Lovely Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is said to be one of the romantic destinations in the world. The city has long been under the rule of a royal family, the House of Mewar, the world’s longest serving dynasty. Visiting the City Palace, historic home of the family (and where they still live) is a highlight of a visit to Udaipur. If, like me, you enjoy classic cars, a chance to see the Royal car collection is an opportunity not to be missed.
(Entrance to the Palace Car Collection)
After finishing with our visit to and lunch at the City Palace, several of us headed to the Vintage and Classic Car Collection which opened to the public in 2000. All the vehicles on display — just under two dozen — have belonged to the Maharanas of Mewar Some vehicles are more than seventy years old, each one has been kept in fine working order (though not all are cosmetically perfect). It is likely the only collection of its kind in India.
(The cars are displayed in their garage stalls)
The collection is housed in the former Mewar State Motor Garage (a.k.a. the Palace Garage) on the grounds of the Garden Hotel. The semi-circular motor bays were built at a time when few cars were on the road in India and its setting provides an excellent stage for housing the car collection. Each car is in its own bay, limiting your view mostly to the front of the vehicle, a bit of a drawback, but it the only collection of its kind in India so you put up with it.
(Several old royal coaches are also on display)
1924 Rolls Royce 20….
This car deserves special mention, as it received the ‘Classic Award’ at the Cartier Concours d’Elegance’ 2008 in Mumbai. It was also the winner of ‘The Lucius Beebe Trophy’ at the ’62nd Pebble Beach, California, Concours d’Elegance’ in 2012.
1930 Ford A Standard Phaeton….
1930-31 Rolls Royce 20/25….
1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II 40-50 HP….
Another popular car in the Collection worthy of a note is this beautiful Phantom II 40-50. This car starred in the James Bond film Octopussy ,which was largely filmed in Udaipur.
This car is in beautiful condition and has been extensively restored.
1934 Rolls Royce 20/25….
1938 Cadillac 5 Seater Coney Sedan….
1938 Cadillac 7 Seater Sedan by Fleetwood….
1942 Jeep Trolley….
The remainder of the collection will be displayed next week, so stay tuned!
Fascinating that among all the high-end metal there would be a place for a Model A Ford, albeit with special bodywork. Perhaps a family toy for the chauffeur’s day off?
What a spectacular collection! Can’t wait for Part 2!