[karlosdeville]

We are nearing that time of year again, arguably India's most important vintage and classic car event - the fifth edition of the Cartier “Travel With Style” Concours d’Elegance comes to Hyderabad in February 2017.

Some highlights from the Press Release

• Cartier Travel with Style now a FIVA UNESCO WMHY event
• Ranks amongst the top eight classic car events in the world
• The prestigious FIVA Preservation Award will be awarded to the Best Preserved Car
• Renowned classic cars authority, commentator and adviser at Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza and Mille Miglia, Simon Kidston appointed chief judge.
• Last date for entry: September 30. Apply on:ctws2017@gmail.com

Cartier hosted the first ever international Concours d’Elegance – titled Cartier ‘Travel with Style’- in India at the Royal Western India Turf Club Mumbai in 2008 followed by the second and third edition in Delhi and Mumbai and the fourth edition in 2015 in Delhi.

The 5th edition will be held in Hyderabad at the sprawling Falaknuma Palace grounds, in February 2017.

The Cartier Travel with Style Concours is now part of the FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) World Motoring Heritage Year programme (WMHY) with patronage from UNESCO. The Concours is listed as a Type 1 event, and the prestigious FIVA Preservation Award will be awarded to the Best Preserved Car. Cartier ‘Travel with Style’ New Delhi 2011 first introduced the Preservation Class, that showcases original unrestored cars, as well as the Indian Heritage Class, that highlights early Indian built cars.

Manvendra Singh, Curator- Cartier Travel With Style, says “It is nice to have international recognition for the Cartier Concours, not only from FIVA but also from our distinguished panel of Judges, who love to return to the event. We are proud to organize a uniquely Indian event promoting Indian automotive heritage.”
The growing interest and success of the Cartier Travel with Style Concours d’Elegance in India, has led to an excessive demand for participation in this prestigious and internationally recognized event. The growth of the Concours has also lead to the increase in vehicle restoration standards. Vehicles restored in India can now easily match exacting international standards.
We invite prospective entrants to send in complete details including model details, chassis numbers and specific history of their vehicle/s, with recent photographs, to ctws2017@gmail.com by 30th September 2016.

In keeping with Cartier’s commitment to promote and preserve Indian automotive heritage, only cars and motorcycles with Indian histories, or recent imports restored in India, with documented proof, will be eligible for entry. Owing to the 2017 event being the first ‘Travel with Style’ Concours being held in South India, entries from the region will be given preference. Only the finest examples in each class will be accepted. Rarity, history, condition and provenance will be taken into account when entries are being selected.

About Chief Judge for Cartier Travel with Style Concours d’Elegance February 2017, Hyderabad India – Simon Kidston

Simon Kidston, is one of the most familiar names at the top end of the international classic car market. The nephew of 1920’s ‘Bentley Boy’ Commander Glen Kidston, he started his career in the auction department at Coys in London and was running it three years later. In 1996 he left to co-found Brooks (now Bonhams) Europe in Geneva and over the next decade developed high profile auctions around the globe. Early in 2006 Simon announced he was branching out on his own to create Kidston SA, a consultancy to aspiring and high level collectors which has become synonymous with Private Treaty sales of the world's rarest motor cars. Simon judges at Pebble Beach, is the multilingual commentator of the Mille Miglia and the Villa d’Este Concours, writes various columns and is currently filming a new motoring series for US television.

The class list for 2017 is as follows:

Automobiles:
Pre War Classics – up to and including 1945
Post War Classics – From 1946 up to and including 1965
Indian Heritage – Indian made or assembled from 1947 up to and including 1965
Preservation – up to and including 1965
Roadsters – from 1946 up to and including 1965

Motorcycles:
Veteran - Vintage - up to and including 1930
Pre War - from 1931 up to and including 1945
Post War - from 1946 up to and including 1969


E-mail id for entries: ctws2017@gmail.com
Last date for application submission: September 30
If accepted, participants will be notified by an official letter from Cartier.

About Cartier ‘Travel in Style’ Concours d’Elegance

Cartier ‘Travel With Style’ Concours d’Elegance celebrates the remarkable design and craftsmanship which went into creating these most luxurious and distinctive of cars. A panel of hand-chosen international classic car cognoscenti from across the globe judges the cars in different classifications. Owned by Indian royalty and private collectors, the most rare and historically significant automobiles were on display in public for the first time ever, bringing alive the eccentricities and uniqueness of the Indian automobile industry. It is curated by Manvendra Singh of Barwani.

A 1933 Minerva AL 40HP owned by Mr. Diljeet Titus was awarded the “Best of Show”, and the 1936 Royal Enfield 500cc owned by Mr. Parvinder Singh was awarded “Best of Show - Motorcycle” at the last edition of Cartier ‘Travel with Style’ New Delhi 2015.

82 rarest classic automobiles and 32 best preserved motorcycles were selected to compete in over 10 categories at the Cartier Concours in. A panel of internationally famous judges – comprising of HRH Prince Michael of Kent as the chief judge; Simon Kidston; Sandra Button; Sir Michael Kadoorie; Jean Todt; Simon & Yasmin Le Bon; John Walsh announced the winners in the awards ceremony.

About FIVA UNESCO World Motoring Heritage Year programme

FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) is a world body aimed at ‘Protecting, Preserving, Promoting World Motoring Heritage’, under the patronage of UNESCO. It is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016.
The “Type 1” event includes eight major shows at world class venues where a UNESCO-WMHY Preservation award is presented. The other events are Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Villa d’Este Concours d’Elégance, Le Mans Classic, Pebble Beach Concours, Chantilly Arts & Elégance, Classic Days Schloos Dyck & Autoclasica Buenos-Aires

I am really excited and looking forward to seeing some more hidden gems being recommissioned in light of the event. The setting too is quite special, and seeing the cars laid out on the greens will be a treat. As always, this promises to be an event not to be missed.

Some images from previous events, courtesy Cartier.

[ajmat]

A newly restored 1929 Rolls from Mysore might be making an appearance

[karlosdeville]

As we get closer to the event, Cartier has just issued the following press release.

CARTIER TRAVEL WITH STYLE CONCOURS D’ELÉGANCE

The Fifth Edition of the Internationally Renowned Bi-Annual Exhibit Displaying India’s awe inspiring Automotive Heritage to be held on 05th February 2017. TheTaj Falaknuma Palace, Erstwhile Royal Seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad to host one of the world’s best four Concours at its stately grounds

Ranked alongside Villa D’Este Concorsa D’Eleganza and the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elégance, Cartier Travel With Style is today counted as one of the benchmark exhibits of its kind, showcasing the best and rarest of Indian automotive heritage on an international platform.

After four former editions held in New Delhi and Mumbai, Cartier travel With Style will take place next year in Hyderabad, called the City of Pearls, an erstwhile princely state in south India and current capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

In a nod to Cartier’s long standing relationship with Indian royalty that can be dated almost as far back as to the luxury icon’s inception in 19th Century, Cartier Travel With Style 2017 will be hosted at Taj Falaknuma Palace, the larger than life estate of the past royal rulers of Hyderabad.

Princess Esra of Hyderabad, has graciously opened doors to her family seat for the upcoming concours. An instrumental force behind the restoration of Taj Falaknuma into a world renowned luxury hotel, termed today as the World’s Best Palace Hotel, Princess Esra has been a patron and exhibitor at Cartier Travel With Style since its first edition in 2009.

Hosted by Mr. Guillame Alix, Regional Managing Director, Cartier Middle East, India & Africa,Cartier Travel With Style is among the world’s most acclaimed Concours d’Elégance, a one of a kind vintage car exhibition and competition held every two years in India.

Curated by the renowned Indian automotive historian and expert, Manvendra Singh of Barwani, the Cartier Concours showcases some of the rarest and best-preserved vintage automobiles from across India.

In another development that will no doubt be great for the movement in India...

Cartier Travel With Style has been recently affiliated to FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) World Motoring Heritage Year Program with patronage from UNESCO. In recognition of Cartier’s commitment to facilitate Indian automotive heritage preservation, a special FIVA Preservation Award has been instituted for the next edition of Cartier Concours, to be presented to the best preserved classic car displayed within the concours’ Preservation Class category.

Some familiar faces return as judges

Renowned vintage auto cognoscenti hailing from automotive, design, finance, racing, entertainment and fashion worlds from across the globe will comprise the expert Judging Panel at Cartier Concours d’Elégance 2017. Chief Judge for the coming edition will be Simon Kidston, the New Age Bentley Boy. A renowned authority on heritage automobiles, Mr. Kidston judges at Pebble Beach and is the multilingual commentator of the Mille Miglia and the Villa d’Este concours along with being at the top of international classic car retail market.

Other notable personalities in the judging panel will include HRH Prince Michael of Kent; Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elégance Sandra Button, President of Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Jean Todt, one of the greatest racing driver of all time Sir Stirling Moss OBE, multi-time world champion Grand Prix motorcycle racer Giacomo Agostini, Founder of Goodwood Festival of Speed Lord March, heir apparent to the Fiat empire Lapo Elkann, award winning F1 designer Prof. Gordon Murray, renowned automobile designer Peter Stevens, leading industrialist The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, President of Condé Nast International Nicholas Coleridge and former supermodel Yasmin le Bon to name a few.

Every event sees the addition of a new unique class, and I was personally particularly pleased to read about the new American Aerodynamic class - I'm sure some stunning cars will be displayed.

Adds Manvendra Singh of Barwani, Curator, Cartier Travel With Style, “For each edition we try to raise the bar higher by introducing new display categories and elements that augment the visual montage of India’s automotive legacy. The coming edition will witness the introduction of the very special FIVA Preservation Award, an immense recognition for the painstaking efforts of Indian collectors along with addition of new categories like Américain Aérodynamique. As always, our vision is to highlight the automobile heritage of this astonishing country in a larger and improved format.

Additionally here is a note on a couple of interesting entries.

We had a preview of this rare car here

1914 Benz 8/20 HP Tourer
Before merging with Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach’s Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft to form Daimler-Benz, inventor Karl Benz manufactured automobiles under the name Benz & Cie, operating out of Mannheim, Germany.

In 1912, Benz introduced the 8/20, which would remain in production from 1912 until after World War I. The 8/20 and the smaller 6/14 of 1910, both economical designs, were replacements for the 10/18, which was introduced by Benz to circumvent taxation laws on higher displacement cars. The 8/20 is seen as a significant Benz model that kept the company afloat until its merger with Daimler in 1926.

This 8/20 Tourer was acquired in 1914 by Rao Bahadur P.C. Muthu Chettiar (1877-1940), a Zamindar (aristocratic land owners) from Madura, in Southern India (now in the state of Tamil Nadu). Astonishingly the car is still belongs to the family and is under the care of grandson Rajesh Somasundaram, an hotelier in Madurai.

The Benz was in continuous use until the 1960s, and over the year parts were replaced with what was available or practical. The carbide lighting system was replaced with electrical units, its electrical system was simplified and wheels replaced to accept commonly available tyre sizes. Finally it was garaged due to wear and lack of spare parts. In 2013, the family took the decision to get this rare ‘Brass Era’ car back to its original 1914 condition, and just recently completed its restoration.

This car will be presented in the Pre-War Class of the Cartier ‘Travel with Style’ Concours d’Elegance 2017 – Hyderabad.

1921 Rolls Royce 40/50 HP ‘Silver Ghost’ – H.H. the Maharaja of Wankaner
Ordered in Sept. 1920 by Rolls-Royce Ltd. (Bombay) for Captain H.H. The Maharana Sir Amarsinhji of Wankaner, K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E. (1879-1954), this 1921 Rolls Royce 40/50 hp has been with the family since. Wanakaner was an erstwhile Princely state, in Western India - present day Gujarat State.

The 40/50 hp was the model to give Rolls Royce its reputation as one of the finest automobile manufacturers in the world. In fact, Autocar Magazine, in 1907, called it the "Best car in the world". The 40/50 hp model was originally nicknamed ‘Silver Ghost’, after the silver colour of the factory demonstrator, and its ghost-like quietness. The name was officially recognised when its replacement, the ‘Phantom’, was launched.

“The Wankaner car, chassis no. 113 LG, was originally sporting a Maythorn Tourer body, and painted mauve with upholstery to match”, says Rolls Royce Historian and Cartier ‘Travel with Style’ judge John Fasal. It made its way to India aboard the SS ‘Devanha’, sailing from Tilbury Docks to Bombay, shipped with two other Silver Ghosts on 7th October 1921.

After using it for a few years, the Maharaja’s son, Maharaj Kumar Pratapsinhji (1907-2007), a keen motorist, encouraged his father to 'upgrade' their car with a more modern style of Tourer coachwork. Carried out by James & Co. of Bombay, in 1935, the car was fitted with it's current body, in time to convey H.E. Lord Willingdon on his Viceregal visit to Wankaner State.

This Silver Ghost will be presented at the Cartier ‘Travel with Style’ Concours d’Elegance 2017 – Hyderabad, in the ‘Preservation’ class, as it remains in unrestored, original condition. The car, one of the few Silver Ghosts still in original ownership, is still kept at the Royal Garages of the fabulous Ranjit Vilas Palace, Wankaner.

Additionally, a note on selected owner/collector/restorer profiles was also shared

Shrivardhan Kanoria A prolific collector, Shrivardhan painstakingly restores his own cars. A multiple entrant and prize winner at the Cartier Concours, Shrivardhan will be showing his 1914 Wolseley 30/40 HP Landaulet

Dharmaditya Patnaik
Prominent businessman Dharmaditya Patnaik is a keen hobbist, collecting not only vintage cars, but also remote control planes. At the 2015 Cartier Travel with Style, in New Delhi, Mr Patnaik took a class win for his 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible. At the 2017 event he will be showing his 1923 Rolls Royce 20 HP with coachwork by Barker. This special car was originally ordered for the Maharana of Udaipur, and features hand controls for the use of the disabled Maharana

Dhananjai Singh Khimsar
Hailing from the erstwhile royal family of Khimsar, in Rajasthan, Dhananjai is an avid collector of cars. His collection is displayed at his ancestral fort that is now a heritage hotel, in Khimsar He will be showing two Pre War Cadillacs, including a V12 rumble seat Roadster

Dr Ravi Prakash
Dr Ravi has been collecting cars from a very young age and has now amassed a sizable collection of car, motorcycles and other means transportation. A regular Cartier Concours entrant, Dr Ravi is in the process of setting up a Museum of Transportation near Bangalore, which will include an extensive library. His two daughters are also keen automobile enthusiasts, with Rupali entering a Rolls Royce 20HP, originally belonging to the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj, at the 2017 show

Christopher Rodricks
Just in his 20s, Christopher is already a well known face in the Indian classic car hobby. Running his own automotive restoration shop out of Bangalore, Chris is known for his meticulous work and in depth understanding of all sorts of mechanicals. He is credited with overhauling a pair of the Nizam of Hyderabad’s Napier cars dating back to 1912. One of these cars won its class at the 2013 Cartier Concours in Mumbai.

This event is certainly shaping up to be one not to be missed - as I've said before, the event has facilitated raising the bar for us all.

[KPS]

Cartier, in my opinion has done few important things for the vintage car movement in India, namely

1. Restored some great cars like the Nizam's RR & Napiers, to name a few
2. Set new heights in restoration standards, which most participants strive to achieve. The desire to restore car to the highest standards is not uncommon today.
3. So many wonderful cars have come out for public display, which was not the case in the past
4. Probably the first time enthusiast were able to appreciate the Preservation Class, with a display of so many well preserved cars at one spot.

Cheers

KPS

[revvedup]

Hey

Anyone knows when they might be issuing invites for the event ?

[Bulldogji]

Originally Posted by KPS

Cartier, in my opinion has done few important things for the vintage car movement in India, namely

1. Set new heights in restoration standards, which most participants strive to achieve. The desire to restore car to the highest standards is not uncommon today.

KPS

Sadly, KPS, the restoration standards you talk about, are mostly cosmetic.

It would be great if mechanicals were given the same levels of attention.

Having sent cars for all Cartier shows till date, i have first hand knowledge about the condition, under the bonnet, of many many trailer queens that are shown.

But credit must be given, cars not often seen , surface and are a delight to see

[kasli]

Originally Posted by revvedup

Hey



Anyone knows when they might be issuing invites for the event ?

There is ample time to communicate and get passes / invites . This show is where one can come across enthusiast from all walks of life. The passes are limited and to this date have not seen anyone who has been refused .

Subject to the knowledge that I am aware off

It's going to be a great event and if time permits should be attended . Stunning cars and levels of restoration . Superb learning platform also

5th February 2017 is open for enthusiast based invites

Cheers

[Bulldogji]

Originally Posted by kasli

This show is where one can come across enthusiast from all walks of life.

Superb learning platform also

This is really nice to know, if true.

In earlier events, enthusiasts from only certain walks of life were seen

As to the learning platform? What does one learn? Restoration?? Conservation?? I have not seen any master classes being held.

But it is a great weekend to meet up with old friends and make new ones, and most of the cars are those rarely seen and nice eye candy.

So, all in all, a show not to be missed if you are fortunate enough to be there

[DKG]

Originally Posted by kasli

to this date have not seen anyone who has been refused

For the third Cartier show when I called the curator for an invite he said the invite list was not in his hands. As I don't know anyone else in the Cartier bandwagon I have ended up missing the past few events. Maybe I don't fall in the category of enthusiasts worthy of an invite

Its a great show and I love the cars that turn up. I particularly don't care about the politics that goes on but like Bulldogji said just for the fun of seeing some great cars and loads of car buffs to meet up with, its definitely not worth missing

[Stanher]

Originally Posted by kasli

to this date have not seen anyone who has been refused . 5th February 2017 is open for enthusiast based invites

Originally Posted by DKG

For the third Cartier show when I called the curator for an invite he said the invite list was not in his hands. As I don't know anyone else in the Cartier bandwagon I have ended up missing the past few events. Maybe I don't fall in the category of enthusiasts worthy of an invite

Well, I was given an email address to contact them and request them for a pass (want to visit just as a spectator, not participant), which I did on 23rd Nov. and to this date I have not received a reply; not even an acknowledgement.
'wonder if perchance I don't fall in said 'category' as well?
But keeping my hopes up for now as there still is time, apparently. Would be ironic to miss out on such a significant event happening in one's own city!

[kasli]

Originally Posted by Bulldogji

This is really nice to know, if true.

In earlier events, enthusiasts from only certain walks of life were seen

As to the learning platform? What does one learn? Restoration?? Conservation?? I have not seen any master classes being held.

But it is a great weekend to meet up with old friends and make new ones, and most of the cars are those rarely seen and nice eye candy.

So, all in all, a show not to be missed if you are fortunate enough to be there

Bulldogji,

The learning platform is the interaction with all the fellow enthusiasts and new ones that one comes across

Hopefully and knowing the show will be superb and great eye candy

Cheers

[wasif]

Waiting for detailed report and pictures.....

[ariesonu]

Some photos, as shared by friend's. Credit goes to respective photographer:


























Regards-Sonu

[KPS]

Originally Posted by wasif

Waiting for detailed report and pictures.....

We all can look forward for a detailed report by Karl.

There were outstanding cars, the setting was fantastic and I had the privilege of going up on the ramp with a close friend to receive the class award!

The 1919 model Daimler of Sir Hukumchand Gold was outstanding. It was a privilege for us to have a first hand look of the car and appreciate the detailing. The young mechanical restorer of this car needs to be applauded for getting the engine fully functional and ticking beautifully.

The other highlight for me was the resurrection of the 1949 Bristol 400. This was a restoration of immense magnitude not for the faint heart. This project should inspire a lot of people to save some of the great cars still in India. Looking forward to Karl's detailed report on this car

Cheers

KPS

[ajmat]

Also worthy of mention is the Mysore Rolls Royce where KPS mentored the owner during the restoration process