Archive · 8 Jan 2026
55th Statesman Vintage Car Rally Showcases History
The 55th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally is happening on 11 January at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club in Hastings.
Around 160 vintage cars and 50 two-wheelers will be featured, including rare models like the 1928 Studebaker and the 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III.
The rally celebrates the history and heritage of these cars.
A long time ago, the Maharaja of Alwar bought many Rolls Royce cars after being insulted in a showroom in London.
He used them as street-sweepers to show his power.
Rolls-Royce apologized and sent more cars.
The rally will start at 9:10 a.m.
and will have cultural programs too.
The 55th edition of The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally will take place on 11 January at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, Hastings.
Around 160 vintage and classic cars and nearly 50 two-wheelers will participate in the 30-km rally.
Key cars include the 1928 Studebaker President 8 State Limousine, the 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, and the 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III.
The Maharaja of Alwar, Jaysingh Prabhakar, bought several Rolls Royce cars after being insulted by a showroom in London and used them as street-sweepers.
Rolls-Royce apologized and offered more cars for free, leading the Maharaja to stop using the cars for such purposes.
- Who
- Car enthusiasts, Maharaja of Alwar, Jaysingh Prabhakar, Rolls-Royce
- What
- 55th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally, historical incident of Maharaja's revenge
- When
- 11 January, Sunday, during colonial times
- Where
- Royal Calcutta Turf Club, Hastings, India, Mayfair, London
- Why
- To celebrate and preserve vintage cars, Maharaja's revenge for being insulted by a British Rolls Royce showroom
Preservationists
Practicalists
Vintage Car Maintenance
Preservationists
Preservationists argue that maintaining vintage cars is crucial for preserving history and cultural heritage.
Practicalists
Practicalists point out the challenges of maintaining vintage cars, including the lack of spare parts and skilled mechanics.
- Event
- 55th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally
- Date
- 11 January, Sunday
- Location
- Royal Calcutta Turf Club, Hastings
- Start Time
- 9:10 a.m.
- Number of Cars
- Around 160 vintage and classic cars and nearly 50 two-wheelers
- Key Cars
- 1928 Studebaker President 8 State Limousine, 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III
- Historical Figure
- Maharaja of Alwar, Jaysingh Prabhakar
- Incident
- Rolls Royce cars used as street-sweepers and garbage collectors
- Apology
- Rolls-Royce sent a telegram apologizing and offered more cars
