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As the collector car circuit in the country grows from strength to strength, and with more and more people wanting to be a part of this increasingly elite circle, an empty slot on the concours calendar in India was waiting to be filled. With much fanfare and excitement, the quickly familiar Oberoi Concours d'Elegance was announced to be held in February 2024.

https://www.theoberoiconcours.com/



This fabulous poster was released, by noted artist Tim Layzell. The featured car was none other than the Jodhpur Delahaye, with the stunning backdrop of the Udaivilas. The Holkar Bentley is seen in the background.



The event coincided with the Oberoi Hotel group's 90-year celebrations, which would be a perfectly suited partner for an event of this calibre. The venue selected for the inaugural event would be the stunning flagship property, the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur. A former hunting ground for the royal family, the hotel is rated amongst the best in the world, and with a quick stroll around the property and interactions with the most hospitable staff, one can immediately understand why.




The event is of course the brainchild of none other than Manvendra Singh Barwani, who needs no introduction. He has singlehandedly put India on the concours map, and is credited with constantly innovating year after year to keep the events relevant and viable.
This new concours though is thanks to the commitment and participation of Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman EIH Ltd. and a passionate car guy himself. He has competed in events locally and internationally in the past, and this no doubt makes all the difference.
A special mention has to be made for Chief Judge Sandra Button, the Chairperson of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, to support events in India over the last so many years. The suave Simon Kidston took over the duties of the convenor. The full impressive list of judges is available on the concours website.

Without further ado, here are the classes and participants. Car details, owner names and class descriptions and order are as appearing in the concours book, do forgive oversights if any. A special thanks to Makarand Baokar, Sanket Patel, Nathan Fernandez and Rohit Johnson for helping out with some fantastic shots.

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Class A
Motoring for the Masses: India.
High production low-cost cars sold in India from 1910 onwards.



A1: 1930 Ford Model A Phaeton, Abdul Hameed Ghani.
The owner tells me it is a transition model still showing some older features, and was acquired from the original owners, Mukundgarh.




A3: 1946 Hindustan 10 Saloon, The Household Department, Jodhpur Palace.
This delightful, rare car has been owned by the palace from new and has been freshly restored.




A4: 1948 Morris 8 Series E Saloon, Hormuz Asphandiar Dadachanji
My favourite, the Dadachanji family Morris has been with them over 50 years, travelling the length and breadth of the country. It remains in regular use even now.




To see the album with 50 years worth of images of the Morris made my day.


A5: 1956 Fiat 1100 103E Saloon, Karl Bhote
Amongst the earliest of the centre-light cars, this one was all original and in careful storage for decades, and she got ready just in time. No effort was spared by the Engineer Brothers on this one, and hopefully a restoration thread will follow in due course.




A6: 1983 Maruti 800 hatchback, Maruti Udyog Ltd / Cyrus Dhabhar
A most significant car, this Maruti is the very first car who's keys were handed over by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to first owner Harpal Singh in December 1983.


It remained with the family till the owner's demise, after which Maruti thankfully bought it back and restored it very well. Kudos to Maruti for acknowledging and investing in this significant car, and most importantly displaying it.



The car is chassis number 14, I'm told that 13 pre-production cars were built and this was the last (chassis number 13 never having been made )




A7: 2015 Tata Nano hatchback, Rustomjee Jeejeebhoy.
A surprising entry, there is no denying the significance of this modern day people's car.

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Class B
Dawn of the Jet Age - Cadillacs.
Finned Cadillac cars from 1949 to 1964 - the first and last year of the iconic fintails.



B1: 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette, Marespand Dadachanji.
This car takes advantage of the new import rules, and the car was brought over from the US and restored to a beautiful standard, finished in its original and very refreshing paint and upholstery combination.



B2: 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, HH Maharaja Manujendra Shah of Tehri-Garhwal.
This handsome car was also seen in the inaugural Cartier concours in Mumbai in 2008, and now dons new colours.



B3: 1952 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, Anirudh Kasliwal
BHPian Kasli has owned this car for decades, and it tours cross-country as well.



B4: 1956 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, Sudhir Kasliwal
This remarkably original and well-preserved car was acquired from the Bikaner royal family.



The car came with the most detailed history file which was a treat to go through, probably over 100 pages of correspondence.



B5: 1958 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, Diljeet Titus
Originally owned by the Belgian Ambassador to India in Delhi, this 1958 Caddy is the only one of its kind to have ever come to India and is superbly restored by the book. Don't miss the speedo caliberated in kms, special order for India.




B6: 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Sports Sedan, Irphan Mogul
A Cadillac fintail class would be incomplete without the iconic 1959 model's outrageous styling, I think 59 fins were the tallest, 42 inches or thereabouts. This car is freshly restored in gleaming black.



B7: 1960 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan Deville, N Vinod Reddy
This car was originally owned by the Oberoi group itself, and has just been comprehensively restored.



When in service the car ferried many VIP guests, including The Beatles when they visited India in 1966.



B8: 1964 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, Viveck and Zita Goenka
Another more recent import, this huge convertible has been fully restored prior to the event.

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Class C
Post War Sportscars
Sportscars from 1945 to 1975


C1: 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster, Rajiv Kehr.
This pretty car has led the most interesting life, from being bought new directly at the factory, raced in Italy, to relocating to Kenya and finally coming back. She was beautifully restored back to her original silver colour, including mechanicals by marque experts in England.



C2: 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster, Gautam Singhania.
This gorgeous car is part of the most enviable collection and looked stunning.



C3: 1959 Daimler SP250 Convertible, Avjit Singh Badnore
This unique fintailed V8 Daimler is one of a kind.



C4: 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster, H H the Maharao Sahib Kutch
The one car of its kind known to me in India, it has been in the same family ownership since new.




C5: 1960 Austin Healey Sprite Roadster, by Meet Badhalia
A new entry was this charming bug-eye Sprite, so named thanks to the unique position of the headlamps.




C6: 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible, Vikram Singh
This iconic car is significant in being a genuine convertible version.




C7: 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster, by Pratapsinh Gaekwad
Again in the same ownership for decades, this car is reguarly spotted in use in Mumbai



C8: 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster, Yohan Poonawalla
Called the most beautiful car in the world by Enzo Ferrari, this E-Type is a later model V12 automatic transmission version.

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Class D
Display
These cars prepresent part of Indian automotive history, from some mightly Pre-War cars to flamboyant sportscars. These also include some cars owned by the Oberoi family.



D1: 1924 Rolls-Royce 20hp Tourer, Shriji Arvind Singhji of Mewar
This Barker Tourer chassis #GLK21 was originally supplied to Jodhpur, before coming to Udaipur in 1936. The car was seen at Pebble Beach in 2012.




D2: 1929 Mercedes-Benz 630K Sports Tourer, Hemant Kumar Ruia
The huge and imposing supercharged Mercedes was originally owned by the Maharaja of Tikari, a keen racer, and has been freshly restored.




D3: 1933 Fiat Balilla Spider, Farida & Jimmy Tata.
A favourite of mine, this sporty little roadster was coachbuilt by Ghia as per factory records, predating the factory offered bodies on later cars. Would look right at home at the next Mille Miglia.



D4: 1935 Delahaye 135MS Roadster, Maharaj Duleep Singhji of Jodhpur.
The poster car that needs no introduction, the Jodhpur Delahaye just looks better and better everytime.



D5: 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet B, Late Pranlal Bhogilal Collection
Finally restored after over 40 years, and making her debut was this rare 540K originally owned by Jawhar State, chassis number 130908. Even dieselised at some point, this car was a highlight for me. Can't wait to see other special cars from the collection revitalised soon, kudos to the family for the renewed commitment to preserving this rich heritage and legacy.




D6: 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, HH Maharaja Himanshu Kumarsinhji of Gondal
In the family from new and probably raced from then too, this stunning 300SL is the only one of its kind in the country.




D7: 1973 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV Coupe, Arjun Oberoi
We saw this handsome coupe at the 2019 Cartier concours in Jaipur.



D8: 1967 Cadillac Deville Sedan, The Oberoi Family
Another Oberoi family car, freshly restored.



D9: 1965 Lincoln Continental Sedan, The Oberoi Family
One more family car freshly restored. I seem to remember a fleet of large black American cars with the family. Heartening to see some are retained and restored.



D10: 1935 Bentley 3 1/2 Litre Tourer, Dhanraj Gidwaney
This handsome Vanden Plas tourer bears chassis number B82DG, and originally owned by Holkar State (don't miss the Holkar art deco crest) before passing on to PRS Oberoi at one point.

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Class D contd
BMW
BMW being a sponsor had some interesting vehicles on display



D11: 1935 BMW 328 Roadster, BMW Group Classic
Specially brought down by BMW from Germany for the event, 2 similar cars survive in India that will hopefully be restored some day.




D12: 1955 BMW R50, Irphan Mogul
This brute of a motorcycle looked stunning.


D13: 1978 BMW R45, H.H. Maharawal Harshvardhan Singh of Dungarpur
Another marvel from BMW.


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Class E
Custom Classics & Prototypes
One-off custom cars, Hot Roads and prototypes.


E1: 1960 Buick Electra 225 Custom convertible , Gautam Singhania



E2: 1955 Chevrolet Nomad, Gautam Singhania



E3: 1930 Ford Model A Coupe , Gautam Singhania


E4: 1935 Cadillac V12 Fleetwood Roadster, Viveck and Zita Goenka
A most special car, this Cadillac Roadster was never actually built, and remained a concept offering in the Fleetwood catalogue.


A donor V12 car was sourced, and this very handsome roadster coachwork was carefully built from scratch to an exceedingly high standard based on original drawings. All the trim including the ornate front grille was hand made, a highlight car for the show indeed.




E5: 1960 Standard Herald Sedan Prototype, Diljeet Titus.
A very unassuming yet significant automobile made its presence felt here - this is an original 4 door prototype built by Standard Triumph in England for the Herald, which went into production only years later in India in 1968. Experimental chassis number X706 is thankfully saved and given the recognition it deserves. It is fitted from new with the larger 1200cc engine, sadly an option that didn't make it to India.




Michelotti's first rendering showed a more stylised rear end treatment. The second prototype survives in England.

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Class F
Post War American Classics
American made cars from 1945 to 1969

F1: 1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible , Nitin Dossa
I particularly liked the understated grey colour.



F2: 1948 Buick Super 8 Convertible, Vikram Laiker
A stunning restoration.




F3: 1948 Chrysler Windsor C-38 convertible, Yashvardhan Ruia
A more recent import and freshly completed, it is one just a handful in the country.




F4: 1958 Chevrolet Impala Sports Coupe, Harsh Pati Singhania
A favourite of mine, this car was recently discovered in totally original and unrestored condition, off-road since the 1970s.


After having been show in Preservation Class previously, she now gets the restoration she deserves. Triple carbs, air suspension, air-conditioning, the works - and all factory fitted. A baby Cadillac!



F6: 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Coupe , N Vinod Reddy
A new find, this car was acquired from the first owner in Mumbai in totally derelict condition and beautifully restored.




F7: 1967 Cadillac Coupe Deville , Ranjit Pratap
Another fresh restoration debuts, a desirable 2 door.

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Class G
Post War European Classics
European made cars from 1945 to 1969

G1: 1947 Bentley Mark VI Saloon, Hemant Periwal
A popular Standard Steel Saloon



G2: 1950 Austin A90 Atlantic convertible, Prem Raheja
A new find, and freshly restored with loads of assistance from marque experts and the Club, this car was originally registered KHV 8 in Kutch.




G4: 1958 Tatra 603 Saloon, Ram Reddy
My favourite of the lot, this space age Tatra was originally owned by the erstwhile Czechoslovakian trade commissioner, and in present ownership since the 1960s.

It was derelict almost beyond restoration, but the grit and determination of the owners and restorers ensured she would be completed and I couldn't be happier.


What a transformation!




G5: 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300D Limousine, Anirudh Kasliwal
Another new find, this rare Mercedes is right hand drive, automatic and with partition glass. Can't be too many more like it surviving, and has been freshly restored from very bad condition. Originally a Ghana diplomatic car in Delhi.




G6: 1966 Jaguar Mark 2 Saloon, Sandra and Rajju Shroff
An elegant British saloon in a very attractive colour

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Class H
Pre War American Classics
American made cars from 1910 to 1945


H1: 1920 Packard Twin-Six 3-35 Seven Passenger Limousine, Amal Tanna
This stately Limousine was believed to have originally belonged to the Governor of Pondicherry



H2: 1930 Cord L29 Cabriolet, Gautam Singhania
By far the most stunning car in the lineup, this bright red Cord is the only one of its kind in the country and was an outstanding restoration, truly a milestone car



H3: 1931 Cadillac V16 Series 452 Roadster, Ranjit Mallik
A roadster bodied flagship Cadillac, a technological marvel




H4: 1931 Ford Model A Roadster, Vikram Singh
A smart and desirable version of the popular Ford Model A, this one presented very pretty



H5: 1937 Ford V8 Phaeton, Ravi Avalur
The underdog and a car I personally love, this 1937 Ford has been in the same family from new, originally delivered to Ravi's grandmother's grandmother!




The car still retains her comprehensive history file - this includes all the invoices and manuals (right hand specific!), spare key, original tools and even spark plugs. Painstakingly restored many years back, this Ford remains very regularly used the way she should be.




H7: 1939 Cadillac Series 61 Convertible Coupe, Fateh Collection
A very handsome and sporty bodystyle




H8: 1941 Buick Super Convertible Coupe, Dinesh Lal
Another special car, this Buick was originally delivered to Balrampur State, but the present owner has had it for over 30 years. He and his wife have enjoyed driving the car across the length and breadth of the country, she is no trailor queen.

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Class J
Classici Italiani - Pre War
Cars made in Italy from 1910 to 1945


J1: 1922 Ansaldo Tipo F Tourer, Monisha Dossa Bhatia
This rare and obscure car is the only representative of the marque, and was often campaigned by the owner in events in the 1950s and 60s, before falling into disrepair. A commendable restoration with no resources to fall back on.




J2: 1927 Lancia Lambda Torpedo, Dharmaditya Patnaik
A most stylish and well turned out sport tourer, this Lancia is a 7th Series model.




J3: 1927 Lancia Lambda Berlina, Tilak Thomas
My personal congratulations to the team that resurrected this rare Weymann bodied Lancia - in single ownership till recently, the car had totally collapsed in harsh climate and disintegrated.


The transformation is incredible, and a significant car saved.




J4: 1930 Lancia Di Lambda Dual Cowl Torpedo, Hemant Kumar Ruia
Another very desirable car, this 8-cylinder Lancia wears dual cowl coachwork by Viotti, and a similar car was with the Maharajas of Mysore and Jetpur.




J5: 1932 Lancia Astura Series-II Cabriolet, Madan Mohan
Outstandingly turned out, this rare Astura was Pinninfarina bodied.

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Class K
Progettato in Italia - Post War
Cars made or designed by Italian coachbuilders from 1945 to 1969


K1: 1955 Imperial Crown Imperial Limousine, Viveck and Zita Goenka
A low production Ghia deesigned car, just 45 of these C70 models were built, and only 10 are known to survive. Presented in outstanding condition, the chrome perhaps even better than new. Even the upholstery material was specially made as per original.



K2: 1962 Fiat 1500 Spider, Ranjit Pratap
A once popular car in India, just a handful survive.




K3: 1967 Lancia Flaminia GT 3C 2.8 convertible, Rajiv Rai
Another car that is finally restored after decades, and I couldn't be happier




K4: 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider Junior 1300 Roadster, Reyaz Mama
Seen in an event after many years, this handsome Spider has been in long term ownership




K5: 1969 Alfa Romeo 1975 GTV Coupe, Ishtiyaq Nagree
Another long term ownership car, this Alfa is freshly restored and was once featured in the movie 'Qurbaani'



K6: 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible, Viveck and Zita Goenka
A rare convertible semi automatic version, finished in a bright orange bringing smiles to everyones faces.




K7: 1973 Peugeot 304S Cabriolet, Jigar Parmar
A handsome Pininfarina design that is yet typically French

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Class L
Pre War European Classics
European made cars from 1910 to 1945

L2: 1926 Bugatti Type 23 Brescia Tourer, Sudhir Choudrie
A treat to see this special car out, chassis 2883 was originally delivered to Jodhpur




L3: 1927 Hispano Suiza H6B Dual Cowl Torpedo Tourer, Sudhir Choudhrie
Another car I was excited to see, this rare Hispano was originally from Nanpara




L4: 1930 Austin Seven Ulster Sports, Sharad Sanghi Collection
Freshly restored, this car was originally given by Holkar to famed cricketer J N Bhaya



L6: 1936 Bentley 4 1/4 Tourer, Harsh Pati Singhania
First owned in India by the ruler of Nilgiri, this rare Bentley B185HM is the ultimate specification being a genuine Vanden Plas 4 1/4 litre model, and in excellent order.





L7: 1936 AC 16/70hp Drophead Coupe, Krishan Mohan
Another superly turned out rare car




L8: 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30hp Allweather Tourer, Dhanraj Gidwaney
An old favourite, chassis GRO48 was originally delivered to Darbhanga with this elegant Gurney Nutting coachwork.




The same car was featured in Rolls-Royce advertising of the era.


L9: 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe, Keith Bowley and Nishant Dossa
Another stunning new import, this elegant and royal looking Lagonda V12 was impeccably turned out, and it was heartening to see how young the team that worked hard on it was.




L10: 1939 Daimler 2 1/2 litre Dolphin Tourer, Hormusji Cama
Originally owned by HE The Aga Khan before moving to Jodhpur, this elegant and rare Daimler looked fantastic and more importantly runs just as well.




L11: 1939 MG TA Tickford Drophead Coupe, Shankar Sundaram
Out after decades, this rare Tickford bodied car is one of one in the country.

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Class M
Cars of the Maharajas - Mysore
Celebrating the cars of the Maharaja of Mysore


M1: 1925 Hispano Suiza Transformable Limousine, Geedee Car Museum
A rare imposing car from the Palace fleet with Saoutchik coachwork, we can see a period image of it here (Hispano Suiza's in India)




M2: 1946 Daimler DE27 Limousine, Suleiman Jamal
One of a fleet of Mysore Daimlers, this Limousine has been in the same eviable collection for decades, and it was lovely to see Mr. Jamal's whole family come along to cheer.



M3: 1947 Daimler DB18 Saloon, Subbaiah Kuppanda
Our own KPS was flying the flag high (pictured here with the present Maharaja of Mysore), the fascinating story of its history and importantly its present can be seen here (Daimler Tales - 1947 Daimler DB18 Luxury Saloon) - just after the trip KPS drove the Daimler 1000kms across Rajasthan and MP. Great going!




M4: 1949 Bentley Mark VI Saloon, Yohan Poonawalla
This totally custom built car number B294EY is a Hooper Saloon to design 8111, and has been faithfully restored to showroom condition.




M5: 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Drophead Coupe, Yohan Poonawalla
Another very special Mysore car is this highly equipped and very elegant James Young cabriolet WCB40, again a fantastic and authentic restoration.

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Class Z
Pre War Classics - Rolls-Royce Limousines
Formal Rolls-Royce cars from 1910 to 1945


Z1: 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Limousine, Sharad Sanghi Collection
Chassis 43EF began life as a Hooper Tourer, then gaining a very handsome Thrupp & Maberly Sports body, before finally getting the present Barker Limousine body from the Phantom III 3AZ178 - all during Darbhanga ownership



Z2: 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Huntington Limousine, Shrivardhan Kanoria
Chassis S457MR was originally owned by a Mrs. Louise Whitfield Carnegie in the United States, and features Brewster coachwork.




Z3: 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Limousine, Harsh Pati Singhania
Chassis 74GY was a Paris Salon car on the Windovers stall for 1930, and then delivered to Patiala.



It was even dressed up as the armoured car in Attenborough's Gandhi.


Z4: 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca DeVille, Gautam Singhania
Chassis 4JS is a pretty Thrupp & Maberly bodied car originally delivered to Sir Ronald Gunter, privateer ‘Bentley Boy’ and Lagonda works driver at Le Mans in 1934.



Z5: 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Landaulette, Rajesh Somasundaram
Chassis 3AZ78 is a handsome Barker Landaulette, a more recent import.




Z6: 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Limousine, Asheesh Jain
Chassis 3BU106 is a bespoke Kellner bodied car for Baroda, with many special features and recently restored.




Z7: 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Limousine, Rupal Rai
Chassis 3CP42 is a formal Hooper Limousine that has been more recently imported and superbly restored.



Z8: 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith Limousine, Nitin Dossa
Chassis WLB25 is an elegant Park Ward Limousine originally from Chettinad, and a beautiful original low milage car.

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Motorcycle Classes

Class MV
Veteran Vintage
Early motorcycles up to and including 1930.


MV1: 1912 Indian Light Twin, Subodh Nath


MV2: 1916 Emblem V Twin, Sandeep Kapoor


MV3: 1917 Triumph Model H, Nitin Dossa


MV4: 1917 Triumph Model H, Rishi Kapoor


MV5: 1920 Harley Davidson Model FE, Gautam Vijay Bora


MV6: 1925 New Hudson TT Sports, Madan Mohan