KOCHI: It was a trip down memory lane for visitors at Aspinwall House as a fleet of classic rides and rods pulled into the primary venue for the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB).
A total of 22 vintage cars rolled along the city streets last week, starting at Panampilly Nagar and ending at Fort Kochi where they stood on display for an awestruck crowd. The rally and exhibition was organised by the KMB, in association with the Cochin Vintage Club, as part of Republic Day celebration.
The head-turning line-up featured the 1946-model legendary Austin 16, a 1955 Dodge Rover and a red hot Triumph Herald, besides a sampling of Fiat, Ford and Mercedes Benz beauties.
There was even a 1957 Hindustan Motors Landmaster, the forerunner to Ambassador.
“Our main objective is preservation of vintage cars. Over the years, the Biennale has upheld the importance of heritage preservation, which strikes a chord with our policy. It was this common trait that made today’s collaboration possible,” said Cochin Vintage Club president Rinesh Ravi.
“For us, these cars are works of art. A lot of effort and heart have been put into the preservation and maintenance of this precious collection. The process of getting these beauties back into ‘road shape’ is comparable to putting up an installation,” he said.
Besides cars, there were five motorcycles on display, including a Jawa, Yezdi and Rajdoot. As part of the rally, the Junior Chamber International Cochin Metro conducted an awareness campaign on road safety.
“We are happy to associate with the Cochin Vintage Club and express solidarity with their efforts to maintain heritage cars and bikes. These proud automobiles are an integral part of the history of machines,” said artist Riyas Komu.