of the trust, Madan Mohan. A two-day concours show was also held before the rally, in which 1949 Buick Roadmaster, previously owned by Maharaja of Bhavnagar, 1936 Alvis Speed 20, 1938 Buick convertible, 1911 Silver Ghost from London, were some of the vintage beauties which were exhibited. In total, this year, about 100 rare cars, 85 from India and 10 from foreign countries, and 25 vintage bikes, were showcased during the Grand Concours Show held on February 17 and 18. (ANI)