The bikes of yesteryears

As much as the spectators were awe-struck by vintage four-wheelers in today's 54th edition of The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally, vintage two-wheelers also owned their own space in the rally with the bikes showcasing each of the characteristics with which they have been making their marks throughout history and is still continuing, having the rally as a testament.

- PURBASHA KARMAKAR

Nitin Shrestha's 1956 Lambretta Model D 150 of 150cc and single cylinder was an obvious standout among the vintage motorbikes. The bike was first found in pieces in Bihar and was picked up by and transported to Kolkata in parts in an autorickshaw.

Shrestha, describing its restoration journey, said: "Restoration was a lengthy process as parts were unavailable in India and had to be sourced from Italy, right from tires to wires, to rubber shelves, the rearview mirror, and even the horn. I must praise the bike for being sharp driven instead of a chain driven one. We still need some more work, but it's extremely roadworthy."