The seventh edition of The Hindu Chennai–Pondy Heritage Car Rally was kickstarted with much fanfare

Wolf horns and revving up of engines were excused on Elliot’s Beach, on Saturday morning, as even policemen stood awestruck by the sight of vintage beauties as they rolled past them, towards Puducherry.

The seventh edtion of The Hindu Chennai–Pondy Heritage Car Rally began with much fanfare, with a fleet of vintage and classic cars taking the first turn on to 4th Main Road towards a 142-km drive to Puducherry.

Curious crowds thronged the beach from 7 a.m. as vintage cars began arriving one after the other.

As mobile phone cameras began flashing, it was time for the Austins, Chevys, Morris Minors and Fiats — a total of over 60 cars — to kickstart the heritage rally.

It was flagged off by Balsingh George, chairman and managing director of Golden Homes Private Ltd., around 8.30 a.m.

A visual delight for automobile lovers and beachgoers, the cars rolled through a passage of people. Many enthusiasts were seen elbowing their way across as they tried to capture every car that passed through.

A few vintage jeeps, including one from the Ford stables, stopped to pick up a few people from the audience, giving the rest a rare photo op.

The rally reached Puducherry by evening and the vintage cars did not fail to attract huge crowds, once again, on Beach Road there.

In the final leg of the rally, the participants will ride back to Mamallapuram on Sunday afternoon for the closing ceremony.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Petlee Peter / February 01st, 2015