55th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally Announced in Kolkata
Kolkata, January 5, 2026 - The Statesman, organiser of the country’s oldest vintage car rally, officially announced the 55th edition of the Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally at a press conference held at the Press Club, Kolkata, on Monday.
Adding a touch of grandeur to the occasion, a rare vintage car was showcased at the venue, offering members of the media a glimpse into the rich heritage and timeless charm of classic motoring.
The much-anticipated rally will be held on January 11, 2026, at the historic Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) Polo Ground. The rally will be flagged off at 9:10 am and is expected to witness the participation of around 160 vintage and classic cars, along with 50 two-wheelers, making it a grand celebration of automotive heritage and engineering excellence.
The event will feature an impressive line-up of legendary marques such as Triumph, Studebaker, Chevrolet, Dodge and DeSoto, alongside iconic British brands including Austin, Morris and MG, reflecting the rich legacy of global motoring history.
Addressing the media, Gobinda Mukherjee, Business Head – East India, The Statesman, said,
“There is no participation fee charged from the entrants. The objective of the rally is to provide vintage and classic car owners with a platform to showcase their prized possessions and keep automotive heritage alive. While car shows are held regularly, the Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally remains the oldest rally of its kind in the country.”
He further added that the rally was first organised in Delhi in 1964, while the Kolkata edition began in 1968, firmly establishing its position as a landmark event in India’s motoring calendar.
Also present at the press conference were Suman Bhattacharya, Senior Vice-President; Syed Hasmat Jalal, Consulting Editor, The Statesman; and Nitish Kapoor, Head – Event and Activation, The Statesman, Delhi. The session was moderated by Debashis Das, Chief Reporter, Dainik Statesman.
It was also announced that free entry passes will be available from The Statesman Kolkata office from 11 am to 6 pm till January 9, 2026.
The 55th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally promises a nostalgic and visually captivating journey through time, celebrating craftsmanship, heritage and the enduring charm of classic automobiles.