From Bentleys to Buicks, this heritage car show brings legendary vintage cars to Chennai

Experience vintage and classic cars at Heritage Rollers, a gathering by HCAI showcasing iconic vehicles from across India.

The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, classify vehicles older than 50 years as vintage. There are many collectors in India who have, over the decades, honed their skills to maintain these cars and keep them in running condition even after manufacturers stopped producing and servicing them. There are also multiple clubs, associations, and museums dedicated to the preservation of these iconic mechanical wonders.

The Historical Cars Association of India (HCAI), is one such organisation that aims to bring together vintage car owners, and build a community based on this common Interest. Based in Chennai, they host car rallies and meet-ups on a regular basis. The next big vintage and classic car meetup, titled Heritage Rollers, will be held at the Turyaa Hotel, Perungudi, on February 2.

This is the second edition of the event, with the first one held in 2023. “This time we have 70 to 80 vintage and classic cars on display including a handful of Edwardian class cars,” says Ranjit Pratap, president, HCAI. An Edwardian class car is a vintage car that was manufactured between 1905 and 1915, while any car that was manufactured after 1950 is labelled a classic car.

Heritage Rollers will display cars of various makes including Mercedes, Cadillac, Lanica, MG, Ford, Buick, Chevrolet, Studebaker and more sourced from across the country.

Some of these vehicles are owned by prominent royal families of India. Nitin Dossa, chairman of the Mumbai-based Vintage and Classic Car Club of India will also be present with the cars he owns. “We just wrapped up a vintage car show in Mumbai for Republic Day and are still in the process of deciding which cars we should bring to Chennai,” he says, adding that transportation is a challenge but worth it because it helps youngsters learn about their legacy. “We do a special lashing for these cars to ensure they don’t move while transporting, and we have chaperones accompanying the truck drivers as well,” states Ranjit.

The aim of the gathering is to help car enthusiasts of this generation to embrace the technology and craftsmanship of the yesteryears, says Ranjit. “I have my own garage, and I’m here to teach them. There are older mechanics who are skilled and can help as well. They just need to come forward,” he adds.

After the display on Sunday, a convoy of 25 to 30 cars will be flagged off in a rally from Chennai to Pondicherry on Monday morning. These cars will then be on display at the promenade and this will be open to the public for viewing.