Pune gears up to celebrate its rich automotive legacy with the upcoming 21st Pune Auto Expo, scheduled to take place from April 18 to 21 at Creaticity in Yerwada. The highlight of this year’s expo will be the Vintage and Classic pavilion, showcasing an array of historic vehicles, including relics from the World War II era.
Organizers unveiled their plans during a press conference at Patrakar Bhavan, announcing an exciting lineup of vintage automobiles that once graced the streets of Pune. Among the attractions are vehicles with illustrious pasts, once owned by prominent personalities, adding a personal touch to the exhibition.
Enthusiasts like Baljit Singh, a vintage car aficionado from Pune, expressed their anticipation for the event. Singh highlighted iconic motorcycles like the Norton 500 and vintage Volkswagen editions, which played pivotal roles during the tumultuous period of the 1930s-1940s. Norton motorcycles, renowned for their reliability, served the British Army and Commonwealth forces with distinction.
Additionally, visitors can expect to marvel at the historic Jeep version of Volkswagen, another enduring symbol of WWII heritage. Singh shared his firsthand experience of restoring a Norton 500, transforming it from a dilapidated relic to a pristine testament of automotive craftsmanship.
To further enrich the expo experience, Singh aims to showcase an eclectic mix of vintage scooters and cars, including timeless classics like Lambretta, Vijay Super, Ambassador 1967, and Maruti 1984. Complementing the vintage showcase, the expo’s overarching theme, “EV First… Nation First,” underscores the growing importance of electric vehicles and associated infrastructure, as stated by P N R Rajan, the convener of the Pune Auto Expo.
Sponsored by esteemed institutions such as the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Maha Metro, and IEEE, the four-day exhibition promises a diverse display encompassing everything from classic automobiles and electric vehicles to cutting-edge auto components and research & development initiatives.
