Gurugram hosts 11th edition of vintage car show

The event was inaugurated by Haryana’s minister of industry and commerce, Rao Narbir Singh, who underscored the importance of such initiatives in reviving Haryana’s tourism industry

Published on: Feb 22, 2025, 06:04:13 IST

By Leena Dhankhar

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Gurugram: The 11th edition of the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance vintage car show was held in Gurugram on Friday, showcasing over 125 rare vintage cars and 50 classic motorcycles from India and around the world. After being flagged off from India Gate, where Union minister for culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the parade of vintage and classic automobiles, the three-day event will carry on at Ambience Golf Greens, people aware of the matter said.

Vintage cars on display during the 11th edition of the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance at Ambience Golf Greens near Ambience Mall in Gurugram on Friday. (PARVEEN KUMAR/HT)

The event was inaugurated by Haryana’s minister of industry and commerce, Rao Narbir Singh, who underscored the importance of such initiatives in reviving Haryana’s tourism industry. “Haryana was once at the forefront of tourism in India, but in recent years, it has witnessed a decline. Events like the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance not only highlight the grandeur of automobiles but also celebrate our rich cultural heritage, attract visitors, and boost local tourism. I hope such efforts continue to elevate Haryana’s tourism sector,” he said.

Set against the backdrop of Ambience Golf Greens, the exhibition features some of the world’s most coveted vintage automobiles, many of which belonged to erstwhile Indian royalty. Among the showstoppers, are the 1939 Delahaye (Figoni et Falaschi), 1903 De Dion Bouton (the oldest car in the event), 1917 Ford Model T Roadster, and the 1935 Cadillac Fleetwood, each telling a unique story of automotive craftsmanship and historical significance.

A key attraction this year is a special tribute marking 120 years of Rolls-Royce, featuring nine meticulously restored models, including the 1922 Silver Ghost Limo, 1926 Silver Ghost Tilbury Sedan, 1929 P1 Sedan DeVille, and 1936 P3 Landaulette by Barker. Additionally, 100 years of MG Motors is being commemorated with a dedicated class displaying the 1938 MGTA Tickford DHC, 1947 MGTC, and 1953 MG TD, showcasing the evolution of the iconic brand.

An international jury panel, comprising Christian Kramer, Whitney Overocker, Shinichi Ekko, and Alex von Mozer, is evaluating the vehicles based on their authenticity, restoration quality, and historical value.

“The 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance is more than an exhibition—it is a tribute to India’s rich motoring legacy. By bringing together the world’s finest vintage cars, passionate collectors, and global experts, we aim to put India on the global map of historic automobile conservation,” said Madan Mohan, chairman and managing trustee of the 21 Gun Salute Heritage Trust.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leena Dhankhar
Leena Dhankhar is Senior Editor and Bureau Chief, Gurugram, at Hindustan Times, where she has spent over 17 years chronicling the transformation of one of India's fastest-growing urban regions. From starting her career as a crime reporter to leading the Gurugram bureau, her journalism has been defined by investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling and an unwavering focus on public interest. Over nearly two decades, she has reported extensively across crime, politics, civic governance, elections, real estate, environment, courts, sports, education and entertainment, covering Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal. Her reporting has exposed several major scams and systemic failures, including insurance frauds, waste management irregularities, illegal arms manufacturing units in Nuh, illegal mining in the Aravallis, organised crime networks and governance lapses affecting millions of residents. Known for her investigative work and exclusive stories, Leena has reported on high-impact national issues, including the Nicaragua charter flight carrying Indian migrants that was turned back amid allegations of human trafficking, exposing the growing network of illegal immigration rackets. Her work has also focused on gang wars, prison administration, juvenile crime, women and child protection systems, the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, and environmental challenges such as pollution, waterlogging and deteriorating civic infrastructure. Beyond hard news, Leena has extensively documented Haryana's rich heritage, forests and wildlife, bringing attention to the state's historical landmarks, biodiversity, conservation efforts and ecological challenges through immersive reportage and feature writing. Her journalism has consistently gone beyond breaking news. She has documented Gurugram's rapid urbanisation through long-form narratives and enterprise reporting on issues ranging from pothole-ridden roads, flooding and waste management to the changing social fabric of India's Millennium City. She also writes widely read feature columns, including The Outsider, Changemaker, and Concern for Gurugram, profiling people, places and ideas shaping the city's identity. Leena is the author of Gurugram School Murder, published by Juggernaut Books, a deeply reported account of one of India's most high-profile school murder investigations. She is currently working on her second book, an investigative work exploring some of India's most significant scams and fraud investigations. Beyond print journalism, she has expanded her storytelling through public speaking and digital media. She is a TEDx speaker and has produced podcasts exploring Gurugram's transformation, civic challenges and untold stories. Her work reflects a commitment to narrative journalism that combines rigorous reporting with compelling storytelling. A law graduate with an MBA in Human Resources, Leena brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her reporting, particularly on governance, public policy and legal affairs. She has travelled extensively across India to pursue investigative assignments, often reporting from remote locations and conflict-prone areas in search of stories that matter.Read More

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