KOTTAYAM: As the 1926 model Bentley Tourer glided to a stop at the portico of the luxurious Kumarakom Lake Resort, the driver extended his hand out of the door to grab the gear lever and smoothly shift into reverse. Erich Hoop from Liechtenstein and Asta Beierle from Lithuania – both in Europe – emerged from the vintage car, after parking it carefully in the resort’s designated area. The arrival of the classic vehicle marked the beginning of a gathering of 20 other vintage cars from various countries, all converging on the resort’s parking area.
The event marked a significant moment for Kumarakom, an international tourism hotspot in Kerala, as it was the first time such a large collection of world’s classic and vintage cars were reaching the state for the South Indian Classic segment of Destination Rally, an organiser of classic and vintage car discovery rallies all over the world. The South Indian Classic rally had commenced in Goa on November 14, with Kumarakom serving as the 11th destination on its itinerary. The Indian segment of the rally will conclude in Chennai on December 1; the group leaves for Thekkady on Tuesday.
The rally features 21 cars from 15 countries, with Erich’s 98-year-old 1926 model Bentley Tourer being the oldest in the group. Some standout vehicles from the UK, US, Finland, South Africa, Ireland, Portugal, and the Netherlands include the 1933 model Alvis Speed 20 SA, 1939 model Chevrolet Master Deluxe Limousine, 1947 Citroen Traction, 1947 .