Vintage automobiles steal the show at The Lake Club, Kolkata

Now in its fifth edition, the annual motoring extravaganza reaffirmed Kolkata’s growing stature on the global vintage automobile map.

Organised by the Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG)—a collective of serious heritage vehicle collectors and restorers—the event was held in collaboration with The Lake Club and in association with ACE Commercial. With the serene Rabindra Sarobar as its backdrop and clear blue skies overhead, the lush green lawns of The Lake Club provided a fitting stage for a memorable celebration of motoring history.

1948 Plymouth once driven by singer and composer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay. Photo: Lake Club.

This year’s exhibition featured seventy vintage cars and ten classic two-wheelers, showcasing craftsmanship, provenance and passion. The EIMG Concours d’Elegance is the brainchild of EIMG Founder and President Shrivardhan Kanoria and Secretary Subhajit Kumar, conceived with the vision of gifting Kolkata an international-standard Concours that could rival the finest in the world.

Mr. Kanoria served as Chief Judge, joined by an expert jury from the EIMG Core Committee, including Avik Naha, Subhajit Kumar and Swapan Kumar Lahiri. The judging was based on authenticity, quality of restoration and maintenance, provenance, rarity, and the personal connection between owner and automobile.

Overview of the exhibition. Photo: Lake Club.

Among the standout attractions was a stunning line-up of rare Rolls-Royces, which drew admiration from enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Other highlights included the historic Dodge 2928, once used by Lord Mountbatten during his time in Chennai and now owned by Partha Banik, as well as the 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, formerly driven by legendary singer and composer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and now owned by Swapan Kumar Lahiri.

The exhibition also showcased a rare 1938 German Adler, adding further depth to the international flavour of the event.

The Lake Club, in partnership with EIMG, once again successfully hosted the Concours for its members and guests, while welcoming a large number of visitors. The impressive turnout and exceptional line-up reinforced the event’s reputation as Kolkata’s premier vintage motoring showcase.

Rolls Royces lined up in the show. Photo: Lake Club.

At the conclusion of the exhibition, the 1934 Rolls-Royce owned by Krish Ajmera was crowned Best of the Show. The 1948 Bentley MK VI, owned by Azam Momen, and the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 A, owned by Prithvi Nath Tagore, secured second and third positions respectively.