Mangaluru: The 24th vintage classic cars and bikes carnival, organised by the Mangalore Motor Sports Association at Nehru Maidan as part of the Republic Day celebrations, drew a large number of visitors on Monday, offering automobile enthusiasts a glimpse into motoring history through an impressive display of restored classics.
One of the major attractions of the carnival was a Mercedes SL 500 Miniature driven by Dr Shishir Shetty. The rare vehicle drew sustained attention from visitors due to its unique design, pristine condition and historical value.
Speaking about the exhibit, Dr Shetty said the original 1980-model Mercedes Miniature belonged to his uncle, Dr B R Shetty. He explained that the car was manufactured in Germany and was a limited-edition model. “When Dr B R Shetty’s son was young, he used this car. It was later brought to India. We have ensured that all its parts are original,” he said.
Rare miniature Mercedes steals the spotlight
Dr Shetty said maintaining the vehicle in its original form required specialised expertise. He noted that a skilled team of mechanics from Wagen Tunen in the city have been instrumental in servicing and preserving the car. “Fortunately, we have access to trained professionals who understand the technical and historical value of such vehicles,” he added.
The Mercedes SL 500 Miniature is powered by a 400 cc engine and is equipped with three gears — first, second and reverse — making it both functional and unique among vintage displays. Its compact build, combined with original components, made it a standout exhibit at the carnival.
Sandeep Bantwal of Wagen Tunen said the restoration process involved meticulous attention to detail. “Missing parts were carefully reconstructed during the restoration process, ensuring that the vehicle remained true to its original specifications,” he said.
Wide range of classic automobiles on display
The carnival featured an extensive collection of vintage cars spanning several decades. Among the highlights were a Willys (1958), Mercedes-Benz models from 1967 and 1970, an Ambassador (1962), Standard Herald (1960), Chevrolet Deluxe (1952), Volkswagen Beetle (1961), Ford Jeep (1947) and a Ford (1929).
Luxury and premium vintage vehicles also attracted significant attention. These included a Cadillac (1949) with a 5,400 cc engine and a steel body manufactured by Fisher, a Rolls-Royce (1948) powered by a 4,250 cc engine with an aluminium body, and a Bentley (1948) featuring a 4,250 cc engine and steel body. Several vintage motorcycles were also displayed, adding to the diversity of the exhibition.
Nostalgia and public enthusiasm
Inaugurating the carnival, District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that the city has a deep-rooted fondness for vintage automobiles. He observed that such events not only celebrate engineering excellence but also evoke nostalgia among visitors.
“Seeing these vehicles brings back fond memories of the past,” the minister said, noting that the carnival provided an opportunity for younger generations to understand the evolution of automobiles and appreciate heritage conservation.
Conclusion
The vintage classic cars and bikes carnival once again proved to be a major crowd-puller, blending history, craftsmanship and nostalgia. Organisers said the strong public response reaffirmed growing interest in preserving automobile heritage and promised to continue hosting similar events in the coming years.