Oberoi Concours d’Elegance debuts in India to honor country’s royal automotive heritage

February 15, 2024

The Oberoi Concours d'Elegance will host vintage and classic cars and motorcycles from the garages of India's maharajas and private collectors, showcased Feb. 16-18 at the Oberoi Udaivilas resort in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Image: Oberoi Hotels

By Mickey Alam Khan

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s leading hospitality groups, will tap the enthusiasm around vintage and classic cars and motorcycles with the debut of the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance.

Hosted Feb. 16-18 at The Oberoi Udaivilãs resort in Udaipur, Rajasthan, the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance will showcase a curated selection of vintage and classic automobiles and motorcycles from India and abroad. Many vehicles will be sourced from the garages of India’s maharajas, who were famed collectors of prestigious auto marques from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

"I am honored to curate The Oberoi Concours d'Elegance, an exclusive showcase of automotive history and design,” said Maharaja Manvendra Singh of Barwani, in a statement.

“The show will take the heritage of automobile culture and the history of India to an international level, showcasing the finest vintage and classic automobiles and motorcycles,” he said.

“Moreover, with Indian restoration work on par with international standards, we can compete with international entries on our home stage."

MG 2706 Photo by Makarand

Driven to preserve
Over the years, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts supported the preservation of Indian heritage and hosting prestigious classic and vintage car rallies around its properties.

This year, for the first time, the Oberoi Concours d'Elegance will roll out, set against the majestic backdrop of Lake Pichola and traditional domed architecture of the Oberoi Udaivilãs resort.

Owned by Indian royalty and private collectors, the exhibiting vehicles in the concours will be a unique opportunity to view some of the rarest and most historically significant automobiles restored and preserved over many generations.

MMB 6664. Photo by Makarand

A panel of classic car buffs from across the globe will judge cars and motorcycles in different classifications. Sandra Button, chairperson of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, will serve as chief judge.

Distinguished judges, including multiple world champions Giacomo Agostini and Jacky Ickx, will oversee the competition, ensuring that only the finest vehicles receive recognition. The event will be convened by noted automotive authority Simon Kidston.

"India's automotive history has captivated me for over 15 years,” said Sandra Button, chief judge at the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance, in a statement.

“The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance is more than a celebration,” she said. “It's a gathering of the world’s automotive elite, uniting leaders, collectors, racers and journalists.

“As chief judge, I'm honored to recognize the exceptional individuals behind these remarkable cars. In an era of automotive transformation, preserving and celebrating legacies becomes paramount.”

The Oberoi Concours d’ Elegance will also unveil an exclusive poster created by renowned automobile artist Tim Layzell.

1939 Delahaye MS. Photo by Makarand

Model turn
The event will showcase a diverse range of classes, marking India's motoring history and the opulent era of maharajas and nawabs. From "Motoring for the Masses – India" to "Cars of the Maharajas – Mysore," each class tells a unique story of automotive heritage.

Highlighting the event are extraordinary vehicles, including 1925 Hispano Suiza H6B Transformable Limousine made for the Maharaja of Mysore, with bespoke coachwork by renowned French firm Carrosserie J. Saoutchik. It is a Transformable Limousine, with the roof opening in sections to make it a cabriolet-limousine and a full open tourer.

Other notable entries include the 1939 Daimler 2 ½ litre 'Dolphin' Tourer, originally owned by the Aga Khan and later by the Jodhpur royal family. The 'After Thought' - 1930 Ford Model A Coupe, a SEMA 2017 Mother Shrine award winner, and a powerful 1916 Emblem 680cc V Twin motorcycle are other vehicles on display.

Adding regal flair, the event will feature cars from various royal garages, including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Gondal, Tehri-Garhwal and Baroda.

Automakers will also lend their vehicles.

The BMW 328

For example, BMW will showcase the iconic BMW 328, the most successful sports car of the 1930s on the racing scene.

Paying homage to the late Oberoi chairman, P.R.S. Oberoi, the showcase will also present a selection of Oberoi family cars, serving as a tribute to his legacy.

Moët Hennessy India will support the event as the official celebration partner, crafting extravagant experiences with its Champagnes, wines and spirits.

Another sponsor, Stefano Ricci, will feature a pop-up to showcase its exclusive sartorial line.

"Oberoi Hotels & Resorts are delighted to host and promote the celebration of beauty, innovation, and craftsmanship that has defined a century of the most exceptional automobiles of the world,” said Arjun Oberoi, executive chairman of The Oberoi Group, Delhi, in a statement.

“Our automotive legacy is amongst the most significant and historically important,” he said. “With The Oberoi Concours d'Elegance, we look forward to placing India on the world's Concours stage and showcasing the very best of automotive heritage and excellence”.

The Oberoi Concours d'Elegance. Image: Oberoi Hotels

Automobile classes

Motoring for the Masses - India High production, low-cost cars sold in India from 1910 onwards

Dawn of the Jet Age - Cadillacs Finned Cadillac cars from 1949 to 1964

Post War Sports cars Sportscars from 1945 to 1975

Display: These cars represent part of Indian automotive history, from some mighty Pre-War cars to flamboyant sports cars. These also include some cars owned by the Oberoi family

Custom Classics and Prototypes One-off custom cars, Hot Rods and prototypes

Post-War American Classics American-made open cars from 1945 to 1969

Post-War European Classics European-made cars from 1945 to 1969

Pre-War American Classics American-made open cars from 1910 to 1945

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

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

Pre-War European Classics European made cars from 1910 to 1945

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

Pre-War Classics - Rolls Royce limousines, formal Rolls-Royce cars from 1910 to 1945

Motorcycle classes

Veteran – Vintage

Early motorcycles up to and including 1930

Pre-War Motorcycles from 1931 up to and including 1945

Post-War Motorcycles from 1946 up to and including 1969

Defining Legends of the Modern Age – Trendsetting and significant motorcycles from 1970 through 1985

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Oberoi Concours d’Elegance debuts in India to honor country’s royal automotive heritage

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