Dr Patnaik’s epic collection of 300

 

 

 

 

“ONE car, then it was two cars, then it was a hobby, then a need, later greed, and now it is simply greed,” explains senior automobile collector Dr Sambit Patnaik of Mumbai, who boasts over 300 cars in his dedicated parking space. Dr Patnaik will be driving his 1961 Ford Consul at the Rotary

 

The Hitavada Vintage Car Rally, organised in association with Cent Ind Vintage Automobile Association (CIVAA), at St Ursula High School ground on Sunday. What started with just one car has now reached a gigantic 300-figure mark in a short span of 15 years. Dr Patnaik has acquired a car every 20 days on average. “Over 56-60 cars have been given or sold to other people, and over 90 per cent of the vehicles in my garage work in robust condition.” “It is a very closely knit community.

 

If I were to sell a car, I ensure that it goes to someone who will take utmost care of it. And the same applies when I am buying a car from someone,” shared Dr Patnaik. Dr Patnaik is also the founder of Bombay Fiat Club. “I am not driving 300 cars on a daily basis, but I drive one of them daily,” said Dr Patnaik, referring to his favourite Chevy Master Sedan of 1934. Though playing a major role in preserving automobile history, Dr Patnaik faces several challenges in maintaining his collection. “The laws are very cruel with regard to vintage car ownership; there is no car tradition in India. “There is no favour to collectors in India. In other countries, vintage vehicles are exempted from tax, but here we are taxed twice the usual amount,” he said. Dr Patnaik was invited to the car rally by his close friend Shahrukh Cassad, a key member of CIVAA. Enthusiastic about the rally, Dr Patnaik said, “It is our picnic, it is our friends’ get-together, and we are here to enjoy,” he signed off.