[DKG]

At the turn of the last century as automobiles started to appear around the world, The Nizam of Hyderabad was amongst the first few Indians to import automobiles for his use. It is indeed a great pleasure to share with you all pictures of one of the most amazing collections in the world, a collection that has remained in the family for more than 100 years!!

As a part of the efforts of the present Nizam Prince Mukkaramjah and Princess Esra one of their homes Chowmahalla Palace has been converted into a museum for the public and this collection of cars and carriages will open as a museum display close to the festival of Dussehra this year. I am delighted that in view of the imminent opening of this display I now have the permission to share pictures so all of you can travel to Hyderabad to see this most awesome collection of automobiles.

The splendid 1912 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost chassis number 2117 custom built by Barker for the Nizam as a ceremonial coach.















Ornate door handles bearing the family's insignia, their "Dastaar" or crown.



The central elevated seat for the Nizam. In the rear compartment opposite this sofa are two occasional seats facing sideways just behind the limousine's glass partition.