Mumbai : The Vintage Car Rally on Republic Day is one of Mumbai’s most cherished annual traditions, blending India’s national pride with a passionate celebration of automotive heritage. Every 26th January, the streets of South Mumbai come alive with the unmistakable rumble of classic engines as the Vintage & Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI) hosts its flagship Republic Day Drive — the highlight of the Annual Vintage Car Fiesta.
Organized by the VCCCI, one of India’s premier clubs dedicated to preserving pre-1980s vehicles, the 2026 edition ran from January 24–26 at the iconic World Trade Centre in Cuffe Parade. The multi-day extravaganza, presented by JK Tyre and themed around the centenary of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, featured over 185 meticulously restored vintage cars and around 50 rare historic motorcycles and scooters displayed in concours style.
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The public flocked to the grand exhibition on 25th January (9 AM–6 PM, ₹100 entry), where gleaming chrome, polished wood dashboards, and period-correct details drew admirers of all ages. Highlights included majestic Rolls-Royces (from early Silver Ghosts to elegant Phantoms), stately Bentleys, Mercedes-Benz fintails, classic Land Rovers, American land yachts with sweeping fins, Indian icons like pristine Ambassadors and Premier Padminis, plus exotic two-wheelers that turned heads.
The emotional crescendo arrives on Republic Day itself. At around 11 AM, the Republic Day Drive (also called the Vintage Car Rally) flags off. Dozens of these timeless machines parade through Mumbai’s historic routes — often along Marine Drive, Nariman Point, Colaba Causeway, and other South Mumbai landmarks. Dressed in smart attire or vintage-inspired outfits, owners wave to cheering crowds as the procession symbolizes both mechanical artistry and patriotic spirit. The deep throb of straight-six and V8 engines, the gleam of brass under the January sun, and fluttering tricolor flags create a moving tribute to India’s past.
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This annual event is more than a parade; it’s a living museum on wheels. Owners invest years and significant resources in restorations, preserving engineering legacies once owned by maharajas, industrialists, and film stars. For spectators, it’s a rare chance to witness history glide past — A reminder that A True Classics never Fade.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply love the festive energy of Republic Day, the VCCCI Vintage Car Rally remains a highlight of Mumbai’s cultural calendar, rolling proudly every 26th January.
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