One of the highlights under the Chola rule was the use of metal as an art form. If you ever happen to visit the Brihadishvara temple in Tanjavur, you'll understand how undeniably impressive the metalwork was — statues, pillars, inscriptions, etc., you name it. Which is quite fitting since for this year's Heritage Rollers, a classic car programme organised by Historical Car Association of India, the first event (invite-only) happened at Chennai's very own ITC Grand Chola. The hotel, whose architecture pays tribute to the temples from the Chola dynasty, was where some of the finest metal in the city got together. This was followed by a public display (of affection?) where more cars were brought for Chennai residents to look at and take photos of. Sanket and I were privileged to be a part of the event; here are some photos.

Day 1: ITC Grand Chola, Chennai

HCAI Classic Car Chennai - Jaguar XJS and Jaguar XK120

The first few rays of sun hit freshly detailed car bodywork as it shimmers. Onlookers — mostly hotel staff, a bunch of car owners and enthusiasts, and even unassuming guests who had zero idea that they would end up witnessing a vast variety of cars as they waited to be checked-in — had their target fixated at some fine metal work from a different era. Brimmed with nonchalance — as if it was no big deal, this remarkably pleasant sight — some owners struck a conversation or two as others used all their might to steer (no power assistance here) their proud possessions in a straight line. But before anyone's OCD could kick in, a loud thump was heard. Think it was one of the four motorcycles that made it to the event.

'What a racket — I deffo want more of that!’

The sun became brighter, and the exhibit became more interesting. Some latecomers arrived, some cars swapped positions (the hotel porch with its nicely diffused light turned out to be a favourite for photos), and some more photos were taken. Pictures of people cleaning their cars, of them unloading their Norton from the back of a van, of people greeting each other... you know, the works. A Lancia Beta HPE (wait, what?) appeared out of nowhere, silently slithering towards its designated spot with the dedication that could enable Lancia to win another rally championship if they tried…

HCAI Heritage Rollers 2025 - Lancia Beta

Then came an XK120 (from Bombay, I'm told) and found its way to be next to Ranjit Pratap's XJS. Another also-V12-engined-but-newer XJS was parked not too far away, still on its UK plates (my guess is that it was here on TR). Similarly, a Fiat 1100 Familiare (and not the locally made Starline Safari) could be seen, along with a Hindustan Ambassador, a handful of W110 Mercs, and a Triumph TR3. If that wasn't as interesting as the smattering of VW Type 2s, a duo of Jeeps, a handful of Beetles, the lone Peugeot, or the occasional American or European classic, the now-world-famous Lalpari marked its attendance, too.

Lalpari in Chennai - 2025 - MG Classic Cars India

That's what the MG Y Type Tourer is fondly called. It made a drive — not entirely on the road, though — from India to MG's home in the UK in 2023. Quite a marvellous achievement for a car that celebrates its 75th this year.

Day 2: Turyaa, Chennai

Like in 2023, the second day of this year's Heritage Rollers schedule included a wider display of cars, open to public. While it was evident that some of the prominent cars were missing, the variety and better organisation made up for the absence — to some level, at least.

Some cars from Ranjit Pratap's extensive wide collection (covered previously here and here) were present, in addition to cars from other collectors, both from Chennai and the rest of the country. The event's chief guest and popular Tamizh actor Arvind Swamy was certainly one of the reasons why more people attended the event this time, but anyone who just had cars on their mind wouldn't have gone back disappointed, either.

My favourite of the lot? Well, it's difficult to think of other cars when your mind knows that a Beetle with what appears to be a Kamei front spoiler is parked not too far from you. Amidst the sea of decent-looking cars, this won my heart.

I can't vouch for each car's authenticity or story (until we get a chance to speak to every owner, that is) but from a distance and for what an event this was, Heritage Roller presented an unmissable chance to see some beautiful cars in Chennai. And I can comfortably say that if the Chola rulers were around, they’d have liked it, too.

Photos by Sanket (https://www.5anket.com) and Paranjay. Special thanks to HCAI/Mr Ranjit Pratap for inviting us to the event. Also, if you would like us to feature your classic, please drop me a line.