Free Wheeling

Members drove to Niwara,an old-age home in Navi Peth,in their vintage Fiat cars. Waiting in the quiet old-age home,we were suddenly jolted out of our reverie by the powerful humming of old engines,as they drove in one by one. Momentarily dazzled by the slew of quaint and regal cars driving in — a Fiat 1100 here,a Premier Padmini there — we looked in awe at more than 20 cars parked inside the home. The members,dressed mostly in crisp white outfits,sporting their club’s caps and IDs,greeted each other like old friends.

The agenda of the day was to hoist the flag at the old-age home,interact with senior citizens and then drive to a farmhouse for a lazy breakfast. For the members of FCCCI,their Fiats are a hobby. As they mingled with residents of the home,anecdotes started pouring in. “You know,my husband washes his Fiat every single day. And in winters,he washes it with warm water so that the car doesn’t feel cold,” said one of them with a peal of laughter. Many other wives referred to their husbands’ cars as mistresses in jest.

After hoisting the flag,the group distributed roses to the 50-odd residents who had gathered to witness the event. As the cars started to pull out,early-rising Puneites on the roads got a glimpse of the band of old cars — all shining and in “tip-top condition” driving through the city and making their way to Sakalnagar.