A TALE OF TWO DEMONSTRATORS

Collector cars and concours consultant Mohammed Luqman Ali Khan narrates the histories of two demonstrators from a famous Indian car collection, one pre-war and one post-war, but both with a royal past

WORDS AND PICTURES: MOHAMMED LUQMAN ALI KHAN

The role of the Rolls-Royce ‘demonstrator’ back in the day, much like today’s demo cars, was to impress the prospective customer. Factory demonstrators or ‘propaganda cars’ were expected to woo the would-be buyers and help generate sales. They exhibited the brand’s mechanical prowess and offered a taste and experience of a vehicle’s performance with the aid of test-drives, often chauffeured of course. They reflected the auto-maker’s ethos, its capabilities and the special features of that particular automobile, so features-laden demonstrators were constructed by the company to showcase what was possible. They were displayed at motor shows and were entered in reliability trials, rallies, hill climbs and endurance races. The majority of Rolls-Royce’s demonstrators have managed to survive in good hands and some have ended up with royalty. Even the most valuable and historic Rolls-Royce in the world started life as a demonstrator: AX 201, the original Silver Ghost from 1906.

In India, demonstrators wore registration numbers starting with ‘T’ denoting a Trials car. Capitalizing on an unprecedented marketing opportunity, Rolls-Royce cleverly pressed into service about half a dozen demonstrators at the 1911 Delhi Durbar. The great Imperial Durbars were a mass

Once owned by the Nawab of Sachin and now beautifully restored, GRJ 1 is a 1927 20hp Barker Tourer

assembly organized by the British to mark the succession of an Emperor or Empress, in this case for the coronation of George V. This move paid huge dividends as it gave the marque the visibility it desired. With the entire ruling class in attendance, the Rajas, Maharajas, Nawabs and the Nizam took note of these mechanical marvels. A fascination for the marque was born which lasted till India’s independence. If Austria’s Alpine Trial gave RollsRoyce the coveted title of ‘Best Car in the World’, then India gave it the hallowed reputation of the ‘car for the royals’ thanks largely to the fixation of the Maharajas with the marque.

HISTORY OF ‘GRJ 1’

In 1927 Rolls-Royce England sent out this handsome car to Rolls-Royce India. As per build sheets and factory records, it was designated ‘Indian Trials’ and ‘Indian Demonstration’. In 1931 it was sold to the the Nawab of Sachin (Gujarat), HH Haidar Muhammad Yakut Khan (1909 – 1970), who was a descendant of the Siddi dynasty which was of Abyssinian origin. Sachin was a princely state almost the size of Scotland, and its rulers were granted the right of an 11-gun salute.

This elegant four-door tourer by Barker was used for state ceremonial and touring purposes. Unique to this car is that its steering wheel, steering controls, dash controls, knobs for the brake lever, gear lever and Barker headlamp dipping lever are all painted in an ivory colour. Other features include Stephen Grebel hunting lights, dual windshield with twin aprons, the Sachin State flag carrying the Coat of Arms mounted on the radiator, ‘Sachin State No 1’ red enamelled identification plates in cast aluminium, the Nawab’s personal monogram handpainted on the doors, nickel-plated instrument dials, black lettering and an unusual set of three spare wheels.

While examining its period photographs, I discovered that when in use of the Nawab of Sachin, the car sported a prancing horse as the radiator mascot, which had replaced the Spirit of Ecstasy. This car features in an interesting anecdote in the book ‘The Rolls-Royce Twenty’ by marque historian John Fasal (see next page).

In recent times the car was comprehensively rebuilt to original specifications by renowned restorer and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance judge, Prince Manvendra Singh »

GRJ 1 at the Nawab of Sachin’s palace, note the prancing horse hood ornament The Nawab of Sachin can seen in regal splendor, alongside GRJ 1

Note the sturdy mount for the Stephen Grebel hunting spotlamp!

Barwani. After the restoration was completed, GRJ 1 was shown at the 2019 Cartier Concours d’Elegance in Jaipur. A year later it was displayed at the 21 Gun Salute Vintage Car Rally & Concours Show in Delhi in 2020. In 2021 it participated at the Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance in the UK, held at the Blenheim Palace where it won the ‘Most Exceptional Coachwork’ award. In May 2022 it will be shown in Italy at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This exquisite car now resides in the famed Yohan Poonawalla Collection

EARLIER ADVENTURES OF THE TWENTY

Considering its glamorous origins and status as a concours-winning royal Rolls-Royce, GRJ 1 has been through some colourful times in its long life. The story told in John Fasal’s definitive book ‘The RollsRoyce Twenty’, runs as follows:

‘One of the foremost orchid growers in India has carried a variety of objects in his 1927 GRJ 1 Barker tourer. These included 36 hens and a live deer from Mahableshwar to Bombay, a distance of 200 miles. One 6½ ft rat snake was normally kept in the car to discourage mice from appreciating the leather upholstery, and was unfortunate enough to find its way beneath a loose floorboard during a journey, becoming coiled up around the revolving propshaft – certainly an unusual cause of propshaft vibration or of a snake suffering from a splitting headache!’ which is soon to be converted into a museum – a labour of love of the Poonawallas – Yohan, Michelle, Tania and Zayan (see box on page 50).

THE ROLLS-ROYCE 20HP, OR ‘TWENTY’

Buoyed by the success of the sensational Silver Ghost, in 1922 Rolls-Royce introduced the ‘Twenty’. The 20hp was the smaller variant and was soon nicknamed the ‘Baby Rolls’, or just the ‘small Rolls-Royce’. The model was aimed at ownerdrivers, typically professionals such as doctors or lawyers. It offered sound performance with a 3.1-litre overhead-valve, straight-six engine and represented the first departure from the company’s one-model policy. Its senior sibling was usually chauffeurdriven: the 40/50hp or Silver Ghost had a much larger engine and a longer wheelbase, as did the New Phantom (later known as the Phantom 1) that replaced it from 1925. Production of the ‘Twenty’ ran from 1922 – 1929, during which period around 2885 were made. With a shorter wheelbase and less mass, it was easier to handle »

than a Ghost and brought Rolls-Royce motoring to a wider audience. Styled with horizontal radiator shutters, the family resemblance was unmistakable. This new offering became an instant hit and several Twenties were sold to discerning Indian royalty. These are fascinating cars; often bespoke and tailored to the different needs of the Maharajas, ranging from hunting tigers to open touring. Various coachbuilders competed fiercely with each other to build all sorts of attractive bodies. Owners of this model included HRH Prince of Wales, Lord Mountbatten, HM the Queen of Siam, Captain Malcolm Campbell, several Maharajas and Nawabs – the ruling elite of India.

The special number plate HMQ 001 in use for the royal car in Sweden

The June/July 1986 issue of VOICE by Rolls-Royce Motors, announces on its cover that PGH116 scoops the top award, a Gold certificate for most elegant & pleasing production car in all classes, at Ragley Hall, Alcester. The royal standard on the flag poles indicating the presence of the Queen

HISTORY OF ‘PGH116’

Now we move on to a very different and much younger car. This particular Phantom VI, chassis PGH 116, bearing Body no. 20453, was built in 1979 to promote the then latest Phantom, which remains the company’s flagship nameplate to this day. It represented the best Rolls-Royce had to offer. As a factory demonstrator it was constructed to be the showpiece of the demonstration fleet and was also the publicity and press car. It also aimed to ‘promote those extras that MPW were keen to sell’, says the history file. PGH 116 was owned by Rolls-Royce Motors and subsequently by Bentley Motors Ltd.

Built to royal specifications, PGH 116 was used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal household. Photographs show this car in use by Her Majesty on her state visit to Sweden in 1983 where the royal standard was seen on the flag posts, along with unique number plates that were fitted which denoted ‘Her Majesty the Queen 1’ (HMQ 001). The car wore several interesting registration numbers in its life such as 1200 TU, 1900 TU and RRM 1, at least one of which may

The Phantom V returned to the UK in 2021 for appearances at Hampton Court and Salon Privé, where it won an award

be familiar to readers as a Rolls-Royce press fleet number, often seen on cars used in road tests and magazine articles. When the car arrived with its current owner, flags of several countries which were found in the boot, indicating the number of state visits undertaken by this car. Indeed, this majestic Phantom VI had travelled across the world from America to Japan. It was also reportedly used by HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

Bodied by Mulliner Park Ward, PGH 116 was built to the highest possible specifications which included flag masts to both front wings, cocktail cabinet in division, clock to division rail, curtains and cushions in red velvet, carpet in cherry red, head rests, electrically operated rear seats, reading lights, vanity mirrors, air conditioner and heater, and an alluring black over burgundy colour. Immaculately maintained and as perfectly preserved as any Phantom VI in the world, it is now part of the famous Yohan Poonawalla Collection, home to India’s finest assemblage of historically significant and bespoke Rolls-Royce cars.

In 1986, in a contest organized in England by the Worshipful Company of Coach Makers and Coach Harness Makers, PGH 116 won the top prize, and was also displayed alongside motor cars of Her Majesty from the royal mews. It has featured in documentaries and magazines, and it also participated in ‘Motor 100’ held at Silverstone in May 1985 to celebrate the centenary of motoring. In 2021 it was shown at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court to mark the 95th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, having been her official transport in the past. It was also shown at Salon »

Privé the same year, where it won an award in its class. It will be wonderful to see PGH116 exhibited at various shows in the UK in 2022, to mark the platinum jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen, in the 70th year of her reign.

Nigel Matthews, Chairman of the International Chief Judge Advisory Group and Hagerty’s global brand ambassador recalled how he ‘witnessed this car being hand-built at Crewe by employing the age-old and traditional ways of coach-building’. The car was, for a time, part of the heritage fleet of Bentley Motors.

During the pandemic, while browsing the internet at his London home, the present owner saw an advert showing PGH 116 coming up for sale. He immediately asked me to keep an eye on this car as it was due to appear at a Bonhams auction, but much to our surprise it was sold privately prior to the auction date. Given his interest

ABOUT THE YOHAN POONAWALLA COLLECTION

Yohan Poonawalla is one of India’s leading car collectors, known for his special liking for Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and Ferraris. The billionaire industrialist is the number one collector of Rolls-Royce cars in India. His expansive Rolls-Royce collection includes an eclectic mix of vintage, classic and modern bespoke models, regularly shown at concours events. The Yohan Poonawalla Collection, built passionately by him over many years, is due to take shape as a museum soon and will house some of the most historically significant motor cars in the world, showcasing various marques from all eras. With a keen interest in provenance and pedigree he continues to assemble historically significant motor cars owned and used by a ‘Who’s Who’ from around the world, which includes cars of the Nizams, Maharajas, Nawabs, Sheikhs, Presidents and even the Pope. His wife Michelle Poonawalla is an acclaimed artist, philanthropist & businesswoman. The couple lives in Pune with their children Tania and Zayan who have taken up motoring at an early age. in this particular car, I pursued it and approached the then new owner, and a deal was eventually struck. PGH 116 was finally acquired and added to the Yohan Poonawalla Collection.

PGH 116 was built to highest possible specifications. Like every Phantom VI, it was intended to become a palace on wheels, exemplifying luxury and comfort in motion. Yet it remains a stately car without an over-the-top flamboyant or ostentatious look – truly an appropriate choice for royalty.

THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM VI

The Phantom VI was the last model introduced by Rolls-Royce before receivership in 1971. Powered by a 6.75 litre V8 engine, it was the last RollsRoyce built with a separate chassis, and between 1968 -1991, only 374 units were produced. It initially offered a 6.2 litre V8 engine with a fourspeed automatic gearbox, changing later to a 6.75-litre engine with a three-speed transmission. Employing traditional coachbuilding methods, lavish bodies were mounted in the form of limousines and landaulettes, and many were sold to heads of states for use as state motor cars. Famous owners of this model included Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Sultan of Brunei and rulers of the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, plus many celebrities and business tycoons. n

SPECIALISTS IN ROLLS-ROYCE, BENTLEY & PORSCHE

ELEGANCE & POISE

EST 1982 PERSONIFIED

1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fast Back fully restored by Clark and Carter. Clark & Carter Restorations Ltd. is a family run business who use both modern and traditional methods to restore and maintain classic and vintage cars with the utmost care and to the highest quality.

SALES • RESTORATION AND REPAIRS • SERVICE • PARTS • TRIM

WWW.CLARKANDCARTER.CO.UK

Shardloes Workshops, Church Road, Cressing, Braintree, Essex. CM77 8PN Telephone: 01376 584 392 • email: info@clarkandcarter.com

Classic Car Consultant

RREC MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL CLUB FOR ROLLS-ROYCE & BENTLEY ENTHUSIASTS

I’m Jonathan a semi-retired motor trader, RREC member and have been involved in classic cars and everyday cars for over 43 years. With my love of the Rolls Royce and Bentley marque I am offering my services to Rolls Royce/Bentley and classic car owners. I can assist in looking after your cars, servicing, storage, collection and delivery throughout the UK and Europe. I can arrange export of cars, chauffeur and joint wedding services. I also act as an agent for selling and sourcing cars on a commission basis, this cuts out any hassle and time wasting that effects your busy lives. References available. I live in the Hampshire area of the UK. With these uncertain times due to Covid 19, I will help anybody with their cars if you feel you can’t or don’t want to go until this period is over.

PLEASE EMAIL OR PHONE FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Email: fearless@jonnolan.co.uk Tel: 07836 769152 / 02380 760897

STEWART WALKER Ltd

Sales, Service & Restorations by Independent Specialists in Rolls-Royce, Bentley & Prestige Automobiles

For the very finest in service, restoration and all aspects relating to the marque, with ‘that personal touch’. Rolls-Royce factory trained, with over 40 years experience. All servicing and repairs carried out to the highest standards and fully guaranteed.

2014MY Bentley Continental GTC W12 6.0L

Mulliner. Neck Warmers, 22,000miles, 2 Owners, Registered 5th December 2013, Special Order Glazier White with Magnolia Hide, Beluga Secondary Cross Stitching with Emblems, ordered with 14 Cost options, Bright Chrome Grills, Piano Black Wood, Cooled and heated massage seats, Cross Stitching also on Heated Steering Wheel, Coming Home Controls, 21” Alloys, Bluetooth, Touch Screen TV Tuner with Freeview, GPS Sat Nav, GPS Tracker, Rear Camera with PDC, Space Saver Spare Wheel, Full Bentley Service History, stunning Gen2 GTC in lovely condition is the peak of the models and tells in the driving experience. What a Car with great cost options and wind deflector £68,995

2015MY Bentley Continental GT Speed W12 6.0L.

8 speed Transmission, Only 27,000miles, 2 Previous Owners, Special Order Sequin Blue with Imperial Blue Hide Breeze Secondary Hide Contrast Stitching with Speed Emblems in Breeze, Dark Tint Chrome Grills, Piano Black Wood, Red Brake Callipers, Cooled and heated massage seats, Dark Tint 21” Speed Alloys, Bluetooth, GPRS Sat Nav,GPS Tracker, Rear Camera with PDC, Full Bentley Service History, This Stunning Gen2 Speed in Lovely Condition is the Peak of the Models and being 2015 Model Year it gets the 8 Speed Transmission which tells in the driving experience and fuel economy What a Car! £66,995

2016 Maserati Granturismo Sport Auto 4.7 V8.

2 Owners. Only 21000 miles Presented in Nero Carbonio with Nero Hide, Red Stiching Carbon Fibre Roof, Carbon Fibre Boot Lip Spoiler, Carbon Fibre Side Skirts, Carbon Fibre Front Splitter, Carbon Fibre Wing Mirror Caps, Carbon Fibre Door Handles. 20” Gloss Black Alloys. Leather Multi-Function Steering Wheel, BOSE Audio, Dual Zone Climate Control, Adaptable Drive Modes, Electric Heated Seats. £52,995

2008 Bentley Continental GT 6.0L W12. 68,000miles. Facelift Model. Presented in Granite with Magnolia Hide with Porpoise Secondary Hide. 3 Spoke Dual Tone Steering Wheel, Burr Walnut dashboard veneers with extended doors and rear quarter inserts. Deep pile Overmats, Bluetooth Phone. Soft Close Doors, Power Open and Close Boot, 10 speaker digital sound package, CD changer. Electronic Stabilization Program, Xenons, Power Folding Mirrors, Front and Rear Park Control with rear Camera, Alarm Immobiliser, GPS Sat Nav, Keyless Go 2 keys, Spare Wheel. Full Bentley Specialist Service History. Just serviced, Recent Tyres new Mot, A stunning car in superb condition with lovely cost options from new £29,995 Telephone: 01635 866833 • Mobile: 07831 800727 Website: www.stewartwalkerltd.co.uk • Email: info@stewartwalkerltd.co.uk

Unit 1Q, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RT14 2AD