Jinnah’s ride goes on display

Day-long exhibition showcases over 100 vintage vehicles

KARACHI:

Rare and antique vehicles were exhibited at Frere Hall, Karachi under the Heritage Club of Motoring Pakistan (HCMP). As many as 100 antique and rare vehicles were displayed at the day-long annual exhibition, which was organised in partnership with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).

Vehicles on display also included a 1924 model Rolls-Royce car attributed to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The car was owned by Nawab of Bahawalpur at that time and was used by Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Lord Mountbatten to travel to the Sindh Assembly to attend the handover ceremony and the swearing in of the Governor General.

The current owner of the car, Karim Chapra, said he bought the car from Nawab of Bahawalpur's collection in 2004. The car has traveled only 9,000 km so far and has not undergone any major changes other than paint and interior maintenance.

The car has competed in the World Classic Car Competition and won a prize. Karim Chapra said that lucrative offers were given from home and abroad for the purchase of this car. However, he believes that this car is the historical heritage of Pakistan which needs to be preserved for future generations and he has no intention of selling it. Ford , Mercedes , Volkswagen, Land Rover, Fiat, Chevrolet, Peugeot, MG Grand, Cadillac, Wrangler's vehicles attracted the attention of visitors and cal lovers.

The members of the club said that the club is trying to compile the history of motoring and auto sector in Pakistan and pass it on to the new generation. The purpose of the exhibition is also to encourage people to renovate rare cars.