40 vintage vehicles to cover Bengaluru, Chikkamagalur, Kodagu and Mysuru

Mysuru: The Federation of Historic Vehicles of India (FHVI), in collaboration with the Karnataka Tourism Department and Destination Rally, is organising the ‘FHVI Explore Karnataka Historic Drive 2024,’ a 1,100-kilometre rally spanning Bengaluru, Hampi, Chikkamagalur, Kodagu and Mysuru.

Scheduled from Nov. 15 to Nov. 21, the event aims to promote tourism while celebrating the rich history and culture of Karnataka. The rally will feature 40 vintage vehicles, comprising 20 international entries and 20 from across India.

These classic cars, ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s, will come from Italy, South Africa, Lithuania, Portugal, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Finland, the USA, the Netherlands, Australia and the UK. Notable among the participants is the 1950 MG YT ‘Lai Pari’ from Ahmedabad, owned by Daman Thakore. This car gained recognition for completing a 12,000-kilometre journey over 73 days from India to London in 2023, passing through 12 countries.

Some standout vehicles in the rally include: 1926 Bentley Tourer, 1933 Alvis Speed, 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Limousine, 1947 Citroen Traction, 1947 Chevrolet FleetMaster, 1950 MG YT, 1952 Bentley MK VI, 1955 Land Rover Series 1, 1956 Dodge Suburban Custom, 1962 Jaguar MK II, 1967 Triumph GT6, 1968 Mercedes Pagode 280 SL, 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider, 1970 Mercedes 280 SL, 1971 Volkswagen Microbus, 1972 Porsche 911, 1974 Jaguar E-Type V12, 1975 Lancia and 1980 Corvette Stingray.

The rally will be flagged off from Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, on Nov. 15 at 7.30 am by Tourism Minister H.K. Patil, with the first destination being Hampi. On Nov. 17, participants will head to Chikkamagalur, arriving in Kodagu on Nov. 18.

On Nov. 20, the convoy will travel from Kodagu to Mysuru, where they will tour iconic landmarks and assemble at the Mysore Palace for a grand illumination event at 6.30 pm. During their stay, the rallyists will visit Krishna Raja Sagar Dam in Mandya and the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel.

They will also meet erstwhile Mysore Royal family. The rally will conclude on Nov. 21 as participants drive back to Bengaluru, stopping at Payana Vintage Car Museum in Srirangapatna.