KALPETTA: After traversing four continents in century-old machines, two British motoring enthusiasts have now steered their extraordinary journey into Kerala.
Robert, 63, and John, 72, lifelong friends from London, are drawing crowds across the state with their prized 1926 Bentley tourer cars. The gleaming classics are not merely vehicles but living artefacts of automotive history, now roaring through India as part of an ambitious world tour. The duo drove across the Americas, Europe, and Australia before beginning the Asian leg of their expedition. Refusing to let either age, logistics, or engineering intimidate them, they shipped their vintage cars from London to Mumbai to open the Indian chapter of their adventure.
Mumbai, the cars rolled along the coastal highways of Goa, climbed the mist-covered roads of Chikmagalur, passed through the forested stretches of Kabini and eventually reached the lush hills of Wayanad, where the sight of the polished chrome machines has left onlookers spellbound.
Robert is driving a 6.5-litre Bentley he purchased 15 years ago. He says it is his passion for vintage automobiles that fuels the journey.
“What I have is a 100-year-old Bentley. I bought it 15 years ago, and since then we have driven these historical pieces across North America, including Canada and Alaska. In South America, we travelled through Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia.
The cars were later shipped to Australia, where we explored the country. Our latest adventure began in Mumbai after shipping the vehicles from London. From there, we drove through Goa and Karnataka, before reaching Wayanad,” Robert said. They stayed at the Parisons Estate in Thalappuzha near Mananthavady over the weekend. Resort manager Binoy said the duo were delighted by the warm hospitality and Kerala cuisine.
“We were amazed by the vehicles. It is hard to describe the excitement we had hearing their journey across four continents in such historic cars. We arranged visits to nearby tourist destinations, and we even had the chance to enjoy a ride in one of the vintage Bentleys,” Binoy said.
Duo to visit Sri Lanka after Kerala leg
John, who is driving a 6-litre Bentley, said the drive through the Thamarassery Ghat was one of the highlights of the Kerala leg. The pair reached Kozhikode on Monday evening and plan to spend two days exploring the city.
“We intend to visit historic landmarks and witness the traditional uru boat-building craft for which Kozhikode is famous. After covering the remaining districts of Kerala, we hope to reach Thiruvananthapuram. From there, the cars will be shipped again, this time to Sri Lanka, where new roads and new experiences await,” John said. The duo has enlisted Daniel, from Mumbai, to guide them though their journey in India.
As the engines of the Bentleys echo through Kerala’s hills and highways, they carry with them not just two adventurers, but a remarkable testament to endurance, craftsmanship and an undiminished love for the open road.