Old cars of India
Vintage Car
Collecting vintage cars could be a hobby, a passion or
even an obsession. Attraction for vintage (produced before 1929) or classic cars
(up to 1965) is on rise in India. Vintage car enthusiasts make loads of effort
collecting and maintaining their beauties.
Association of Indian Car Collectors
Heritage Motoring Club of India
(HMCI), headquartered in Delhi, is an association of passionate vintage car
collectors across the country. Members of the association own approximate 3,000
cars across the country. The association, which was formed in 2001 by
passionate collectors, publishes a quarterly magazine Classic Wheels on vintage
cars. HMCI organizes several vintage car rallies. It offers a platform to
vintage car lovers to meet and interact. It promotes various activities and
events to help vintage vehicle owners to take care of their possessions.
Lectures and seminars are organized by the clubs and sale of spare parts is
also held.
Vintage Car Museums
Pro Bono Publico, a private vintage car museum
having more than 50 vintage beauties, is located at Jaunapur in Mehrauli region of Delhi. The HMCI has plans to set up a 2 lakh sq ft museum in the National
Capital Region (NCR). It would host more than 200 cars. Vintage car
museums in Ahmedabad and Udaipur are other two renowned vintage car
museums.
Vintage Cars in India
India was a substantial
market of vintage cars before 1947. Rulers of the princely states patronized
these luxury cars in those times. Statistics show that a fourth of the Rolls
Royce production fed the Indian market between 1912 and 1947. It was the
burgeoning demand which lured General Motors to set up an assembly line unit in
Mumbai way back in 1927. In the next decade the unit produced approximate
11,000 cars, including Buicks, Chevrolets and Vauxhalls. However, the princely
states ceased to exist post independence. Most of these vintage cars where then
taken out of the country to feed the demand of vintage car collectors in Europe
and US markets.
As per estimates, 1000 to 3000 vintage cars exist in India today, valued at Rs 350 crore (Rs 3.5 billion). Some of the biggest vintage car collectors in India own the rare Mercedes 540 K and the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, both valued at more than Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million).
Vintage Car Rallies
Collectors of vintage cars in India hold regular rallies for their cars. These rallies have been instrumental in inculcating people’s interest in these cars. One would find all old beauties like Rolls Royce, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lincoln, Beetle, Plymouth, Cadillac and Ford competing in these events. These rallies give the vintage car enthusiasts an opportunity to meet like-minded people. One can also buy vintage body parts and vintage auto parts from manufacturers from across the country.
As per estimates, 1000 to 3000 vintage cars exist in India today, valued at Rs 350 crore (Rs 3.5 billion). Some of the biggest vintage car collectors in India own the rare Mercedes 540 K and the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, both valued at more than Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million).
Vintage Car Rallies
Collectors of vintage cars in India hold regular rallies for their cars. These rallies have been instrumental in inculcating people’s interest in these cars. One would find all old beauties like Rolls Royce, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lincoln, Beetle, Plymouth, Cadillac and Ford competing in these events. These rallies give the vintage car enthusiasts an opportunity to meet like-minded people. One can also buy vintage body parts and vintage auto parts from manufacturers from across the country.
Car Engine
When it comes to a car, the most important component
is the engine. The engine can well be regarded as the soul of a car. In fact,
you might have the most well-maintained and sparkling set of wheels in your
neighborhood, but if its engine is not working, it is as good as waste. In
order to make sure that your car has a long life, you need to undertake regular
maintenance of the engine, say changing the oil, checking the belt, putting in
adequate coolant, and so on. We have provided a number of maintenance tips in
the following lines, to help you take care of your car engine,
Car Engine Maintenance
Tips
- Engine oil is one of the most important things that determines the performance and life of the car engine. The oil level of your car engine must be checked at regular intervals, say once in every two weeks, and even before going on a long trip. This can be done by opening the bonnet and pulling out the dipstick, which is calibrated and indicates the oil level.
- In all the cars, there is an indicator for engine oil level. When the oil level is low and lubrication is not happening properly, the indicator glows as a warning. If this light comes on, immediately check the oil level and if it is low, fill it. Do not drive the vehicle if there is no engine oil. Improper oil pressure engine means that lubrication is not taking place as it should, which could result in serious breakdown of the engine.
- Always make sure that you care engine has the requisite amount of coolant. At the same time, inspect the radiator on a regular basis, for leaks as well as any type of corrosion.
- If you feel that your engine is not heating up properly, and is too cool, it means that the thermostat is not working properly. So, either get it repaired or replaced, at the earliest.
- In the usual cases, engine belts last for somewhere around 4 years. However, if you find any cracks or frays in the timing belt, get it replaced almost immediately.
- In case your car has platinum spark plugs, it is advisable to get them changed after every 65,000 miles. If they are made of some other metal, then the change will be required every 35,000 miles.
- The air filter of a car engine requires a replacement every 15,000 miles. You can also get it changed, if you feel that it has become too dirty. In case of oil filter, the replacement needs to be made after every 3,000 miles.
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