Vintage history rolled on the roads of Delhi NCR as Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta flagged-off the 43rd Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally this Sunday at the majestic building of Statesman House in the capital. Vintage enthusiasts poured out in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the stunners on their catwalk, wearing the robes of a bygone era.

A record 140 entries were received for this year,s rally which is truly India,s biggest and most popular vintage rallies. These rare beauties traveled between Delhi, Marwah Studious-film city and YMCA Greater Noida before returning to Modern School Barakhamba Road for prize distribution.

A pleasing 1914 John Morris, the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad,s fire engine, Citroen 1919, Graham Paige 1922, Willys Knight 1928, Rolls Royce 1937, Austin 1928, apart from the sturdy Fords, Bentleys, Lagondas, Minnervas, stylish Chevrolets & Jaguars were some of the sought after timeless machines participating in this year’s rally, drawing passionate heritage motorists from across India.

"This Statesman Vintage 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 ever," said Rahul Mittra, CEO Brandsmith, leading brand promotions & Event Company and the exclusive promotions & event partner of this coveted annual event since 2003.

ONGC, Religare, AAFT & Zee business News amongst other top brands partnered along with Brandsmith for making the 43rd Statesman vintage rally a memorable event. The most awaited running trophies this year included the Statesman Challenge Trophy presented to the oldest participating vehicle to complete the time section which was bagged by John Morris 1914, C.R. Irani Memorial Trophy for the “Queen of the Rally presented to Citroen 1920,” while the ONGC Trophy for the most elegant car manufactured outside UK & USA went to Mercedes Benz 1959, apart from 39 other coveted trophies.

A spectacular performance by popular pop band Black Slade added to the beautiful afternoon as participants and special invitees swayed to foot tapping numbers at YMCA over lunch, from where Pankaj Agrawala, CEO Greater Noida Authority flagged off the rally, along with CEO Brandsmith Rahul Mittra.