How rich were the Maharajas before Independence! Cars of the Maharajas

[terry mcgrath]

dear all,
can anyone suggest the best place to buy this book I know Amazon in the USA have copies but presumably cheaper to buy several copies there in India?
Any suggestions
terry

One of the most comprehensive compilations of the cars owned by Indian Maharajas is the "Automobiles of the Maharajas " by Manvendra Singh of Barwani. ISBN : 8190060287. Rs. 3500/-

[Julian UK]

Bookshops India | Online books shopping India | College textbooks India

Type the name in their search bar. They have it and are very reputable.

[karlosdeville]

Shyam, this one's for you.

I came across this card from the Maharaja of Dharampur recently, an invite for possibly the opening of a building at the hands of the Maharaja of Kashmir. Dont miss the titles!

[manziee_crusier]

WOW Vintage cars...sorry cards

[Stanher]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Shyam, this one's for you.

I came across this card from the Maharaja of Dharampur recently, an invite for possibly the opening of a building at the hands of the Maharaja of Kashmir. Dont miss the titles!

Thanks Karl!
Although he wasnt a Maharaja of Dharampur but known as just a Raja.

So maybe its not the same person..? Just wondering!

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by Stanher

Thanks Karl!
Although he wasnt a Maharaja of Dharampur but known as just a Raja.

So maybe its not the same person..? Just wondering!

Well I use the term Maharaja quite loosely, covering Rajas, Ranas, Maharanas and all other rulers of princely states

And Im sure there was more than one memeber of the Dharampur royal family in the 60s.

[Stanher]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Well I use the term Maharaja quite loosely, covering Rajas, Ranas, Maharanas and all other rulers of princely states

And Im sure there was more than one memeber of the Dharampur royal family in the 60s.

Oh..ok.

'wold be nice if only someone unearthed period photos of his Heralds when he had them!

[smsrini]

Hey! Vintage buffs,

Watch the 'All about my car honey' show hosted by Gautam Sen on NDTV Goodtimes... He's showcasing the collections of vintage cars in India. I've watched 2 episodes showing the Fali Dhondy collection of exotics, and yesterday was the Sanjoy Ghosh collection from Kolkatta.

I'm lovin it!

Schedule at : Welcome to Good Times - What are you searching for?

[terry mcgrath]

It sounds like this programme is interesting it is certainly not on local TV and I havn't seen it on satelite ie fox

Originally Posted by smsrini

Watch the 'All about my car honey' show hosted by Gautam Sen on NDTV Goodtimes... He's showcasing the collections of vintage cars in India. I've watched 2 episodes showing the Fali Dhondy collection of exotics, and yesterday was the Sanjoy Ghosh collection from Kolkatta.

Schedule at : Welcome to Good Times - What are you searching for?

[moralfibre]

Originally Posted by Julian UK

12. Another shot of the 1926 Daimler with Barker body went to Gulab Singh the ruler of Rewa
Attachment 2833

Some were in the Blackhawk collection at some point but aren't in their present itinery.

I can confirm that this Daimler is still in the Blackhawk collection. Here's a picture I got from a friend.

[karlosdeville]

This RHD Adler Trumph Junior appears in 1001 Images of Cars. It bears the regn JP/UJJAIN. I assume there is an Indian connection?

[veesixteen]

May I add photos of your scale-model Orccha V-16 to the "Toys" section of the Cadillac Database. What was the construction medium? How did you decide on a colour scheme?

Right now, my wife and I are in Europe, until September 8, 2008. So the additions to the Database could not be made before then.

Non
__________________________________________________ _________

Originally Posted by travancore

The Orchha Cadillac V-16 by Pininfarina.....must be one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Since I can't afford the real one, thought I will build my own!

So here goes
Orchha Cadillac V-16 by Pinin Farina (yes that is how it was originally spelt!).
And yes, I did indulge in some "poetic licence" , like moving the side mounted spares a little farther forward than the original; and deleting the mud flaps!
(1/25 scale converted from a Jo-Han 4 Door Phaeton)

Attachment 8237

and the real one for comparison (source:Pininfarina)

Attachment 8238

and back to 1/25 scale

Attachment 8239

Attachment 8240

Attachment 8241

[Gordon]

Posting on behalf of V12 :

Not sure if these have been posted :


Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur


Owned by the Maharaja of Patiala, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, this car stands out even within the collection of such an ardent Rolls-Royce customer. The Maharaja was not afraid of the price of customization, even at the turn of the last century: he paid $400 in today's money for a tool roll, $1,000 for a pair of jump seats, between which rest a crystal decanter and four matching tumblers.


The car was originally fitted with a Hooper Landaulette body planned to be exported to India. Plans changed, and the car was sent to New York City and into the care of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt. On a voyage from New York to Liverpool aboard the Lusitania, the ship was attacked by a German U-Boat and sank in less than 20 minutes.


In 1913, this Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost with chassis 2517 was ordered. It was fitted with a custom six-seater Torpedo body with coachwork handled by H.J. Mulliner. The original owner was the Maharaja of Patiala, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, who held forth over the state of Patiala from 1900 to 1938. It is rumored that he married ten times and had 200 concubines and eighty-eight children. His Rolls-Royce rivals those rumors, as it was fitted with many custom features and luxury items. It came equipped with a Cobra horn, running-board coverings, tool roll, and a pair of jump seats. The larger-than-life persona of the Maharaja can be seen throughout the vehicle. The Maharaja was a favored client of Rolls-Royce and was given the opportunity to order the first Rolls-Royce Twenty. He accepted, but went a bit farther; he ordered a whole fleet of them. Years later, during the 1930s, Rolls-Royce did not accept any orders from Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. In retaliation, the Maharaja assigned his Rolls-Royce cars to the streets, to be used for trash pickup. Only after Rolls-Royce relented did the Maharaja recall his fleet of Rolls-Royce from civil duties. In 1985 this Rolls-Royce chassis 2517 was acquired by Richard Solove in India. The car was not in running condition, though solid and in fair condition throughout. It wore a London-to-Edinburgh Tourer coachwork which it still retains in modern times. It was brought to running and driving condition, and driven across Patiala and Pakistan to Karachi. Upon arrival, it was sent to Britain and to Jonathan Harley's shop where a four-year restoration was performed.

[v12]

Some more :


Once owned by the Maharajah of Kapurthala.


This car, bodied by Hooper, features robust hind quarters that bloom gracefully, growing a full four inches wider from front to rear. The curved windshield is the first to be used on a Rolls. Once owned by a Maharajah, the custom interior has his-and-hers stadium-style seating (it's a full nine inches higher than the front, with a boot-rail for him and an angled footrest for her) and one other RR first—an electric window for the driver.

[DKG]

Wow !! This has to be the most spectacular Ghost picture I've ever seen. Something about this car is just so beautifully right. I think the colour combination with the buffed aluminium has just taken the appeal to another level. Wow this car will remain etched in my mind for a long long time. Most Ghosts seen in pictures are so dowdy, barring the London Edinburgh style. But this one really takes the cake. Fantastic


Could someone please share the full story on this car? Gordon your text is a bit confusing as I am not able to figure out which picture the material relates to. Excuse me