The sea breeze at Elliots beach was calm on the 26th of June, 2005, with the sun rays warmly caressing the chromed beauties that were lined up for the Royal Enfield Vintage Classic Motorcycle Rally.

There were 22 vintage and classic motorcycles lined up for Chennai's first-ever Classic Motorcycle rally, organised by the Madras Heritage Motoring Club (MHMC) and Royal Enfield.

The rally was flagged off at Planet Yumm, Besant Nagar. The MHMC had a broad Indian classification of 1927-47 qualifying as Vintage and 1947-60 as Classic. The collection ranged from a lady-like little Lambretta, a shaft-driven three speed to a Paratrooper - a 98cc, 20 kg Excelsior that was used in World War II.

"Soldiers used to strap it to their backs"

It consists of three separate pieces with two sealed petrol tanks. They could be used only once. I have modified the petrol tanks but haven't been able to get the right wheels. At present I have used bicycle wheels that keep bursting," said the proud owner V.S. Manian, who picked the motorcycle up at an auction in Kolkata.

There was a 1941 500cc BSA again from the World War II along with "The Famous James" - a motorcycle with a headlight that faces down and is reflected off the metal opposite. This was so that the enemy would not spot the light easily.

The rally was a resounding success with all the participants going for a short ride around Adyar.