With the inauguration of HMCI’s Vintage and Classic Car Display by Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar on Tuesday, the Heritage Motoring Club of India (HMCI) kicked-off the expo fever in the capital.

Around 100 vintage cars and 50 vintage motorcycles and scooters were flagged-off from the residence of Manujendra Shah, former royal from the house of Tehri Garhwal, at Bhagwan Das road in central Delhi and were driven down to Pragati Maidan, the venue of the Auto Expo.

Due to space restriction, only 47 vintage cars and 36 vintage motorcycles and scooters will be displayed at the Auto Expo.

HMCI, which was founded by vintage and classic car enthusiasts in 2001, has 180 members owning more than 1,110 vintage and classic cars. The motive of the club, started when vintage cars ceased to be revered in India, is to encourage its members to buy, restore and share the joy of owning these beautiful cars.

K.T.S. Tulsi, President, HMCL said, “Our aim is to showcase the best restored thoroughbred classics including some rare, exotic and popular models of automobiles from 1910-1960 to create greater understanding and appreciation of our passion.”

"We chose the best looking cars for the parade as we wanted them to be a visual treat. Vintage cars are testaments to the evolution of the auto industry. It also shows the development of the human mind. Most of these cars are mostly handmade, and each shape reflects a certain poise and balance," he added.

The Club will organize a tour for underprivileged children from the SOS Children’s Village on January 14. The 9th Auto Expo is scheduled to start in New Delhi from 10-17 January 2008.