Royal Rolls Royce rolls from Kalahandi!

The New Indian Express, Feb 26, 2013

Standing majestically, the Rolls Royce Phantom II (1930 model) of Maharaja of Kalahandi has bagged the best prize in the Preservation Class category at the Cartiers Concours d Elegance, 2013 held at Mumbai recently. The rare vehicle with brocade interiors and bodywork from Thyrupp and Maberly was displayed for the first time in 74 years at the third edition of this biennial event for vintage car enthusiasts.

The event, which started in 2008, has been getting bigger and better with subsequent editions. The cars are displayed under various categories including Pre-War Classics, Post-War Classics, Roadsters, Indian Heritage Classes, Preservation Class, Shikaar Class, Edwardian and Limousine Classes. This year, the show also included vintage motorcycles for the first time.

The Preservation Class, where cars were shown in ‘as found’ condition depicting a story of decades of service, their faded finishes, worn seats, stone chips and rust specks, had about four or five beauties but the Phantom II of Kalahandi hogged the limelight.

Says Maharaja Udit Pratap Deo who received the award along with wife at the show, ‘’it felt fantastic to get such a prestigious title. This car had been bought by my grandfather Maharaja Brij Mohan Deo in 1939. It was a very satisfying feeling when dignitaries like Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, a known car enthusiast, president of Royal Automobile Club and also the chief judge for the show came up and congratulated me for preserving the vehicle so well.’’

The Rolls Royce was, in fact, appreciated by all the judges including Sir Sterling Moss, OBE, known to be world’s greatest race drivers and Professor Peter Stevens, UK’s best known and most sought after international transport and product designers. ‘’Alain De Cadenet, the very popular television presenter for Speed Channel and ESPN, who was the master of ceremonies for the show, rightly told me not to restore the car ever. He said it was like an untouched Picasso painting and the whole world should see it,’’ concludes the Maharaja.