The first ever Vintage Bike and Car Festival 2016 saw a participation of more than 120 vintage cars and bikes. As much as 83 vintage cars and 40 vintage bikes participated in this event that took place in Panjim, Goa. These Vintage bikes and cars then took on the streets of Panjim providing a visual treat to the onlookers while making their way down the memory lane, on a two hour long rally to the venue. Bike aficionados and vintage car enthusiasts lined up along streets of Panjim to have a glimpse of their favourite vehicles as the vintage automobiles drove past them.
As the Vintage Bike and Car Festival 2016 was organised by Goa Tourism & GTDC, the event was flagged off by Mr. Dilip Parulekar, Minister for Tourism, Goa from the Paryatan Bhavan in the presence of Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, GTDC along with other dignitaries and government officials. Speaking to the media about the event, Mr. Dilip Parulekar said, “It is overwhelming to see such a huge participation at the Vintgae Bike and Car festival 2016 and should be an annual event that will boost tourism in the State of Goa. Goa Tourism and GTDC organize such unique events in the State to promote tourism and the Vintage Bike and Car festival will help boost heritage tourism in a big way.”
Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, said, “We are elated by the success of the Vintage Bike and Car festival 2016 and the participation has been better than expected. I have to thank all those who worked hard to make this event a memorable one and we will definitely see that this festival continues as an annual festival and be a part of the tourism calendar.”
Post the two hour long rally, all the Vintage bikes and cars were displayed for the general public at the INOX Courtyard. Vintage automobiles dating back from 1921 till 1970 were on display as thousands of locals & tourists witnessed some of the grandest and oldest automobiles in Goa. Locals, tourists and media people alike thronged the venue with their cameras to capture that one amazing shot of their favourite vintage cars and bikes.
Looking at the efforts taken by the owners of these Vintage bikes and cars to participate in this event, Goa Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation has decided to organize the event annually. The first Vintage Bike and Car Festival 2016 was attended by vintage car curators, automobile dealers and media from leading publications, automotive magazines, electronic media along with key people and bloggers from the travel and tourism industry.
Other dignitaries present at the flag off and awards distribution ceremony at the Paryatan Bhavan included Mr. Sanjeev C Gauns Dessai, Director of Tourism, Mr. Nikhil Desai, Managing Director, Board of Directors of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and Mr. Francisco Braganza and Mr. Ralph D’Souza from the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa. The event was made special by organising a Jazz musical show along with an art competition at the INOX Courtyard, Panjim. The event concluded with the awards ceremony with prizes given to following vintage bikes and cars in various categories.
While the awards for Long distance travelled for vintage cars went to a 1965 Mercedes Benz, 1946 Ford Jeep, 1964 Standard Herald and 1965 VFJ Jonga, the award for the Long distance travelled vintage bike went to the 1965 BMW RSO. On the other hand, the award for the Best restored vintage car went to a 1921 Citroen, while the award for the Best restored vintage bike went to a 1942 Norton 16H.
Award for the best restored classic car went to a 1961 FIAT 500 D while the best restored classic bike was a 1965 Lambretta LI 150 series. The Best Indian heritage car was awarded to a 1964 Standard Herald while the Best Indian heritage bike was awarded to a 1962 Jawa. Awards for the Best show car went to a 1968 Volkswagon 1600 L and Best show bike went to a 1952 Lambretta.
Awards for the most unique car went to a 1941 Ford Artillery Truck while the most unique bike was given to a 1962 Escort Runabout. Award for the most original classic car was given to a 1959 Morris Mini Minor while the most original classic bike was given to a 1958 BSA shooting star.
Prizes were distributed to the respective owners by Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman – GTDC in the distinguished presence of Mr. Ralph D’Souza and Gaurish Dhond. Other dignitaries included Mr. Sanjeev C. Gauns Dessai, Director of Tourism, and Mr. Nikhil Desai, Managing Director of GTDC along with jury members for the Vintage Bike and Car Festival 2016 and Goa Tourism Development Corporation that made the event a grand success.
Goa’s first ever Vintage Bike and Car Festival 2016
