[karlosdeville]

The 6th 21 Gun Salute vintage and classic car rally was conducted last month in Delhi. Brain child of Madan Mohan, as promised, this year saw a reduced but more selective number of entries, in an attempt to keep the event exclusive. The idea was to have 75 cars from across the country, and 15 cars from abroad. After a display at the historic Red Fort, the cars drove to the Buddh F1 circuit in Greater Noida, for a couple of restrained laps on the track




A notable highlight were the international participants (I counted 9 cars, maybe I missed some) - some really of historical significance.

1908 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost #60922, "The Silver Dawn", a most spectacular car and outstanding restoration by P&A Wood. After having an initial look at the car, a fellow BHPian opined, "we sure have a long way to go". I couldn't agree more. More on this special car here






"The Silver Dawn" takes pride of place. Probably this was the inspiration for subsequent models in the 40s to be named Silver Dawns.


A beautifully produced book chronicling the restoration and history of this significant car.


1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental #60JS, Barker Sports Saloon, with an interesting all green interior, even the wheel. An RR demonstrator when new, later supplied to the Chairman of the Bristol Aeroplane Company.



I personally loved the understated colour combination.


Apparently the all green interior was specified when new.


1931 Rally NPC racer - if there was one car I could take home, this was it. Tiny, nimble, and very light - everything is drilled for weight reduction including the hand brake lever. Pretty advanced for its time too, with twin over head cams. Very regularly used and raced, clocking up high milage over the last 15 years by its enthusiastic German owner.





Delhi highways are a treat

From everyone I met, he certainly was enjoying himself the most


1937 Maybach SW38 - sporting a graceful yet sporty convertible bodystyle. I assume coachwork by Spohn.





19xx Horch 780 DHC.



Note the opulent mother of pearl inlay to the dash, and motif on the pedals.



1924 Mercedes 630K with unusual Murphy roadster coachwork. I believe a former Pebble Beach car, further reading here



Trust the Americans to make such a massive two seater!

[karlosdeville]

There were three interesting Jaguars on display - well, one Jaguar based.

1933 Jaguar SS1 Coupe - apparently one of 16 survivors in this bodystyle. Again regularly used by its enthusiastic owner, and upgraded with an SS100 engine.






1952 Jaguar XK120 - MDU 524 was aerodynamically upgraded to set the world speed record at one time, of 172.4 miles an hour in Belgium in 1953. Behind the wheel was none other than Norman Dewis, who recently also supervised the restoration. The car was shown at Pebble Beach in 2014, where it took its class and another prize. I was lucky to see the car in the same year at Retromobile in Paris. This is a really significant car, and I am really surprised to see it visiting! Unfortunately it did not do the run. More about this remarkable car here





1959 Lister Jaguar Costin 'Knobbly' - Already a known name in Motorsports, in the 50s Lister would build their own sports cars based on a Jaguar D-Type frame. One of the later cars was attending, and did the whole drive - it being designed for a smooth track, unfortunately bottomed out on every pothole or speedbreaker. Kudos to the owners for completing the drive. A little more of what must be the same car here




You realise just how low the car is in these pictures.



She must have felt right at home on the track.

[karlosdeville]

Here are the local participants (though it included a fair number of recent imports). In (somewhat) alphabetical order.

Making its debut was this Alvis Speed 20 (or 25?) DHC.


Austin Healey 100-6, originally from the Gondal stables I believe, now in Bangalore


Austin Van den Plas


Standard Avon was one of the many visiting from Bombay.


1935 Bentley 3.5 litre, #B24BN with rare coachwork by Antem. First owner was the legendary Embericos, later on to the royal state of Talcher.



Another 1935 3.5 litre, #B95EJ, Park Ward DHC.



What seemed to be a fresh import, a very stylish looking Bentley Mark VI DHC, unsure of ID and coachbuilder (Park Ward?). Over to the gurus.



BMW Isetta stood out amongst the big guys.



1931 Buick Tourer


1938 Buick 90L Limousine, ex Travancore.


1938 Buick cabriolet, ex Tonk



1940 Buick 90L Limousine



1947 Buick Superb cabriolet, ex Travancore


Cadillac V8 of the late 20s, (or early 30s), another new import. Glad to see more cars coming in.



1934 Cadillac thankfully still in complete state of preservation.



1938 Cadillac V16 - probably the only one in the country, and beautifully restored.




1947 Cadillac Series 62 cabriolet



1951 Cadillac Series 62 cabriolet

[karlosdeville]

Cadillacs continued

1950s Caddy saloon


1956 Cadillac cabriolet, ex Bikaner/Jaipur I think



1959 Cadillac panoramic glass sedan, ex Jodhpur


A couple of Chevy Tourers




1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster


1931 Chrysler CM8 Tourer


1953 Chrysler Windsor



1936 Daimler Light 8 attended from Bombay, with an interesting history, being an ex Viceroy (?) car



1959 Daimler SP250 / Dart?


Later model Daimler limousine had some diplomatic history



Lone entrant from Pune was this 1941 Dodge 7 seater



1947 Dodge was ex Nabha



Trio of A Model Fords and a B Model





1964/66 Ford Mustang


A rare Hanomag - one of the oldest diesel cars in India if not the oldest. Now owed by the Rajkot family, I initially thought it was unrestored. A quick wash later I was wrong



1930s Hudson


1934 Humber Snipe 80 Landaulette

[karlosdeville]

Pair of Mark 4 Jags, a 1.5 litre from Bombay and a superbly preserved 2.5 litre ex Dharampur




Early Jaguar XK120 OTS - should have been right at home on the track


1955 Jaguar XK140 DHC from Bangalore


1949 Jaguar Mark V has been in the family since new


Jaguar Mark II was visiting from Chennai



Early Jaguar E-type also from Bangalore



Military vehicles included WW2 Jeeps and an Austin Champ and Series 1 Land Rover







This Lanchester cabriolet has been recently imported, and the owner tells me it was a former Nawanagar car






1929 Mercdes-Benz Nurburg 460 was the oldest Mercedes participating


1930s Mercedes-Benz 290 (or 320?) 7 seater landaulette RHD makes for a rare specification



1935 Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet has been in the Rajkot family since new, and complete original / unrestored



Mercedes 170V with full length retractable top



Mercedes W110 Fintail

[karlosdeville]

1934 Packard 8, ex Datia. Looked smashing and drew the most attention especially with that colour scheme



1954 Plymouth Belvedere convertible looked attractive in pink.



1939 Pontiac Deluxe


1947/8 Pontiac Silver Streak


1963 Pontiac Tempest


1927 Rolls-Royce 20hp Barker Tourer #GRJ1, ex Nawab of Sachin



1926 Rolls-Royce 20hp Southen Motors Sports Saloon #GCK64. I was lucky to join the drive as passenger in this car.



1936 Rolls-Royce 25/30hp H J Mulliner Landaulette #GTL9



1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25hp Windovers Sports Saloon #GWX1



1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25hp Keller Saloon #GAE3, ex Baroda


Our favourite, 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Streamlined Coupe #62UK, ex Jodhpur




1930s Riley


1947 Studebaker Champion, a rare Business Coupe


1930 Stutz Series M, ex Baria




Volkswagen Baywindow Westfalia camper

[karlosdeville]

While there were a few nice motorcycles, didn't get to spend any time with them, and stil sorting pictures, so maybe I'll post them later.

In the mean time, to conclude, here are various sights and sounds of the event. We all eventually had a great time, the laps on the circuit made our day. I was lucky to do a lap in the 20hp Rolls, followed by 62UK (what an experience!) and finally in the 47 Buick.

Something I look forward to at these events is the Armed Forces or Police Band playing. It really sets the right mood.


The panel of judges included stalwarts like Marespand and Mr. CS Ananth, pictured here with a superb Cadillac they were judging.


Chairperson of the Pebble Beach concours, Sandra Button seen here judging our favourite Rolls.


Understandably Mr. Tata spent much time admiring the Jaguars, but he spent even more time with the V16.



A Police escort and a follow me car were arranged for the drive.


While well intentioned, such arrangements can be confusing


The variety of cars participating was tremendous. Look at the size difference between the Rally and the Rolls. Its just a speedbreaker for the Silver Ghost!


One couldn't help but notice how similar the Jag and Rolls looked.


With origins as a State car, the Daimler proudly flew the Indian flag.


I'm not sure who was more surprised to see who


Many participants dressed for the part.


Knock off hubs secured with a cable on the Costin Lister


The atmosphere at flag-off was electric - crowds cheering, revving engines and the smell of burning oil - we all had goosebumps





The first lap was controlled, and most drove sedately. The second, not so much!





Some drivers meant business and came prepared. As expected, the Bentley was the fastest car and driver.




Memories to treasure indeed. What a sight!


Impatient participants waiting for the first round to finish, lining up to go next.


Like a true race machine, a push start.


Sandra Button flagging off the ladies in their 1955 Jaguar XK140.


Everyone wanted another go at the circuit


Ironic participant in a 21 Gun Salute event!


And finally, to be fair, nobody expected it to be raining in February...

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Classic Car Section. Thanks for sharing!

[KartikeyaL]

Better late than never, great report Karl.

[Thebat]

Wow what a collection of cars, looking at those curvy machines makes me wish I was born many decades earlier. The Austin Healey in particular stole my heart and made me skip a few beats, what a beauty she is. It's wonderful to see such well maintained machines. Honored to see such a well presented thread, thank you karlosdevile.

[manishalive]

One of the best report to come in recent past. I like this so much, what a display of cars.

[KPS]

Thanks Karl for this wonderfully segmented and detailed report.

In the past we have seen that the Cartier event had improved the restoration benchmarks in the country significantly.

The 21 Gun Salute Rally on the other hand raises the benchmark for what a V & C Rally should be. This rally truly reflects the preservation, restoration and use of vintage and classic cars. Kudos to Mr. Madan Mohan and Team.

The Silver Dawn is truly outstanding.

Cheers

KPS

[Shubhendra]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Ironic participant in a 21 Gun Salute event!
Attachment 1484764

I am pretty sure you must be aware that Tonk state was entitled to 17 gun salute by Britishers.
Ironically Jaipur and other big states like Rewa were also entitled to 17 gun salute.....

Regards,
SHubhendra Singh