[karlosdeville]

At last, the fifth edition of the Cartier “Travel With Style” Concours d’Elegance was concluded in Hyderabad with the fabulous backdrop of the Falaknuma Palace hotel. After two rounds in Bombay and Delhi, I was glad to see a new location - particularly since it gives us a chance to see some local cars otherwise not seen. I was lucky to make it, and here are my pictures from the weekend.

Exhibition Class

1912 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost 'Throne Limousine' by Barker.
Much has been discussed about this outlandish car of the Nizam of Hyderabad - at the time probably the richest man in the world. Over a hundred years old and covered just 356 miles when pulled out for restoration a few years back. The car had been partially rebodied in the 30s probably, and now reverted to the original specification. The car is probably one of the most, if not the most, significant Rolls-Royces ever built.

1919 Daimler 45HP Special by Windovers
How does one top such a radical car? This has to come the closest. For decades people spoke of a car made of gold in Indore - not seen since forever, the Hukumchand Daimler, as it came to be known, was finally pulled out of decades of storage and restored to original condition. Of course the car isn't made of gold, but all fittings except the radiator are indeed gold plated. The Hukumchand family continues to own the car even now, and I believe were suppliers of precious stones to Cartier back in the day.







The bright yellow Rolls and bright gold Daimler would be today's equivalent of super cars in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.









The hood ornament wasn't fitted here, but is a tiny bell.








Gold everywhere!


Trademark sleeve valve engine


1920 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost Tourer

This lovely car was entered in the previous edition but unfortunately didn't show. Car is probably #132AE, with Littin & Son Tourer Coachwork.






1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Boat tail Tourer

#85GN was delivered new to the royal family of Travancore as a Hooper Limousine. At some point this pretty boat tail body was fitted.




1910 Wolseley-Siddeley 50/60HP Landaulet
Again part of the collection of cars retained by the Nizam's trust, this Wolseley has just been restored, and very sympathetically.




The original coat of arms



1933 Minerva AL 40HP
Last year's Best of Show makes an honorary display.







1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Sedan
Another former Nizam car, it continues to be totally original


The TV mounted alongside showed period footage of the car that we saw earlier on one of the other threads as well.


Lambretta Scooter display
Superbly turned out, and brought a smile to everyone who passed by.

[karlosdeville]

Pre-War Classics - European



1914 Benz 8/20 Runabout
This lovely car pre-dates the Mercedes era, and remarkably has been in the family since new. More about the car here (1912 Benz unveiled in Chennai after restoration)

The history file of the car is amazing with loads of correspondence and even the original invoice, and many old photos provided valuable reference to correct many upgrades over the years.





A visibly please Mr. C S Ananth with his labour of love.


1914 Wolseley 30/40HP Landaulet
This huge and grand car was bought from an Ashram in Assam back in the 80s, and subsequently restored. For the Concours, the car was completely redone and looked fit for a prince















1927 Lanchester 21HP Tourer
A recent import, we are told this car was originally delivered to the royal family of Nawanagar, and has been recently restored.







1929 Triumph Super 7 Roadster
A favourite of mine, this rather rare Triumph Super 7 started life as a tourer - looking almost identical to a Baby Austin. The body had been altered early on in its life to a crude home made jeep like body. The opportunity was taken to build this very sporty and fun roadster special - and the result is superb.





Prince Michael of Kent took a fancy to the car and took the Princess out for a spin as well.






The car as found

[karlosdeville]

Pre-War Classics - American

1915 Ford Model T Runabout
A recent import, this car is completely original and displayed with loads of cool accessories





1922 Moon 6-40 Tourer
Another recent import, and recent restoration





1925 Graham Paige Model 615 Phaeton
Finished just in time for the show, this is one of a handful of Graham Paiges surviving in India





1929 Cadillac V8 Series 341-B Dual Cowl Phaeton
Another recent import, totally restored locally.





1929 Cadillac V8 Series 341-B Seven Passenger Sedan
Another recent import, totally restored locally.





1930 Ford Model A Coupe





1930 Buick 60 Dual Phaeton Tourer
We are lucky to see such cars normally not shown thanks to the concours.





1931 Cadillac V12 Series 370-A Roadster
Another recent import, totally restored locally.







1933 Cadillac V12 Series 370-C Seven Passenger Sedan
Another recent import, totally restored locally.





1935 Dodge Series DV Limousine
Possibly quite rare in this specification (RHD, 7 seater, dual side mounts etc)





1936 Pierce Arrow Model 1602 Sedan
Freshly restored. I remember seeing the car in Pune in junk, quite the transformation.









1939 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
One of my favourite years for Buicks.





1939 Cadillac Series 61 Convertible Coupe
Another recent import, totally restored locally. Caddys are the clear choice for imports!

[karlosdeville]

There were two Rolls classes, for small (20hp, 20/25hp, 25/30hp and Wraith) and large (Silver Ghosts, Phantoms 1, 2 and 3 and Silver Wraiths). Hope I didn't miss any.

Pre-War Classics - Rolls-Royce



1929 Rolls-Royce 20/25HP Barker Tourer
#GXO35 is recorded as being ex Talcher, and sports rakish fenders that look great. The red highlights help as well.





1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25HP Southern Motors Drophead Coupe
A recent import, and a stunning local restoration completed just in time for the show. It was a treat to see the exhaustive history file and complete correct series set of tools. #GDP57, originally a Hooper Limousine, and in period fitted with a smart DHC body for Southern Motors.







1936 Rolls-Royce 25/30HP Thrupp & Maberly Limousine
#GGR56 was entered from Mysore I think, and in long term ownership and recently fully restored.







Pre-War Classics - Roll-Royce Grand



1921 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost Barker Torpedo
#61LG is a local Hyderabad car, she also attended the inaugural Concours in Mumbai in 2008. Originally delivered to Korea State.





1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Arthur Mulliner Limousine
Another local entry, #101GY was delivered new to Baroda.







1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Windovers Limousine
#74GY was originally delivered to Patiala, and has just completed a fantastic grounds up restoration.







1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Thrupp & Maberly Limousine
#22UK was originally delivered to Ramgarh, and only recently changed hands. Another fantastic restoration sporting a Lalique Rooster hood ornament.

[ajmat]

1936 Rolls-Royce 25/30HP Thrupp & Maberly Limousine
#GGR56 was entered from Mysore I think, and in long term ownership and recently fully restored.

It is from Mysore and has been in long term ownership. Recently restored by Christopher Rodericks and bodywork completed by Manavendra

[karlosdeville]

American Aerodynamic/Aeroflow Class





1934 Hupmobile Model J Aersosedan
A local Hyderabad car, almost certainly the only one in the country, and very good looking in my books.







1936 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Sedan
A recent import, having undergone a meticulous restoration just in time for the event. The attention to detail and final result is mind boggling.











1936 Cord 810 Winchester Sedan
Another recent import and a meticulous restoration, this car looks like a million bucks, moreso with its correct bright red interiors and engine turned dash. What a looker!









1938 Ford V8 Sedan
A local entry though originally from the north.





1939 Plymouth PB Convertible Sedan
A local entry, in the family probably from new, and in this configuration probably very rare the world over.







1938 Lincoln Zephyr Club Coupe
This bodystyle is particularly good looking, and was recently restored from very poor condition.

[karlosdeville]

Post-War Classics - European



1947 Bentley Mark VI Saloon
#B194AK was delivered new to Baroda







1948 Bristol 400 Coupe
Literally brought back from the dead, this Bristol was my star of the show. Restored from almost nothing in just a few months, this car makes you believe that sometimes the impossible can be possible! Read more details and see the pictures of what they started with here!













The judges just couldn't get enough of it.


1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster
Apparently in the family from new, the 2000 is a rare survivor with most others being 1800s.







1950 MG YT Tourer
Seeing this car after years, formerly in a Pune collection in red.

[karlosdeville]

Post-War Classics - American


1947 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan
A local Hyderabad car, hopefully owner will share more details on the history





1947 Dodge Custom Convertible Coupe
Very rare in convertible bodystyle, I know of just one other.







1948 Packard Clipper Sedan
Another local entry, probably in the family from new






1948 Packard Clipper Sedan
A recent import, the car drove down to Hyderabad and back from Bombay for the event.






1949 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette
Another recent import







1949 Buick Roadmaster Sedan
Giving company to the brown Packard, again probably from new





1950 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
A recent terrific restoration. The colour is taken from the crest of Dungarpur









1955 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
A recent terrific restoration, a complete looker. Naturally outstanding chrome given the owner's personal chrome plant









1958 Edsel Villager Stationwagon
Probably the only Edsel in India (at least delivered new). I am completely in love with the colour, with so many versions of powder blue, this one is just right.

[karlosdeville]

Preservation Class



1921 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost Tourer
A show highlight and making her debut, #113LG remains with the family even today. Originally a Maythorn Tourer body, in period fitted with a body by James & Co in Bombay.









1929 LaSalle Series 328 Sports Phaeton
A local Hyderabad entry, I think in the family from new.





1938 Morris 8 Tourer
Another Hyderabad entry







1951 Dodge Wayfairer Sedan
Formerly used by the Nizam himself, it remains perfectly unrestored. Note the Rolls Royce clock in the dash!









1954 Studebaker Conestoga Stationwagon
Perfect for camping trips in the desert











1965 Standard Herald
My favourite, this car was one of around 6 Heralds owned by the royal family of Dharampur, and they all had just a few hundred kms till they were sold in the 90s. My complements to the present owner for leaving the car completely untouched.









Note the original battery terminals!

[karlosdeville]

Indian Heritage

Needless to say, my favourite category

1952 Chevrolet Deluxe Styline Sedan
This was probably the last of these models assembled at GM's facility in Bombay. Interestingly LHD. I have to say I love the colour choice.







1956 Dodge Kingsway Sedan
Freshly restored







1957 Fiat 1100 Saloon
I had seen this car being restored in Bombay, it was super original








1957 Hindustan Traveller Stationwagon
Rarest of the rare, a delight. Freshly restored.









1958 Hindustan Ambassador Saloon
A superb unmolested car, with rare side valve engine.







1961 Fiat 1100 Saloon
In the family since the 60s, we've heard first hand experiences from the owner earlier on the forum.

[karlosdeville]

Roadsters Class


1950 MG TD Convertible
A later import





1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster
Probably the most desirable of E-Types









1961 Fiat 1200 Cabriolet
Originally a Bombay car presently in Chennai - what a pretty car!







1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
A more recent import





1965 Austin-Healey Sprite Roadster
A Pune car in the same ownership for many years till the 2000s.

[karlosdeville]

Onto the bikes. I'll admit I'm not as tuned into the bike scene so don't know too much about these entries.

Veteran Vintage Motorcycles Class





1914 Rudge Multi TT



1920 Triumph Model H



1922 BSA Model H2



1923 FN M60 Sports



1926 AJS 799 V Twin



1926 Rudge 500



Pre-War Classic Motorcycles Class

1930 Sunbeam Lion
In perfect state of preservation. Note the rear number plate how the letters AP were painted on later, over what was probably HY.






1931 Ariel 500 Slopper



1938 AJS R9



1938 BMW R51



1938 Triumph 3HW



1939 Norton 16H



1940 Indian Chief





1942 BSA M20



1942 Indian Scout



1944 BSA M20

[karlosdeville]

Post-War Classic Motorcycles Class



1947 Sunbeam S7



1947 Ariel Square Four


1947 Ariel Square Four


1947 Indian Chief





1948 Sunbeam S7



1951 BMW R51


1951 Sunbeam S7


1953 Norton Dominator



1953 Royal Enfield Clipper


1954 Moto Guzzi Falcone



1951 Royal Enfield Twin



1956 Ariel Field Master



1956 Matchless G3LS



1957 Triumph Tiger 100


1958 Velocette Venom


1961 Norton Dominator 99


1961 Triumph 3T



1961 BSA Road Rocket



1961 Norton Dominator 88



1962 Triumph Tiger 100SS



1967 Ducati Monza
Unfortunately it seems I missed out on pictures of this bike.

[karlosdeville]

And finally to the most awaited, most discussed and hotly debated topic - the prizes!


I got bird's eye view from the balcony above. What a sight!


A special prize, The Cartier Honour Trophy, was presented to eminent collector Sharad Sanghi by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, a Lifetime Achievement award of sorts.


The FIVA Preservation Trophy (I think with UNESCO recognition) was presented to the Wankaner Silver Ghost by Patrick Rollet - FIVA President.


Runner-Up - Veteran Vintage Motorcycles was the 1926 Rudge 500 of Siddharth Darade, presented by Patrick Mark


Best in Class - Veteran Vintage Motorcycles was the 1926 AJS 799 V Twin of Sandeep Kapoor, presented by Giacomo Agostini


Second Runner-up - Pre-War Motorcycles was the 1930 Sunbeam Lion of Roozbeh Ardeshir, presented by David McKirdy


First Runner-up - Pre-War Motorcycles was the 1944 BSA M20 of Capt. A S Randhawa, presented by John Walsh


Best in Class – Pre-War Motorcycles was the 1939 Norton 16H of Norton Singh Sukhi, presented by Yasmin le Bon


Second Runner-Up - Post-War Motorcycles was the 1958 Velocette Venom of Reuben Solomon, presented by David McKirdy


First Runner-up - Post-War Motorcycles was the 1947 Ariel Square Four of Teja P, presented by Chip Connor


Best in Class – Post-War Motorcycles was the 1947 Indian Chief of Arjun Oberoi, presented by Giacomo Agostini


Best in Class – Indian Heritage went to the 1957 Hindustan Traveller of Viveck Goenka, presented by Peter Stevens


Best in Class – Pre-War Classic Rolls Royce was the 1936 Rolls-Royce 25/30HP of Manu Raman, presented by John Fasal


Best in Class – Pre-War Classic Rolls Royce Grand was the 1921 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost of Inder Krishnamma, presented by Sir Michael Kadoorie


Best in Class – Pre-War Classic European was the 1914 Wolseley 30/40HP of Shrivardhan Kanoria, presented by Lord March.


Second Runner-up - Pre-War Classic American was the 1915 Ford Model T of Siddhartha Khona, presented by Nicholas Coleridge


First Runner-up - Pre-War Classic American was the 1933 Cadillac V12 Series 370-C of Madan Mohan, presented by Simon Kidston


Best in Class – Pre-War Classic American was the 1936 Pierce Arrow 1602 of Diljeet Titus, presented by Sandra Button


The Mark Shand Adventurer Trophy went to the 1954 Studebaker Conestoga of Viveck Goenka


Best in Class – Roadster went to the 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL of Shandeep Reddy, presented by Jean Todt


Best in Class – Post-War Classic European was the 1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster of Shantanu Reddy, presented by Riccardo Patrese


Runner-up - Post War Classic American was the 1949 Buick Roadmaster of Nawab Shah Alam Khan, Mark Stewart


Best in Class – Post-War Classic American 1958 Edsel Villager of Viveck Goenka, presented by Gordon Murray



Cartier Resurrection Cup went to the 1948 Bristol 400 of Amit Sapre, Prince Azmet Jah, the Prince of Berar. More details on this outstanding journey will follow soon.


Best in Class - Américain Aérodynamique went to the 1936 Chrysler Imperial Aeroflow of Amal Tanna, presented by Lord March.


Best of Show – Motorcycles went to the 1947 Indian Chief of Arjun Oberoi, presented by Guillaume Alix


And finally, the coveted Best of Show went to the 1914 Wolseley 30/40 HP of Shrivardkhan Kanoria

[karlosdeville]

In conclusion, some sights and sounds.

It was heartening to see a strong FIVA presence at the event, and UNESCO recognition.





Some superb automotive-themed art on display by Vidita Singh Barwani







A replica of the Benz Patentwagen was on display, expertly manufactured by the team at Geedee (?) of the G D Naidu Institute, and everyone was taking joyrides. They also had a replica of the first Ford Quadricycle but I missed pictures.



Closeup of the bell hood ornament on the Hukumchand Daimler



The Pierce Arrow had an appropriate hood ornament as well.



Inspection sticker on one of the imports



I have to get one of these!



Detail on door handle of the Nizam's Rolls-Royce.



They come in all shapes and sizes - the Cadillac is pretty much double the size of this Triumph Roadster.



Always a treat to see the detail into which we go these days. Sample of the old door sill trim that was recreated and speedo face plate artwork.



The complete set of tools on the Rolls 20/25HP



Many participants create a detailed booklet documenting all the details of the restoration. The innovation on some of them is really creditable





Things like these make my day - a preserved original number plate, note the letters AP are repainted, when HYX series made way for APX probably.



Radiator hose pipe clips on the Wolseley - attention to detail and originality is incredible.



Always great to see bright red royal plates, and there were no shoratage of them. Some genuine, some not so, but nice all the same.



Alain De Cadenet interviewing the team responsible for the Bristol restoration





The perfect setting to end a power packed weekend with great cars, great minds and great friends. Until next time!