Goa to host Vintage Bike and Car Festival-2016 in Oct  

Panaji, Sep 13 Goa will witness a motley of classic vehicles plying on city roads with vintage car and bikes enthusiasts set to take part in the first-of-its-kind Vintage Bike and Car Festival-2016 on October 1, organised by the Tourism department.

"Come October 1, more than 50 Vintage vehicles (bikes and cars) are slated to drive down town in the capital city and will be a treat to the eyes at the INOX Courtyard," tourism department spokesperson said in a release here today.

"Vintage two-wheelers and four wheelers dated from 1921 to 1970 will be on display. Cars that one would get a glimpse of at the festival include the Citroen, Austin, Morris, Cadillac, Ford, Chevrolet, Mercedes, Volkswagen and bikes like Norton, BSA and BMW," the official said.

"We are planning the one-day event which is going to be very exciting as vintage cars and bikes from vintage car museums, those in use and those maintained for exhibitions will all be participating in it," Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said.

Vintage bike and car collectors and users from Goa and across the state borders have already expressed eagerness to be a part of the festival.

In view of the encouraging response from collectors, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and the tourism department said they are optimistic that the festival will be a huge success.

It is also toying with the idea of making the festival an annual event to attract in-bound tourists and will add it on its calendar of events after the conduct of the first edition, the release said.

Nilesh Cabral, chairman of GTDC said, "Goa has a rich heritage whether it is monuments, forts, or houses. Vintage automobile is another form of heritage. There are many vintage car fans in Goa who are passionate about it. Through the festival, we hope to kindle that hobby and motivate local Goans and others to preserve vintage vehicles."

This can draw tourists from domestic and international markets to Goa who have an appetite for heritage, he added. On October 1, Parulekar will flag off the festival at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto at 10:30 am.

Participating cars and bikes will move through the city till Dona Paula junction and wind its way to the INOX courtyard for an exhibition between 12 pm to 6 pm.

Prizes for the oldest car and appealing car will be awarded in addition to prizes for several other competitions and activities, the release said.

PTI