Team-BHP - View Single Post - The Nizam of Hyderabad's Collection of Cars and Carriages

DKG · 3rd October 2009, 12:04

Harit some very valid observations. The Princess has indeed done a stellar job of having Chowmahalla restored and opened for public viewing.

The cars can be restored to like when they were new. I have no doubt that there is talent around to execute the job to impeccable standards.

I don't know Harit, its just a vague feeling, can't quite explain it, but when I see these cars I always invariably feel it would be a horrible mistake to restore them. I can't explain why I feel so. Perhaps its irrational as I cannot explain any logic in leaving them as is. Just a gut feeling that it would be a blunder to restore them.

Perhaps I am a lone voice that sees something very precious in that exhibit. To the visitor bright shining cars would be a real treat. To me it will be one more museum exhibit that you see all around the world. Where on earth exists a family who retain cars in their 100+ year old condition and barring a few exceptions, complete mechanically and otherwise. These cars today are such a rare glimpse into what a 100 year old car looks like. Restored you will never be able to tell what a 100 year old car should look like.

Many years back I had seen all their carriages still in original weathered paintwork and upholstery. Today in the name of restoration they look awful.

I had asked the palace authorities to remove the Jeep tyre from the Fiat and reinstall the wooden wheel but they seem too busy to do it, and I am barely finding time myself to go down and do it myself.

I guess your view reflects the majority sentiment in wanting to see the cars restored. I am perhaps the only one who strongly feels they should remain untouched, except for correcting the damage to one of the Napiers (without it looking like a restoration). In fact one of the wheels of the Fiat is corroded, I'd rather they just lay it under the hub to show what can happen to wood in 100 years

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one.

3rd October 2009, 12:04	#131 (permalink)
DKG Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 2,036	Harit some very valid observations. The Princess has indeed done a stellar job of having Chowmahalla restored and opened for public viewing. The cars can be restored to like when they were new. I have no doubt that there is talent around to execute the job to impeccable standards. I don't know Harit, its just a vague feeling, can't quite explain it, but when I see these cars I always invariably feel it would be a horrible mistake to restore them. I can't explain why I feel so. Perhaps its irrational as I cannot explain any logic in leaving them as is. Just a gut feeling that it would be a blunder to restore them. Perhaps I am a lone voice that sees something very precious in that exhibit. To the visitor bright shining cars would be a real treat. To me it will be one more museum exhibit that you see all around the world. Where on earth exists a family who retain cars in their 100+ year old condition and barring a few exceptions, complete mechanically and otherwise. These cars today are such a rare glimpse into what a 100 year old car looks like. Restored you will never be able to tell what a 100 year old car should look like. Many years back I had seen all their carriages still in original weathered paintwork and upholstery. Today in the name of restoration they look awful. I had asked the palace authorities to remove the Jeep tyre from the Fiat and reinstall the wooden wheel but they seem too busy to do it, and I am barely finding time myself to go down and do it myself. I guess your view reflects the majority sentiment in wanting to see the cars restored. I am perhaps the only one who strongly feels they should remain untouched, except for correcting the damage to one of the Napiers (without it looking like a restoration). In fact one of the wheels of the Fiat is corroded, I'd rather they just lay it under the hub to show what can happen to wood in 100 years I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. __________________ *In changing yourself, you change your life* Last edited by DKG : 3rd October 2009 at 12:05.