Return of the classics: Vintage cars take over the road

CHRISTINE MACHADO | MARCH 25, 2018, 02:17 AM IST

In the last couple of months, a few select locations in Goa have witnessed a spectacular sight – a line of classic cars like a Mercedes Benz W 123, VW Super Beetle, Morris Minor etc roaring down the streets, while onlookers stare after in amazement.  

What’s even more interesting is that these drivers range from different age groups- from 25- to over 60 years of age. And the idea of starting these classic car rides was all courtesy Dheep Caldeira from Moira. 

“ My friend Ryan Braganca and me along with a couple of other guys who owned these old cars used to go out on drives together and over time we met other car owners too. We also helped organise the Vintage Car and Bike Rally done by GTDC earlier. It was after this that we decided to have these car rides so as to encourage others to drive their cars and thus keep them in good mechanical condition,” says Caldeira.  

While it isn’t rare to spot a vintage car in Goa, a lot of times these are lying in dilapidated condition. “A lot of times this is because these cars are difficult to maintain and a lot of times the younger generation is not interested in the upkeep as they have moved on to modern automobiles,” says Nathan Fernandez who is also part of the group. 

“On the other hand there are those who own these but just keep it at home as a show car. They don’t maintain these but also don’t want to sell them off as they consider it part of their family heritage,” he adds.

Through these rides, this group hopes to motivate others who own such beauties to fix their cars and get them on the road. Fernandez admits that maintenance can be a bit of challenge. 

“ Ryan and another friend Lysander do maintenance work which helps us out. As for spare parts these are available online. There are also agencies in Mumbai which import these from abroad. So it is not hard although it is expensive,” he says.

The group which as of now consists of around nine cars, meets up twice every month and drives to a new place each time. Many a times, their families also come along. So far they have covered Old Goa, Divar, St Jacinto Island, Siridao and Morjim. 

“This also gives us a chance toshare our experiences and guide each other on how best to take care of their vehicles,” says Caldeira.

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