I had the pleasure of going to the 50th edition of the Kolkata Statesman Rally. Bhpian Prithvi Tagore aka mbz180 was kind enough allow me to attend this rally in his 1963 Fiat Super Select named Bella. I was given the privilege to be his navigator!
The car was restored by the well known Kolkata based restorer, Bimpu Sircar. Prithvi used all this connections in friends, acquaintances, references, parts shops abroad, as he displayed his obsessive enthusiasm to restore this car to complete originality. The outcome has been fantastic.
When acquired, this was one family owned car, very original, though required significant work to bring back to its prime. Prithvi wanted exhibit this car in the 50th Statesman and so the restoration was done over 8-9 months and the car was just in time for the rally.
This being my first Statesman Rally, I enjoyed observing the commitment of the car owners to get a favourable judges score. The judges scrutiny was quite detailed and chief judge is very knowledgeable. In Bangalore, we do not do any form of judging the cars and this was a new experience for me.
Prithvi had prepared a detailed booklet on the cars restoration. He had to document his commitment to the restoration and make them appreciate the effort taken to bring back to spec. Additionally, fine details were highlighted.
On the Judging day, we reached by 3 pm for the car to be scrutinized.
Lined up as per the instruction of the Judges
The engine bay looked great
Weber carbs!
The seats in the original pattern
Folding seats was demonstrated at the time of judging
Prithvi demonstrating to the judges that all the switches are functional
Demonstrating a working jack and also enables to Judges to ensure that the body lines are good even in a jacked position
We wrap up late evening after discussing how the judging went and Prithvi was very confident that things were going as per plan
We sign off for the evening
On Sunday, Prithvi rightly stands very proud in front of his car. Great feedback from the fellow participants made his smile wider and wider as the day went by!
Prithvi, picks up the ITC Sonar Trophy for the Best Maintained Vintage and Classic Car between 1955 & 1975. As we waited in the sun to receive the trophy, the car refused to start!. So Prithvi walked up to receive the prize and in the mean time, we got her started and I drove the car to pick up Prithvi with his prizes!
With the restorer Bimpu Sircar
With the navigator, KPS!
We end the day with the customary snap at Townhall, the starting point for the CDG drives
It was wonderful experience and thanks to mbz180 for being such a wonderful host and allowing me to be part of his journey
Cheers
KPS