Special numbers & plates to preserve Kolkata's very own vintage beauties
Times of India | 18 November 2024
KOLKATA: Vintage cars in Kolkata are set to receive new registration numbers and special recognisable plates, in a move aimed at preserving automotive heritage.
Under updated guidelines by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), vintage cars will be assigned distinctive 'VA' series number plates, complete with a brass emblem, to honour their legacy and ensure easy on-road identification.
According to the new rules, vintage motor vehicles are defined as two-wheelers and four-wheelers that are more than 50 years old from the date of their first registration. These vehicles must be non-commercial and used solely for personal purposes. No major modifications, such as changes to the chassis, body shell or engine are allowed to maintain their historical authenticity.
While classic and antique cars are cherished for their age and style, only vintage and antique cars will qualify for the special VA registration. The classification system differentiates between vintage cars (manufactured between 1919 and 1930); antique cars (vehicles manufactured before 1975, or at least at least 45 years old); and classic cars (vehicles from the 1990s or earlier, or at least 20 years old).
By these classifications, there are around 120 vintage cars in the city and 150-200 antique cars.
In vintage car rallies, the classification is slightly different, with pre-World War II cars or those manufactured prior to 1945 being labelled vintage and those that are at least 50 years old classic.
'Great way to showcase automotive history'
As of now, cars manufactured between 1946 and 1974 can be classified as classic cars," said vintage car scrutineer Ashish Bagchi. "Cars manufactured between 1974 and 1990 can be considered modern classics," said Srivardhan Kanoria, a vintage car owner and restorer.
Bengal is set to formalise the vintage vehicle registration process and streamline regulations. Previously, there were inconsistencies in treating these heritage vehicles. Under the new rules, owners can retain the original registration number. For new registrations, the number plate will follow the format 'XX VA YY 0001,' where "XX" is the state code, "VA" stands for vintage, and "YY" is a unique two-letter series of the RTA.
The application process for registration or re-registration will require Form 20, an insurance policy, the original registration certificate (RC), and additional documents for imported vehicles. The RTAs are mandated to issue the registration certificate within 60 days. The fee for new registration is Rs 20,000, whereas re-registration will cost Rs 5,000.
Gauranga Das, a dealer of old vehicles, said: "This will promote preservation of our automotive heritage." Pallab Roy, an owner and restorer of vintage cars, said: "The new plates and emblems will be a great way to showcase our city's automotive history."