WORDS: ELLIOTT HUGHES | PHOTOS: MAKARAND BAOKAR
World-class collector cars once owned by royalty are among the machinery set to assemble at the glamorous Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur, India, for the inaugural Oberoi Concours d’Elegance on February 16-18, 2024.
Judging by the entry list, the Oberoi Concours looks to be off to a very strong start. Among the star cars is a 1925 Hispano-Suiza H6B Transformable Limousine commissioned by the Maharaja of Mysore, which boasts bespoke coachwork from celebrated French carrosserie J Saoutchik. The diversity of the concours cars is reflected by the broad range of classes, which include Motoring for the Masses – India and Cars of the Maharajahs – Mysore.
1925 Hispano-Suiza H6B Transformable Limousine was commissioned by the Maharaja of Mysore
The 1939 Daimler 2½-litre ‘Dolphin’ Tourer is another machine with regal provenance, having been originally owned by the Aga Khan and the Jodhpur royal family. Oberoi also promises vehicles from further Indian royal garages, including Udaipur, Gondal, Tehri Garhwal and Baroda. In addition, will be the first showing in four decades of a stunning 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K.
Another highlight is the 1930 Ford Model A Coupe known as The After Thought. The art deco-inspired hot rod made headlines in 2017 after winning the Mother’s Shine award at SEMA. Meanwhile, fans of two-wheeled motoring will undoubtedly be thrilled by the presence of a 1916 Emblem 680cc V-twin bike, among others.
The impressive selection of machinery was curated by India’s leading automotive historian, Manvendra Singh Barwani. Barwani will be joined on the concours judging panel by renowned figures in classic car circles, such as Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance chairman Sandra Button, six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx and Moto GP champion Giacomo Agostini. The event will be chaired by classic car expert and dealer Simon Kidston.
“Oberoi Hotels & Resorts are delighted to host and promote the celebration of beauty, innovation and craftsmanship that has defined a century of the most exceptional automobiles in the world,” commented Oberoi executive chairman Arjun Oberoi. “Our automotive legacy is among the most significant and historically important. With the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance, we look forward to placing India on the world’s concours stage and showcasing the very best of automotive heritage and excellence.”
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