KATHMANDU, May 18: Twenty-eight vintage cars have recently completed a thrilling trans-Himalayan drive from Chengdu of China to Kathmandu, via Tibet. As part of the Trans-Himalayan Adventure 2019, organized by PureQuest Adventures India in association with Rally Round, the cars crossed the Himalayan range in a 26-day expedition, which concluded on May 10.
An array of beautiful vintage sports cars and convertibles were lined up on the parking lot of hotel Yak and Yeti in Kathmandu on the concluding day, providing a spectacular view of the rarest models of some of the best cars.
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For a connoisseur of cars, the collection consisting of classic, vintage 4*4 cars was an extra-ordinary sight. The models dated as far back as 1925.
Of the 20 crew (apart from paramedics and support team), 7 cars fell under the vintage category, including three Rolls-Royces: a 1925 40/50 Silver Ghost, two 25/30 models, one from 1938, and a 1937 Couple. David and Julia Little rode on their 1925 Bentley Sports Car while John and Mary Reddington in their 1927 Nash Roadster. While Michael and Anne Wilkinson owned the 1937 model of Alvis 4.3, the 1938 model belonged to a Martin Tacon.
The classic category included a 1952 Studebaker Champion, a 1965 Porsche 911 Coupe, and a 1970 Mercedes 280SL Roadster. The collection also included three Jaguars. The remaining vehicles included a 1979 Range Rover, and three Land Rover Defenders – a 2000 model, a 2010 model, and a 2014 model. The collection also included a 2003 Toyota Landcruiser and a 2012 Mercedes Benz.
The event targeted self-drive enthusiasts who wanted to travel on their own through one of the trickiest terrains in the entire world. Lokesh Bagga, head of sales and operations at PureQuest (India, Nepal and Bhutan) described the event to be a unique travel experience. "Travelers have the liberty to move at their pace, stop as it pleases them, and ride as they wish," Bagga said, adding: "What makes it so unique is that all the cars used for travelling are vintage cars."
Robinson, an Englishman, has owned his car – a maroon 2530 Rolls Royce – for 12 years. It used to belong to his father, and his father before him and has been in the family since 1937, ever since it was bought. "The car carries beautiful memories and has been to all sorts of places including North Africa, India, Bhutan, and Australia," Robinson shared.
PureQuest, a tour operator, informed that it has been creating comprehensive travel plans like luxury escapades, multi-generational family tours, students groups, and many others, as per the request of its clients.
