Driving into History

Luxury cars and royalty have a long-time association. Cartier brings back classic cars owned by Indian royalty at the ‘Travel with Style’ Concours

A glimpse into India’s regal past reveals a lot—an opulent way of life, legendary hospitality and of course, luxury automobiles. For those who are fascinated by Indian royalty and nurse a passion for luxury automobiles, the international ‘Travel with Style’ Concours hosted by Cartier is a must-visit exhibition.

To be held over the weekend of October 31 to November 2, 2008 at the Royal Western India Turf Club in Mumbai, the show will bring together car-lovers and collectors alike. The contest will have 64 of the most elegant cars competing for top honours.

Royal Whims and Automobile Fancies
In the time of the Raj, India’s ruling families were well-known for their love of cars and purchased them in large numbers. These vehicles were much more than a mode of transportation—they were a status symbol and the expression of a love of luxury. More often than not, these cars were custom made, being commissioned to coach builders and designers who tailor-made them to suit every whim and fancy of their high-profile clients. The designs were thus completely unique and sometimes even bizarre and unusual in their specifications.

Travel with Style
The Cartier ‘Travel with Style’ Concours has four distinct categories within which they will be judged and awarded—Vintage Classic, Postwar Classics, Exotic Cars, Roadsters, and of course, the ‘Best Car of the Show’ Award. The automobiles will be examined and judged by an international panel comprising prominent figures from the automobile, creative, film, music and sporting worlds. Some of the names that will be associated with this panel include HRH Prince Michael of Kent, The Earl of March, Sir Anthony Bamford, Mr. Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Imran Khan, Don McCullin, Monica Belluci, Vincent Cassel, Sophie Marceau and Olivier Martinez, among others. Many of them are self-confessed connoisseurs of luxury automobiles with collections of their own.

Cars on Show
Some of the cars are breathtaking for their sheer opulence and beautiful engineering. The 1937 Delahaye (Figoni and Falaschi) Geoham Roadster is a visual treat while the 1937 Daimler DB18 Dual Cowl Sports Tourer bespeaks the elegance of H.E. The Aga Khan, for whom it was specially crafted. The 1949 Bentley Mark V1 Sports Tourer harks back to the era of HRH Maharaja of Mysore just as the 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom Arrow Coupe gives one a glimpse into the way HRH Maharaja of Jodhpur travelled.

As for King George V’s preferred vehicle, the 1936 Daimler V12 will be present in its splendour for all to see and admire. Those who wish to know how HRH The Prince of Wales made his journey around Canada comfortable and luxurious many decades ago can marvel at the 1928 McLaughlin-Buick. These cars and many more will pay homage to India’s unique connection with royalty and luxury alike.

An aesthetic delight and a classic car lovers’ paradise, the Concours will be compered by acclaimed vintage car racer Alain de Cadenet. The show promises to be a cut above anything out of the ordinary, thereby taking its rightful place amongst the other famed Concours the world over.