Auto enthusiasts look forward to Republic Day to show off their lovingly restored automobiles from their collection at the rally. Nidarsh Hegde, former Commandant of the Home Guards has modified his Willys Jeep. While he has changed the steering and controls, he has retained the battle green paint, axe, fuel can, shovel and the Army insignia. The canvas hood with splinter windows and the on tow mechanism adds an authentic Army look to the vehicle.
“I had gone to Sirsa on the border of Haryana and Punjab where the biggest auction of Army vehicles takes place every year and chanced upon this Willy. It has been with me for six years and I have showcased it at the Republic Day rally every year,” says Hegde.
Girish Venkatram from Kulai owns a collection of vintage vehicles, from five generations of Lambretta to Vespas, Matchless, DKW, BSA, Triumph, Ducati, Ariel, Velocette, BMW, Enfield, Jawa and a variety of mopeds, scooters, that are showcased in his museum.
“The oldest in my heritage fleet is the Ford A of 1930, which is undergoing restoration now, but the 1932 Austin 10 is still firing on all cylinders and has become part of heritage events in the city.” For the rally, he will be showcasing the Austin and six two-wheelers.
The highlight of his collection is the Lamby 1982 on which he rode to Khardungla Pass in the Himalayas from Kanyakumari in 2018 and the 1989 Yezdi 350 CC bike.
The district administration encourages heritage vehicle owners to display their vehicles and even pays a nominal fee towards the fuel spent by the owner to bring his vehicle to the central grounds on that day.