Classic Drive from Derby to Udaipur to Pebble Beach and...Continues
NArAyAN ruPANI, now better known as Bob, belongs to the pioneering lot of Indian automotive journalists starting with the Indian Auto Journal in 1986. Over the years, he has also been the executive editor of magazines such as Car & Bike International, auto motor und sport (India), BBC TopGear (India). He is presently the managing editor of Auto India. Rupani has also authored the critically acclaimed book Driving Holidays in India. Rupani has participated in several races and rallies with fair success. He has been part of the only Indian team ever to have participated in the Isuzu Challenge Expedition. Rupani is also a founder jury member of the prestigious ICOTY (Indian Car of the Year) Award and was Chairman of the jury in 2008 and again in 2012. gAuTAM SeN began his career in 1984, with Maruti Udyog. In 1986, Sen switched industries and launched India’s first news stand car magazine, Indian Auto, as founding editor. In 1992, Sen joined the Business India Group, launching Auto India in 1993 and continues to edit it. Sen’s other books include The Maharajas & Their Magnificent Motor Cars, The Car Design Book and Rolls-Royce 17EX—A Fabulous Destiny.
www.eternalmewar.in www.royalcarsofudaipur.org
MAPIN PuBlISHINg
www.mapinpub.com
Printed in India
MAHArANA MewAr HISTorIcAl PuBlIcATIoNS TruST
Classic Drive from Derby to Udaipur to Pebble Beach and...Continues
First Indian entry to win at Pebble Beach
ANu VIkrAM SINgH (AVS) of Karjali is the Keeper of the Vintage and Classic Car Collection (VCCC) at The City Palace, Udaipur. AVS has been actively associated with VCCC for the last 20 years—from its inception to the present. His unbridled enthusiasm for vintage cars, their working and upkeep has made him a knowledgeable expert in the field, under the guidance of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. AVS and his dedicated team developed various in-house restoration methods in the workshop at the Garden Hotel, Udaipur. With his many years in the field of restoration and constant interactions with renowned restorers, car enthusiasts and with highly-skilled engineers, he has honed his skills and built a formidable reputation. Restoring vintage and classic cars remains his core competence and passion.
MMHPT MAPIN
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his book is about a Royal Rolls-Royce of Udaipur, Rajasthan. Seldom has a car lived such a life.
Classic Dr Drive ive frfrom om De omD Derb erby rby to Uda Udaipur ipur to Pebble Peb ble Bea Beach ch and...Contin and...Continues ntinues
The 1924 Barker bodied Tourer Rolls-Royce 20 HP (chassis no. GLK 21) was purchased by His Highness Maharana Bhupal Singh of Udaipur in 1936. She was procured primarily to serve as a source of spare parts for another RollsRoyce 20 HP (chassis no. 42 GO) owned by the princely state of Udaipur (Mewar) which was a favourite of Maharana Bhupal Singh. Soon after RR GLK 21 arrived in the Palace Motor Garage at Udaipur, her engine was removed and fitted in RR 42 GO. Then World War II happened and RR GLK 21—the car that this book is devoted to—got entwined in history and became victim to the ravages of time. From the 1940s to the end of the last millennium, a period of almost 60 years, she lay almost forgotten in the Zenana Mahal in the City Palace, Udaipur. It was only in 1999 that Shriji Arvind Singh of Mewar decided to have her restored. After a restoration process that took around eight years, RR GLK 21 was finally resurrected and assumed pride of place in the Udaipur Palace Motor Garage. It was as if RR GLK 21, the Rolls-Royce 20 HP that had been bought purely as a Christmas tree to source spares was now making a miraculous comeback by ‘rising from the ashes like a phoenix’. The irony is that now it is RR GLK 21 that is getting all the attention and acclaim. She has been the star at several prestigious events and has received extensive coverage in both the print and electronic media. As these words are being penned, the magnificent lady is returning home over the high seas, proud and triumphant in her glorious achievement of being the only winner from India at Pebble Beach. What a life, what a story !
With 261 photographs Front cover: Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur on the ‘ramp’ in his 1924 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Tourer GLK 21, receiving ‘The Lucius Beebe Trophy’ from Mr. Giles Taylor, Design Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Shriji is accompanied by Ms. Padmaja Kumari Mewar of Udaipur, Dr. Kush Singh Parmar of Santrampur and Mr. Graham Ashley-Carter at the 62nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, California, USA on 19th August 2012. Photo Credit: Brad Zemcik Back cover: Automobile enthusiasts admiring the Rolls-Royce line up in the Class E-2 Maharaja Rolls –Royce category at the 62nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, California, USA at the Show field on 19th August 2012. GLK -21 in powder blue, created history by being the first ever Indian entry privileged to drive up the winners ramp to receive the prestigious Lucius Beebe trophy at Pebble Beach. Copyright ©2012 by Kimball Studios/Courtesy of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Classic Dr Drive ive frfrom om De omD Derb erby rby to Uda Udaipur ipur to Pebble Peb ble Bea Beach ch and...Contin and...Continues ntinues
Compiled by Anu VikrAm Singh With ContributionS by bob rupAni And gAutAm Sen
mAhArAnA meWAr hiStoriCAl publiCAtionS truSt in ASSoCiAtion With mApin publiShing
Classic Dr Drive ive frfrom om De omD Derb erby rby to Uda Udaipur ipur to Pebble Peb ble Bea Beach ch and...Contin and...Continues ntinues
Compiled by Anu VikrAm Singh With ContributionS by bob rupAni And gAutAm Sen
mAhArAnA meWAr hiStoriCAl publiCAtionS truSt in ASSoCiAtion With mApin publiShing
India’s first privately financed and produced Son et Lumiere The
Modern-day Milestones
2010
maharana of mewar Charitable Foundation supports the eco-
mewar Sound and light Show is shown at the City palace Complex
logical restoration of Ahar river and ecological improvement of
1981
The first Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards is held.
in english and hindi.
Udai Sagar Lake through biological techniques.
1988
The Palace Band, whose history can be traced back to 1861-74 AD,
eurosolar awards the european Solar prize 2005 to maharana of
As a way of completing his obligations to his forefathers, Shriji
is revived.
mewar Charitable Foundation in the category ‘one World Co-
Arvind Singh mewar initiates installing of three massive wooden
operation’ for the development of solar projects in india.
gates at tripoliya gate that stands at the northern end of the City
2006 The first museum to carry out a photogrammetric survey for a
palace Complex. tripoliya (triple Arched) gate was built with white
conservation master plan of the City palace Complex, udaipur. 2000 the Vintage and Classic Car Collection opens to public.
marble in 1711 Ad.
2007 mewar Sabha Shiromani, a forum to unite the people and friends of mewar spread globally, is instituted. 2008 An Audio tour guide launched to enhance the experience of visitors to the City palace museum and Crystal gallery. two over 100-year-old heritage motor launches Ford (17+1 seater)
1989
historic resort hotels (hrh) pvt. ltd. is instituted.
and Chrysler (24+1 seater) are restored to meet today’s stringent
1992
time-honoured traditions dating to 17th century, if not earlier, in
environmental standards and are now propelling in Lake Pichola.
the form of Regal Festivals like Holika Dahan, Ashwa Pujan, and
maharana of mewar Charitable Foundation pioneers a complete
Kartik Poornima are revived.
explosive detection plan in the entire palace premises under a
1994
Crystal Gallery opens in Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur, with the world’s largest private collection of crystal furniture and objects.
2003 First prototypes of mewar’s solar-powered vehicles are designed and tested during a series of international rallies in rajasthan. 2005 A collection of Flora danica porcelain is exhibited at the gallery Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur.
risk management plan.
2011
A Joint Co-operation programme (JCp) was signed between indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO India Office,
2009 installation of the statue of maharana pratap at udaipur airport.
new delhi, udaipur municipal Council, the City of Strasbourg
The statue is seen as a fitting tribute to the spirit of Mewar and its
(municipalite de Strasbourg), France, and maharana of mewar
valour, depicting the undefeated eternal values of mewar.
Charitable Foundation, udaipur, for 2011–2013 to strengthen udaipur’s knowledge base, develop a framework and undertake activities to preserve its heritage and develop international collaboration and partnerships for heritage-based projects in the city. A signing ceremony was held at the city of Strasbourg, France, on 2 october, 2011.
1995
The first solar-powered boat is built. It is now used commercially at Gajner Lake, Gajner Palace (near Bikaner).
16
17
India’s first privately financed and produced Son et Lumiere The
Modern-day Milestones
2010
maharana of mewar Charitable Foundation supports the eco-
mewar Sound and light Show is shown at the City palace Complex
logical restoration of Ahar river and ecological improvement of
1981
The first Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards is held.
in english and hindi.
Udai Sagar Lake through biological techniques.
1988
The Palace Band, whose history can be traced back to 1861-74 AD,
eurosolar awards the european Solar prize 2005 to maharana of
As a way of completing his obligations to his forefathers, Shriji
is revived.
mewar Charitable Foundation in the category ‘one World Co-
Arvind Singh mewar initiates installing of three massive wooden
operation’ for the development of solar projects in india.
gates at tripoliya gate that stands at the northern end of the City
2006 The first museum to carry out a photogrammetric survey for a
palace Complex. tripoliya (triple Arched) gate was built with white
conservation master plan of the City palace Complex, udaipur. 2000 the Vintage and Classic Car Collection opens to public.
marble in 1711 Ad.
2007 mewar Sabha Shiromani, a forum to unite the people and friends of mewar spread globally, is instituted. 2008 An Audio tour guide launched to enhance the experience of visitors to the City palace museum and Crystal gallery. two over 100-year-old heritage motor launches Ford (17+1 seater)
1989
historic resort hotels (hrh) pvt. ltd. is instituted.
and Chrysler (24+1 seater) are restored to meet today’s stringent
1992
time-honoured traditions dating to 17th century, if not earlier, in
environmental standards and are now propelling in Lake Pichola.
the form of Regal Festivals like Holika Dahan, Ashwa Pujan, and
maharana of mewar Charitable Foundation pioneers a complete
Kartik Poornima are revived.
explosive detection plan in the entire palace premises under a
1994
Crystal Gallery opens in Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur, with the world’s largest private collection of crystal furniture and objects.
2003 First prototypes of mewar’s solar-powered vehicles are designed and tested during a series of international rallies in rajasthan. 2005 A collection of Flora danica porcelain is exhibited at the gallery Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur.
risk management plan.
2011
A Joint Co-operation programme (JCp) was signed between indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO India Office,
2009 installation of the statue of maharana pratap at udaipur airport.
new delhi, udaipur municipal Council, the City of Strasbourg
The statue is seen as a fitting tribute to the spirit of Mewar and its
(municipalite de Strasbourg), France, and maharana of mewar
valour, depicting the undefeated eternal values of mewar.
Charitable Foundation, udaipur, for 2011–2013 to strengthen udaipur’s knowledge base, develop a framework and undertake activities to preserve its heritage and develop international collaboration and partnerships for heritage-based projects in the city. A signing ceremony was held at the city of Strasbourg, France, on 2 october, 2011.
1995
The first solar-powered boat is built. It is now used commercially at Gajner Lake, Gajner Palace (near Bikaner).
16
17
Historical Perspective
R
olls-Royce (RR) motorcars and India have enjoyed a very long and close association.
This relationship dates back to the early 20th century and the era of Maharajas and the British rule in India, and it would not be wrong to say that if Rolls-Royce is today perhaps the most honoured luxury marque in the history of the automobile, it owes it to India. This is because the Indian subcontinent was the ultimate destination for many of Rolls-Royce’s early cars, as the Indian Maharanas and Maharajas were only too happy to make the transition from horse-drawn carriages to a horseless one. In 1907, an English businessman brought the first Rolls-Royce to India. It was christened the ‘Pearl of the East’ and participated in a 620-mile Reliability Trial, spread over six mountain passes. The Rolls-Royce performed brilliantly and after winning many awards, it was sold to the Maharaja of Gwalior. The resultant publicity did much to enhance the reputation and sales of the model that went on to become widely known as the ‘Silver Ghost’. By the time King George V of Britain was crowned Emperor of India at the Imperial Delhi Durbar in 1911, Rolls-Royce had already established its presence and a keen following in India and eight identical Silver Ghosts had been ordered for official use at the Durbar. In the same year, a team from Rolls-Royce was sent out to India to establish a sales-and-repair depot. Over the next few years, most royal garages in India had a Rolls-Royce in them. In fact, the Maharaja of Patiala went on to own a total of 44 RollsRoyces before his death in 1938. The princely state of Udaipur (Mewar) was no exception. The first Rolls-Royce entered the Royal mAJor generAl hiS highneSS AryAkul-kAmAl-diWAkAr rAJ-rAJeShWAr nArendrA-Shrimoni hinduA-SurAJ mAhArAJAdhirAJ Shree 108 Shree ekling diWAn Shree mAhArAnA Sir bhupAl Singh bAhAdur g.C.S.i., k.C.i.e. oF udAipur, meWAr r. 24.05.1930 to 04.07.1955
Palace Motor Garage of Udaipur in 1914 when Maharana Fateh Singh ordered a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Colonial Tourer 40–50 HP with coachwork by Hooper. He used the Silver Ghost extensively, even taking it on shikar (hunting) trips and its pleasing performance paved the way for many more Roll-Royces (see Chapter 8) to become part of the Palace Motor Garage of Udaipur. Maharana
Facing page: maharana bhupal Singh, who had purchased the rolls-royce tourer 20 hp glk 21 Accession no. 2008.06.045 21
Historical Perspective
R
olls-Royce (RR) motorcars and India have enjoyed a very long and close association.
This relationship dates back to the early 20th century and the era of Maharajas and the British rule in India, and it would not be wrong to say that if Rolls-Royce is today perhaps the most honoured luxury marque in the history of the automobile, it owes it to India. This is because the Indian subcontinent was the ultimate destination for many of Rolls-Royce’s early cars, as the Indian Maharanas and Maharajas were only too happy to make the transition from horse-drawn carriages to a horseless one. In 1907, an English businessman brought the first Rolls-Royce to India. It was christened the ‘Pearl of the East’ and participated in a 620-mile Reliability Trial, spread over six mountain passes. The Rolls-Royce performed brilliantly and after winning many awards, it was sold to the Maharaja of Gwalior. The resultant publicity did much to enhance the reputation and sales of the model that went on to become widely known as the ‘Silver Ghost’. By the time King George V of Britain was crowned Emperor of India at the Imperial Delhi Durbar in 1911, Rolls-Royce had already established its presence and a keen following in India and eight identical Silver Ghosts had been ordered for official use at the Durbar. In the same year, a team from Rolls-Royce was sent out to India to establish a sales-and-repair depot. Over the next few years, most royal garages in India had a Rolls-Royce in them. In fact, the Maharaja of Patiala went on to own a total of 44 RollsRoyces before his death in 1938. The princely state of Udaipur (Mewar) was no exception. The first Rolls-Royce entered the Royal mAJor generAl hiS highneSS AryAkul-kAmAl-diWAkAr rAJ-rAJeShWAr nArendrA-Shrimoni hinduA-SurAJ mAhArAJAdhirAJ Shree 108 Shree ekling diWAn Shree mAhArAnA Sir bhupAl Singh bAhAdur g.C.S.i., k.C.i.e. oF udAipur, meWAr r. 24.05.1930 to 04.07.1955
Palace Motor Garage of Udaipur in 1914 when Maharana Fateh Singh ordered a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Colonial Tourer 40–50 HP with coachwork by Hooper. He used the Silver Ghost extensively, even taking it on shikar (hunting) trips and its pleasing performance paved the way for many more Roll-Royces (see Chapter 8) to become part of the Palace Motor Garage of Udaipur. Maharana
Facing page: maharana bhupal Singh, who had purchased the rolls-royce tourer 20 hp glk 21 Accession no. 2008.06.045 21
Fateh Singh’s successor, Maharana Bhupal Singh’s favourite RR was a 1922 Tourer 20 HP (chassis no. 42 GO) that he purchased in 1925 for Rs 15,551 (a little over $250 at 2012 exchange rates). Maharana Bhupal Singh purchased many more Rolls-Royces, but RR 42 GO remained his favourite. He went for a drive in it almost daily and also used it on ceremonial occasions when it was flanked by colourfully decorated elephants and horses and surrounded by a mass of people. Some oldtimers even say ‘the animals were better behaved in the presence of silent Rolls-Royces than other makes of cars’! Those were the days of great pomp and pageantry in ‘Princely India’ and elephants and horses adorned with pure gold jewellery and precious stones began to run shoulders with the Roll-Royces sporting shiny chrome radiator grilles. With the passage of time and extensive usage, the RR 42 GO began to require some maintenance work. But spares were not easy to procure so the State of Udaipur (Mewar) in 1936 purchased a 1924 Seth Shri Motilalji Sanghi of M/s Sanghi motors, Jodhpur, india, was a pioneer in importing cars to india.
Barker bodied Tourer 20 HP (chassis no. GLK 21). This car was originally ordered by the Maharaja of the neighbouring state of Jodhpur. It was purchased from him by one of India’s pioneering car importers and dealers, Seth Shri Motilal Sanghi, also of Jodhpur. And it was Motilal Sanghi who sold RR GLK 21 to the Maharana of Udaipur for Rs 5,721 (less than $100 at 2012 exchange rates). Shortly after RR GLK 21 arrived in the Palace Motor Garage, it was cannibalized and its engine removed and fixed in RR 42 GO. Then Second World War happened and RR GLK 21 got entwined in history and was surrendered to the ravages of time. From 1940s to the end of the century, a period of almost 60 years, it lay forgotten in the Zenana Mahal (ladies’ quarters) inside the City
the Sanghi motors showroom at Jodhpur
Palace, Udaipur.
A line-up of the cars at Wimbledon, england, in June 1925. third from left: 1924 rr tourer 20 HP GLK 21, Coachwork by Barker photo courtesy: J.m. Fasal
Following pages: A fleet of new Rolls-Royces and Vauxhalls ordered by maharaja of Jodhpur in 1924 and photographed in Wimbledon in June 1925. Fourth from left: 1924 rr tourer 20 hp GLK 21, Coachwork by Barker photo courtesy: J.m. Fasal 22
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Fateh Singh’s successor, Maharana Bhupal Singh’s favourite RR was a 1922 Tourer 20 HP (chassis no. 42 GO) that he purchased in 1925 for Rs 15,551 (a little over $250 at 2012 exchange rates). Maharana Bhupal Singh purchased many more Rolls-Royces, but RR 42 GO remained his favourite. He went for a drive in it almost daily and also used it on ceremonial occasions when it was flanked by colourfully decorated elephants and horses and surrounded by a mass of people. Some oldtimers even say ‘the animals were better behaved in the presence of silent Rolls-Royces than other makes of cars’! Those were the days of great pomp and pageantry in ‘Princely India’ and elephants and horses adorned with pure gold jewellery and precious stones began to run shoulders with the Roll-Royces sporting shiny chrome radiator grilles. With the passage of time and extensive usage, the RR 42 GO began to require some maintenance work. But spares were not easy to procure so the State of Udaipur (Mewar) in 1936 purchased a 1924 Seth Shri Motilalji Sanghi of M/s Sanghi motors, Jodhpur, india, was a pioneer in importing cars to india.
Barker bodied Tourer 20 HP (chassis no. GLK 21). This car was originally ordered by the Maharaja of the neighbouring state of Jodhpur. It was purchased from him by one of India’s pioneering car importers and dealers, Seth Shri Motilal Sanghi, also of Jodhpur. And it was Motilal Sanghi who sold RR GLK 21 to the Maharana of Udaipur for Rs 5,721 (less than $100 at 2012 exchange rates). Shortly after RR GLK 21 arrived in the Palace Motor Garage, it was cannibalized and its engine removed and fixed in RR 42 GO. Then Second World War happened and RR GLK 21 got entwined in history and was surrendered to the ravages of time. From 1940s to the end of the century, a period of almost 60 years, it lay forgotten in the Zenana Mahal (ladies’ quarters) inside the City
the Sanghi motors showroom at Jodhpur
Palace, Udaipur.
A line-up of the cars at Wimbledon, england, in June 1925. third from left: 1924 rr tourer 20 HP GLK 21, Coachwork by Barker photo courtesy: J.m. Fasal
Following pages: A fleet of new Rolls-Royces and Vauxhalls ordered by maharaja of Jodhpur in 1924 and photographed in Wimbledon in June 1925. Fourth from left: 1924 rr tourer 20 hp GLK 21, Coachwork by Barker photo courtesy: J.m. Fasal 22
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