[KPS]

Originally Posted by travancore

Attachment 1983324

“Doing a Mysore”

I wonder what extra-terrestrial power would entice someone to “Do a Mysore” almost twice over in two years. Or perhaps, it was the impending end to a princely lifestyle, brought on by a new-fangled democracy. Either way, war weary Britain was only too happy to oblige, with all the foreign exchange it brought............

Anyways, just wanted to put all thirteen Mysores together. I was getting confused. "E&OE"

More pictures of WTA60 1947 Silver Wraith H J Mulliner Sedanca de Ville, one amongst the famous "Doing a Mysore'! lot.


















Cheers

KPS

[KPS]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Unsure if this was posted earlier as well. What is the car in the foreground? The car behind I assume is a Silver Ghost - over to the experts to identify which one.

Originally Posted by travancore

The car in front is PERHAPS this electric car

I have accessed some notes on the Mysore Palace cars.

Here are the details on the electric car, which has been a mystery for all of us.

In 1916, purchased 3 seater Electric Car by Anderson Electric Car Co., Detroit, MI, USA - Detroit Elec. Car, Cabriolet, Model 56, Catalog Price $ 2075 (INR 6417)

Electric car details - Body Colour - Green - Dark Grey. Wire wheels in yellow, body striped in gold. If the yellow wheels don't appeal to HH, they can be repainted to green. Upholstery - No. 83 cloth. Court of Arms - applied in door panels - size 3 1/2" to 4 "

Car shipped on S.S.'City of Naples", reached Madras on 15th August 1917

Cheers

KPS

[KPS]

I have the fortune to become the custodian of the Notes on the Mysore Cars, done by K S Raman. You are aware that the family of K S Raman had the Ex-Mysore Daimler DB18 for almost 60 years, before I bought the car. His fascination of the history of the Mysore cars led to his multiple visits, with and without the Daimler, in the pursuit of Palace records.

I will start sharing these fascinating Notes, as I read and understand the significance of the same. We will start right from the very beginning, with the reign of HH Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV.

Shortly after the death of his father Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X on 28 December 1894, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, still a boy of eleven, ascended the throne on 1 February 1895. His mother Maharani Kemparajammanni ruled as regent until Krishnaraja Wodeyar took over on 8 February 1902. Krishna IV was invested as the Maharaja of Mysore, with full ruling powers, by Viceroy Lord Curzon on 8 August 1902 at a ceremony at Jaganmohana Palace.

Krishnaraja Wodeyar set up educational infrastructure.The king was an accomplished musician, and like his predecessors, patronised fine arts. For these reasons, his reign is often described as the 'Golden age of Mysore'.
Source

We start from the very beginning after HH Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV was invested as the Maharaja of Mysore, with full ruling powers, on 8 August 1902

Period - 1868 to 1918

First motor car that came to Mysore in 1903. Purchased by HH in Delhi in 1902 from Messrs. Turner Hoare & Co - a single cylinder Peugeot, 2 seater car. Shortly afterwards, it was returned to Turner Hoare & Co and a four seater De Dion car was got, with a driver by name of Mr. Moriens.

Subsequently a large motor wagonette by Denis , was imported from England through Mr. Charrington.

Later on a French car Panhardwas got from Bombay. Then 2 FIAT cars.

These were kept in the Palace Stables, the Palace electrician and Mechanic being told to look after them.

From 1st April, 1908 the motor section of the engine house was constituted as a distinct department known as the Garage.

Old Palace buildings in the Nazarbad Main Road have been considerably improved and converted to Motor Garage. This department has a workshop including machinery and arrangements for smithy, foundry, carpentry, painting, upholstery, leather work, charging of batteries and vulcanising of types and tubes, also a stores branch, a stalling branch and chauffeurs dressing rooms.

Besides 1 Govt. car and 2 others, a total of 43 cars (42 petrol and 1 electric) are in the Garage

We are all aware the the electric car is the 3 seater Electric Car by Anderson Electric Car Co., Cabriolet, Model 56, purchased in 1916

This is fascinating motoring history being unraveled. I will share more as I read and understand its significance.

Cheers

KPS

[travancore]

Originally Posted by KPS

In 1916, purchased 3 seater Electric Car by Anderson Electric Car Co., Detroit, MI, USA - Detroit Elec. Car, Cabriolet, Model 56, Catalog Price $ 2075 (INR 6417)

KPS

This is probably the inspiration for the lion head on the electric car.

[KPS]

Rolls Royce Historian and Author, Mr. John Fazal shared with me these previously unseen Mysore Daimler cars

Picture taken in 1927 of what appears to be a magnificent Daimler. The car is sporting a previously unseen mascot. The driver is quite tall.
Must have been an impressive car - MYSORE 16


I always wondered on the DE27's at Mysore. We are aware of the two survivors in South India. These are probably the missing two cars, which have not survived. John Fazal writes that these pictures were taken on the 5th September 1967 at the Bharatpur House, New Delhi.

DE27


DE27


Both these DE27's were probably of Mysore, considering the close connect between the families.

Cheers

KPS

[travancore]

Originally Posted by KPS

The car is sporting a previously unseen mascot.

As seen on Silver Ghost 21PP during Viceroy Irwin's visit. Surprised to see the "Crown" in a not too conspicuous position!

The Daimler sports a unique hood ornament too! Looks like an icon of the Maharaja himself.

[KPS]

This 1920 Silver Ghost 63CW was purchased second hand by Mysore Maharaja



The Palace Admin Reports (PAR) details the car as below

* Second hand RR touring car, Model Silver Ghost, engine no. 63CW bearing number M.C. 6613 purchased from Sir William Beardsell of Messrs. Beardsell & Co. Ltd. in January 1934, for Rs. 3000/-. The car was allotted a new Mysore Palace No. 59.

Interestingly Driver for Car No. 59 & 16 are the same, Man Singh. Thanks to Travancore for pointing this out.


The Daimler 16 had been recently posted thanks to John Fazal. Man Singh seems to be a giant of a man!


Cheers

KPS

[KPS]

Mysore Notes

Chassis #21PP, 1919 Silver Ghost, Barker Cabriolet for the Maharaja of Mysore



Palace Records - File No. 35 - 1921- Rolls Royce Cars

1/06/1920 Total cost Rs. 25200/- Chassis #21PP

Nickel finish, steering column in “C” position, including standard set of tyres, Dunlop detachable wire wheels & one spare wheel, electric starter, Klaxon Horn, Lucas Dynamo, Kit of tools & spares.

Barker enclosed cabriolet body, ash framing, with mahogany and aluminium, panels including spinner ventilators.

Painted dark blue, picked out in deep red & upholstered in blue leather to front seats & blue cloth to main, cobra horn, cast aluminium No. Plates - Barker emblazoned a Mysore Court of Arms on the car ( cost for this £18-18).

Special wrought iron spare wheel carrier and tray to back of body with supporting stays from Chassis painted to match car made by Barker, on 21PP

This car was the 4th Rolls Royce Silver Ghost after # 1680, # 1683 & 57YB

Aptly this car sports "MYSORE - 4", as seen in this picture taken in Ooty, with the Viscount Goschen (Governor of Madras)




Cheers

KPS

[KPS]

Mysore Notes

Chassis # 57YB, 1914 Silver Ghost, Thrupp & Maberly Limousine for Maharaja of Mysore

Details of Rolls Royce Pullman Limousine from Rolls Royce Order Form

Form of body - Special design of enclosed limousine by Thrupp & Maberly as per drawing and specifications. Seating accommodation : seven, two on front seat, 2 on folding and 3 on rear seat

Colour of Body and Wheels - No. 163 Dockers Cardinal Red ( Mercedes)
Upholstery- front seat red side to match the car, extra and rear seats in cloth of choice.

Tyres - Dunlop grooved 935 x 135 to all four wheels.

Extras : Autovox mechanical horn, electric lights to interior (ornamental), spinner ventilation to scuttle dash, polished mahogany instrumental panel board, sheet of asbestos, also cocoa fibre mat to front footboards. Small windows in celestory roof to be of well frosted glass( to keep out sun rays) and also made to open for ventilation. 3 fibre mats with red borders in nickel frames on the step boards, domed mudguards of steel, windows to be provided at east side of drivers seat to make the body fully enclosed. Fixed partition ( with glass windows) made to drop between front and rear of body. Silk blinds to all windows, cobra Horn with flexible tubing ( nickel plated), folding glass windscreen in two halves.

Initial order mentioned ordinary limousine, but making the front part enclosed on either side makes it an enclosed drive Limousine, for which Thrupp & Maberly made the following modifications- V front windscreen to reduce size of front door & so make the body more proportionate.

Amended Specs from Thrupp & Maberly

Constructed of best seasoned ash - kept as light as possible, hammered aluminium and steel panels - door fitted with slam locks, with double acting striking plates and private locks.

Seating accommodation to seat 7 persons- 2 on front seat, 2 on small folding seats with raised backs or to face forward & three on hind seat

A special domed roof of hammered aluminium, back of roof & top quarter panels on one plane, top of roof to be of celestory type - viz built up & sides fitted with windows, interior of roof to be lined & veneered with polished mahogany panel fitted with patent silencers- upholstered in best cloth & laces of choice, cushions & squats stuffed with best horse hair

Over springs, frames, lower part of body covered in the best carpet - cricket seats well padded - top quarter of interior covered in cloth, steps ash framed, supported with RR step irons and covered with aluminium with metal surrounds.

Mudguards of lead coated steel of the domed type, fitted with inside shields and valances to back and front, supported with strong forged iron stays bolted through valances and not through top of wing- metal enclosures between body and steps.

Front seat to be enclosed & side door fitted, windows to fall - hammered aluminium scuttle dash. Canopy over drivers seat to be domed and built up as hind part inside polished wood. Windscreen of the Beatonson type, lower half a fixture, top half to hinge out at any angle - well in step and tyre carriers.

A folding luggage grid at back fitted with guard to protect the back panel

Palace Reports Ref. No. 3 - 1914 Purchase of Rolls Royce Car Vol IV (40/50 HP Pullman Limousine)

(Sl #11) In response to a query from Rolls Royce regarding colours for the Court of Arms, in reply states no particular colours are used & Messrs. Thrupp & Maberly may use such colours as they think would suit best.

Rolls Royce 40/50 Thrupp & Maberly Pullman Limousine - List of Parts Supplied

2 electric headlights, 2 electric side lights, 1 electric taillight, 6 electric lights with bulbs, 1 Stepney wheel complete with cover, 1 set accumulators containing 6 cells, 1 Edison Battery, 1 speedometer, 1 watch, 1 box containing CAV spare blubs (6), 1 Cobra horn, 1 Autovox horn, 1 foot pump complete with gauge, 1 repair outfit box complete, 5 tyre levers, 2 syringes, 1 copper oil feeder, 1 copper funnel, 6 Bosch spark plugs, 1 mallet, 1 small tin funnel, 1 magneto spanner, 1 valve setting gauge, 2 platinum screws, 2 platinum trembles, 1 box containing spare nuts, washers etc, 1 hub spanner, 6 valve springs, 1 inlet valve complete, 1 Jack, 1 iron tube (14” length), 1 wooden petrol gauge, 2 leather straps, 2 no.s holders, 1 leather took bag containing 1 hammer, 6 box spanners, 1 tyre lever handle, I iron tube nut, 5 double headed coil spanners, 2 chisels, 1 pin pinch (?), 1 screw driver, 1 cutting plyer, 2 flat files, 1 valve lifter, 3 hook spanners, 1 petrol tank opener, 1 valve cover opener, 1 ring spanner, 1 key, 1 big screw spanner, 1 small girder spanner, 1 file handle, 3 small coir foot rugs with frames, 1 big coir rug, 1 Bosch magneto book, 1 CAV book, 1 Rolls Royce Instruction book, 2 foot rugs.

This car was dispatched by Wilson Boat “SS Tycho” in 1914 - arrived on 4th or 5th January 1915.

Very different body style as seen in the picture and described above


As seen on the Mysore Roads


Aptly having Palace Plate "MYSORE - 3" after the two Silver Ghosts # 1680 & # 1683 which were MYSORE 1 & 2 respectively


This was in the early 1950's, where under Maharaja Jayachamaraja they stopped the MYSORE Plates and just had the Gandaberunda with number


We do not believe that this car has survived.

Cheers

KPS

[KPS]

Mysore Notes

Chassis # 1680, 1911 Silver Ghost, Barker bodied Roi-des-Belges for Maharaja of Mysore
Chassis # 1683, 1911 Silver Ghost, Pullman Limousine by H.J.Mulliner for Maharaja of Mysore


Palace Reports Ref. No. 3/A 1912-13 Purchase of RR Cars Vol I

2 cars ordered. 40/50 HP with Roi Des Belges body and a Pullman Limousine. Car # 1680 & 1683

Water proof covers for lamps of Pullman car. Both the cars were ordered for use during 1911 Delhi Durbar.

Coir rugs ( white with green border) ordered for both the RR Cars for the front and rear foot boards. Pattern of rugs used in the cars was also given.

Palace Reports Ref. 3/A 1911-12-13 Purchase of Rolls Royce Cars

40/50 HP Chassis No. 1680, nickel finish & including std set of tyres, kit of tools & spares fitted with a Roi des Belges body by Barker, painted dark green with white lines, upholstered in green Morocco together with side & tail lamps, Lucas horn and flex, tyre inflator & repair outfit, lifting jack and petrol funnel ( £1155)

Steel studded rear wheels, padlocks and clamps to bonnet, set of tripod type brackets to carry spare tyres, one pair nickel Lucas headlights, extra set 8 volt 60 amp accumulators, folding luggage carrier with stiff joints, Elliott Speed Indicator with Clock & aneroid barometer, aluminium heads to side footboard,

Beatonson’ patent windscreen, cape cart hood with side and centre curtains, low side doors to front footboard, ‘Buck’ toolbox on .... painted to car colours, electric steering column lamp, ‘Wagner’ electric horn, ‘Cobra’ horn, cocoa fibre mats to front & back foot boards, three small cocoa fibre mats on side steps with straps, Aluminium semi-dome shaped wings, special ventilators fitted to dash board, electric side lamps, emblazoning Court of Arms on side door panels, 2 water proof cases for spare tyres, 1 cloth rug, 1 set waterproof covers for lamps, 1 large water proof cover for whole of car, 1 voltmeter, 1 Michelin tyre fork, 2 18” tyre levers, 2 sponges, 1 spoke brush, 1 leather

Chassis # 1680, 1911 Silver Ghost, Barker bodied Roi-des-Belges


Chassis # 1683, 1911 Silver Ghost, Pullman Limousine by H.J.Mulliner



This picture which appeared in 1935 RREC Bulletin, shows the Mysore Garage. The cars marked by the red arrows is # 1683 (left) & # 1680 (right). Travancore, rightly points out that in # 1680 the scuttle lamps have been moved to the wings.



Cars registered in 1912
1) Dark Green Rolls Royce Regn No. 1526
2) Dark Green Rolls Royce Regn No. 1527

From The Autocar, 1937 which details the respective chauffeurs, it is clear that
# 1680 was MYSORE -1, with Mohamed Peer V as the chauffeur
# 1683 was MYSORE -2, with Syed Budan as the chauffeur


Not much is known on # 1680 and it is believed to be lost.

# 1683 survives, albeit in a different body style and will be detailed in the next post.

Cheers

KPS

[travancore]

Originally Posted by KPS

Not much is known on # 1680 and it is believed to be lost.

# 1683 survives, albeit in a different body style and will be detailed in the next post.

KPS

Lovely post KPS. I believe the engine from 1680 went into 1683.
So 1680 was presumably scrapped.

[KPS]

Originally Posted by travancore

Lovely post KPS. I believe the engine from 1680 went into 1683. So 1680 was presumably scrapped.

Thank you for the update travancore. I did subsequently read in the Bonham's description - " ENGINE NO. 91K (EX-CHASSIS 1680)"

More details on Chassis # 1683, 1911 Silver Ghost, Pullman Limousine by H.J.Mulliner, later re-bodied by Barker as Ceremonial Victoria Touring

Picture from the Palace walls of the car


These are screen shots of the car from a video taken in the mid 50's. The car is sporting its original colour


The Gandaberunda is both on the front and back


The senior driver taking over


The rear side is seen showing the roof irons

The car returned to the UK in the early 1960s, becoming the property of Victor Barclay, son of Jack Barclay founder of the famous sales agency for Rolls-Royce. Mr. Barclay would offer the car for sale at the first collector's car auction of motorcars held by Sotheby's in November 1965. The buyer on the day was James Leake the famed collector from Oklahoma, the sum paid being more than five figures, something of a record price for its day. A little over a decade later, Mr. Leake returned the car to the UK for the celebration of the Queen's Jubilee at Windsor in 1977.

Source

London 1965, the car is auctioned for GBP 9,800


The proud owner James Leake from USA


All packed for it's journey to USA, 1965

'Jimmy' Leake would keep the car for more than 20 years passing it on to Tom Barrett of (Barrett-Jackson fame) in 1987, from Barrett it was sold to 'Ghost collector Raymond Lutgert, in 1993 before passing briefly to Silver Ghost aficionado Millard Newman of Tampa, Florida. Newman sold the car to another noted collector, Richard Solove, later that same year.

The car was auction in 2011, Bonhams Auction. More pictures are detailed in the Bonhams Site.

Source

Additional details of the previous auctions

In 2007 it was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca where it was estimated to sell for $800,000-$1,200,000 and offered without reserve. Those estimates proved very accurate as the lot was sold for $990,000 including buyer's premium.
Source

The car was last seen displayed at the St. Regis Hotel, Doha, Qatar.


Cheers

KPS

[r_nairtvm]

Originally Posted by KPS

The car was last seen displayed at the St. Regis Hotel, Doha, Qatar.

It was there until 2016 November. I had posted a picture of it somewhere in TBHP, can't recollect in which thread

Best Regards & Drive Safe

[KPS]

After detailing the 4 new Silver Ghosts purchased new and 1 second hand, I thought it would be good that the other 2 Rolls Royce bought by Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV be detailed.

1925-26 was the last of the Rolls Royce's purchased new.

Chassis #4RC, 1925 New Phantom, Open Two Seater by Barker being the first body

SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR USE DURING THE CERIMONIAL PROCESSIONS IN MYSORE : 1 40-50HP NEW PHANTOM ROLLS ROYCE SUPPLIED TO THE ORDER OF H.M. THE MAHARAJAH OF MYSORE.
The car shown above, new Phantom 40-50 HP Rolls Royce short wheel base chassis, with Barker built coupe body has just been completed for the Maharajah of Mysore. It will be used in connection with the ceremonial processions in Mysore during the religious festivals and the wind-screen has been specially designed so that it can be removed in order that his Highness may be seen by the crowds of pilgrims. The steering wheel and control knobs are in ivory whiteand the body is upholstered in grained green leather.

The 2nd body by Hooper is seen on #4RC. There is no much information on when the car was re-bodied or from which car this body came.


This car was restored more the 2-3 decades back


The car as it exists currently. She remains in Karnataka.





#110YC 1926 New Phantom Hooper Cabriolet de Ville , this car was Parsons Mall Green with Peacock Blue Wings.


I was fortunate to get these screen shots off a video taken in the 1950's. Unfortunately, this beautiful car has not survived











It quite amazing that after 1926, the next Rolls Royce purchased(63CW) was second hand in 1934 . No further Rolls Royce was purchased by the Mysore Palace under Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV, till his death in 1940. But he leaves the legacy of 5 Rolls Royce Silver Ghosts and 2 Rolls Royce New Phantom.

Cheers

KPS

[KPS]

Edward, The Prince of Wales, Tour of India in 1922, shows the elusive MYSORE-1, 1911 Silver Ghost, # 1680.

Chassis # 1680, 1911 Silver Ghost, Barker bodied Roi-des-Belges, is seen. So clearly the car was doing well in 1922. Seen in the video, as the Prince is dropped for a Tiger shoot.


This is the first time, I have been able to get a screen shot of this elusive car! The engine of this car eventually went to SG # 1683


Chassis #21PP, 1919 Silver Ghost, Barker Cabriolet, seen on the way to Srirangapatna

Source

Cheers

KPS