Automobile history rolled down the capital's roads on the first Sunday of March as Chief of Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor flagged off the 42nd Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally 2008 from Statesman House. More then 100 vintage, classic & post-war cars travelled between Delhi and the picturesque Westin Sohna-Gurgaon Resort & Spa before returning to Modern School Barakhamba Road for prize distribution.

The sturdy Fords, little Austins, the majestic 1913 Rolls Royce, stylish Chevrolets & Jaguars, a pleasing 1914 John Morris, apart from many others in colourful livery swept past busy roads with thrilled by-standers taking a close look at the cars. Passionate heritage motorists from across India commanded the steering wheels of these real vintage beauties.

Rahul Mittra, CEO Brandsmith, leading brand promotions & Event Company and the promotions & event partner of the 42nd Statesman Vintage rally was thrilled. "This rally is seen as the Mecca of all vintage rallies in the Indian sub-continent and this year the legendary event has grown even bigger with the maximum number of vintage, classic and post war car entries. We are delighted at the success of the rally and are happy that months of meticulous planning has finally paid off."

The rally ended at Modern School Barakhamba Road where Antara Kumar, wife of the Managing Director of The Statesman gave away the trophies to the roaring vintage beauties. Under the vintage section, The Statesman Challenge Trophy went to the 1913 Rolls Royce, which also won The Montagu Trophy for the most elegant British car participating. In the Classic section, MG 1949 won the Purolator India Ltd Trophy for the most elegant and best maintained classic car of the period 1940-1956. In the post-war section, Cheverlet 1961 won the Ansal Housing Trophy for the best performance in the road section.

Vatika Group, Indian Oil, AAFT, Champagne Indage Ltd and Westin Sohna-Gurgaon Resort & Spa were some of the partners in this year,s Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally organized by Statesman & Brandsmith.