Maharaja Manujendra Shah on his love for vintage beauties

Manujendra Shah, son of Maharaja Manabendra Shah of the erstwhile princely state of Tehri Garhwal, is the proud owner of many vintage classic cars despite losing a couple of them owing to stringent norms of the land.

- SANTU DAS

His love for cars goes back to his childhood when he used to accompany his father. He says the front seat in his father's Land Rover was reserved for him during those days.

Shah, who is in his 70s, believes that the 'boy' in him comes alive when he is around his collection of vintage vehicles. "All boys love cars and some do not grow up," the Maharaja says with a smile, adding that his love for cars would never go away. He says he is always enthusiastic about being a part of events which celebrate vintage cars, especially The Statesman Vintage Cars Rally.

"From meeting stalwarts to learning a great deal about vintage cars and other things, the rally has been a learning journey for me," he tells The Statesman.

This time he says that his 1954 Land Master and 1958 Mercedes are going to be a part of the rally along with other vehicles.

Shah's collection of vintage and classic cars include a 1947 Packard, 1958 Mercedes, 1954 Landmaster, Ambassador Mark-I, Herald, Mercedes E class, Cadillac, among others.