Kolkata's Vintage Cars to Sport New Registration Numbers and Distinctive Plates

In a significant move to preserve India’s automotive heritage, vintage cars in Kolkata will soon don unique registration numbers and recognizable plates under updated guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

The new rules introduce exclusive ‘VA’ series number plates, adorned with a brass emblem, to celebrate the legacy of vintage vehicles and facilitate their identification on the road.

Defining Vintage Vehicles

According to the revised guidelines, vintage motor vehicles include two-wheelers and four-wheelers that are more than 50 years old from their initial date of registration. These vehicles must be used solely for personal purposes and cannot serve any commercial function. To retain their historical authenticity, major alterations, such as modifications to the chassis, body shell, or engine, are strictly prohibited.

While classic and antique cars are prized for their age and style, only vintage and antique vehicles will qualify for the special ‘VA’ registration plates.

Classification of Heritage Vehicles

The classification system under the new rules categorises vehicles as:

• Vintage Cars: Manufactured between 1919 and 1930.
• Antique Cars: Vehicles made before 1975 or at least 45 years old.
• Classic Cars: Vehicles from the 1990s or earlier, typically at least 20 years old.

Kolkata is home to around 120 vintage cars and 150-200 antique cars, according to local estimates.

Interestingly, vintage car rallies operate on slightly different classifications. Vehicles manufactured before World War II, or prior to 1945, are deemed vintage, while those at least 50 years old are classified as classic cars.

"Cars manufactured between 1946 and 1974 are considered classic cars," explained vintage car scrutineer Ashish Bagchi. "Meanwhile, vehicles built between 1974 and 1990 fall into the modern classics category," added Srivardhan Kanoria, a vintage car owner and restorer.

Streamlining Registrations in Bengal

West Bengal is set to formalise the vintage vehicle registration process and implement streamlined regulations, addressing long-standing inconsistencies in how these heritage automobiles are managed.

Under the new framework, owners of vintage vehicles can retain their original registration numbers. For fresh registrations, the plates will follow the format ‘XX VA YY 0001,’ where ‘XX’ is the state code, ‘VA’ signifies vintage, and ‘YY’ is a unique two-letter series assigned by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).

Registration Process and Costs

To register or re-register a vintage vehicle, owners must submit:

• Form 20
• A valid insurance policy
• The original registration certificate (RC)
• Additional documents for imported vehicles, if applicable.

The RTA is mandated to issue the registration certificate within 60 days of application. The fee for new registration is set at ₹20,000, while re-registration costs ₹5,000.

Local Voices on the Initiative

Kolkata’s vintage car enthusiasts and experts have lauded the initiative.

“This move will go a long way in preserving our automotive heritage,” said Gauranga Das, a dealer in vintage vehicles. Pallab Roy, an owner and restorer of vintage cars, added, “The introduction of special plates and emblems is a fantastic way to showcase the rich history of Kolkata’s automotive culture.”

With these updated rules, vintage car owners can not only celebrate their vehicles’ historical significance but also ensure compliance with a formalised regulatory structure, marking a new chapter in safeguarding India’s automobile legacy.