Archive · 16 Aug 2025
Kolkata's 'Lady in Red': The 1906 Renault's Enduring Legacy
Imagine a very old, beautiful red car called 'The Lady in Red' that's still running in Kolkata!
It was built way back in 1906 and is the oldest car still driving around in the city.
It almost got thrown away, but a family loved it so much they fixed it up.
The car's owner had to find its lost engine to keep it.
The car has won many awards, and the family still takes care of it to this day.
It's like a special family member that everyone loves to see at special events.
A 1906 Renault Frères, nicknamed 'The Lady in Red,' is Kolkata's oldest running car.
The car was acquired in the 1960s by H.C. Agarwal and later restored by his family.
The original engine was recovered after a bet, leading to the car's restoration.
It dominated vintage car rallies in the '70s and '80s, then was revived in the 2000s.
The Renault Frères won a special award at the Cartier 'Travel with Style' Concours d’Elegance in 2019.
- Who
- Owned and cared for by the Kanoria family.
- What
- A 1906 Renault Frères, the oldest running car in Kolkata.
- When
- Built in 1906; restored in the 1970s and 2000s.
- Where
- Kolkata, India.
- Why
- To preserve the car's legacy and share their love for vintage automobiles.
- Car Name
- 1906 Renault Frères
- Nickname
- 'The Lady in Red'
- Location
- Kolkata
- Restoration Years
- 1970s, 2000s
- Owner
- Kanoria Family
- Notable Award
- Special Award at Cartier 'Travel with Style' Concours d’Elegance (2019)