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Originally Posted by karlosdeville  DKG, this one's for you. Do tell us all you know on this particular creation. I assume it too was rebodied in the past? |
This is a 1912 Silver Ghost, quite possibly one of the most precious Rolls Royces in the world. It has done only 356 miles and was specially ordered as a ceremonial coach. The rear has a central armchair sofa with a domed roof topped by the Nizam's dastaar or headgear, also his insignia
In 1936 the seventh Nizam completed 25 years of rule and somehow someone convinced him to allow this Rolls to be prepared for the occasion. The original fenders were replaced by pontoon style fenders hence its present state.
Very shortly all these cars, this Rolls, a Fiat, two Napiers, and a Wolseley will be shifted to Chowmahalla Palace for permanent display as a museum exhibit.
The front left wheel of the Fiat (wooden wheels) was rotten and to enable the car to be shifted I fabricated a makeshift hub and fitted some Jeep tyres. Once the cars are shifted they will obviously be removed and the origninal wheels installed after some restoration. So Julian after all you won't get to use her in snow
I have many pictures as I had cleaned these cars a few months ago. This collection of 5 cars all pre dating 1912 are a spectacular sight and I'm glad the Nizam's estate has decided to display them for the benefit of general public.
I have also requested them not to embark on any restoration unless a no compromise restoration is being attempted. I feel they are a worthy museum exhibit as is. Hope they agree.
As these cars have rarely been seen and the estate is not very open to visitors I am not at liberty at the moment to share the pictures. However as soon as the cars are open for public viewing I will post detailed pictures for your viewing pleasure