Usually, one would not be able to relate to exhibitions or competitions regarding prestigious vintage cars (like a concours d’elegance) being held in India. The fact that Hindustan Motors Ambassador, which is based on the Morris Oxford series, is the country's most famous model shows how such an event is unlikely to happen. However, contrary to popular beliefs, the period between the beginning of 20th century and 1950s is considered by many as India's golden period in terms of motoring. De Dion-Bouton, featuring registration number 0, is widely considered as the first car in India. This model was ordered in 1892 by Patiala's Maharaja Rajinder, who started a one-of-its kind trend. Following his step, many Maharajas throughout the nation started ordering cars in high numbers in order to display their wealth and establish superiority levels.
These trends have given India a unique vintage car heritage that has earned recognition across the globe. With the aim of displaying this fabulous wealth, Cartier, in 2008, organised a concours event for the first time in India. Notably, concours d’elegance is a French tradition that entailed parading of horse-drawn carriages. Over time, this became a competition that was held across the world wherein people are judged on the impressiveness of their car collections. Some of the famous editions of this event are Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este and Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance.
Cartier Travel with Style show, held this year, was organised at the Taj Land's End hotel, which is located in Mumbai. Incredibly, this show attracted entries from around 70 cars and motorcycles. These automobiles were slotted in seven categories, which included Edwardian models built before 1919 and Indian Heritage. The judging panel comprised some celebrated names from around the world. Sandra Button (organiser of Pebble Beach event), motoring enthusiast Prince Michael of Kent, erstwhile Marketing Manager of Fiat Lapo Elkann, McLaren Formula One designers Peter Stevens and Gordon Murray, Jean Todt, Marc Newson and legend Sir Stirling Moss were on this coveted list.
The class called Shikar, which translates to Hunting in English, consisted of four cars, which were manufactured specifically for outings. One such model in this class was a 1951 Chevrolet pick-up truck, originally bought by Crown Prince Singh of Dungarpur, which had stories of dancing girls and tiger hunting associated with it. A 1940 Fordson was a part of this coveted list that was put to task by Maharaja of Mysore, who used it to track a bison. There was also a 1947 Buick car, known to be a prized possession of Maharaja of Bikaner and was manufactured according to custom needs. This model, used to hunt the sand grouse, featured a Jeep-style folding windscreen, binocular storage, gun mounts and game counter.
One of most notable category was the Preservation class that comprised original unrestored vehicles. The highlight of this class was a 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II limousine, which had been left as it is for an incredible period of 70 years at the palace of Maharaja Udit Pratap Deo of Kalahandi. Not only did the model created waves, it walked away as a prizewinner. An interesting anecdote is attached to the unrestored 1927 Phantom I car that was custom made for the wife of Maharaja of Darbhanga, who did not want her to drink alcohol in the palace.
A 1915 Indian, shipped from the United States of America for a Maharaja, was the downright winner in the motorcycle class. Colonel Boppanna Shashidhar's 1936 Triumph also earned recognition and praise from the judging panel of motorcycle class, comprising Phil Read and Giacomo Agostini.
However, one car, by its sheer longevity and class, swept judges and attendants off their feet, taking home the coveted Best of Show award. This 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Drophead was in top unmarked condition since it was bought by grandfather of His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singhji of Jodhpur. Astonishingly, this vehicle still has the coveted registration mark that says Jodhpur 1.
Apart from amazing everyone attached to it, this event helped people understand the level of class that was maintained by the Maharajas, who settled for nothing but a Rolls-Royce. Incredibly, Maharaja of Bharatpur is believed to have taken his love for the iconic British car to another level, collecting almost 200 units. However, on not being treated in the right manner by the company, he sought revenge by converting these cars into garbage collection vans. Fortunately, none of these models were present at this event.
Majority of credit for the success of these events have been given to Manvendra Singh of Barwani, a famous prince and die-hard lover of automobiles. The love for cars runs in his family, including father and forefathers who were prominent buyers. Speaking about the event, he said, “The event came into being because Cartier has a connection with India that goes back more than 100 years. Just as the Maharajas were obsessed with buying the finest cars, so they were obsessed with buying the finest jewellery and watches, and they would order Cartier pieces by the truckload. My grandfather imported the first steam-powered car seen in India, at the turn of the 20th century, and it has been said ever since that automobiles have been the family vice.”
One would usually not associate women in India with a penchant for car but an attendant at this show made people believe otherwise. When Chamundeshwari Bhogilal's father passed away in 2011, he left her with a vast automobile heritage that is highly enviable. Today, the 32-year old is the owner of a number of Cadillac, Daimler, Bentley and Lagonda models. Although vehicles from this collection did not compete, four were put on display for crowds, including 1930 Eight-litre Bentley, Mercedes-Benz cabriolet, 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III and 1932 Invicta S-Type.
