Back with a Bang: The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance 2026

Text & Images: Ameya Vikram Mishra

Last month, the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance returned for its second edition, and what a way it was to put the historic car scene in India on the global map. Having won the “Breakthrough Event” at the 2024 International Historic Motoring Awards, the second edition delivered on all expectations. 

Set against the backdrop of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, I cannot think of a better venue for a concours than the Oberoi Udaivilas. The event began with The Oberoi Tour d’Elegance (introduced for the first time this year), a spectacular drive of the vehicles participating in the concours around Fateh Sagar Lake on Friday, followed by judging on Saturday and prize distribution on Sunday.

The international judging panel was chaired by Sandra Button, Chairperson of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and included racing royalty such as Jean Todt, Sir Jackie Stewart, Derek Bell, and Giacomo Agostini, along with familiar names from the international concours scene such as Nigel Mathews, Chris Bock, and Chip Connor, making it a truly world-class event. The master of ceremonies was Simon Kidston. 

With more than 80 cars participating in the concours, many belonging to the erstwhile Maharajas and Maharanas, the classes included Pre-war and Post-war American Classics, Pre-war European Classics, Post-war British sports cars, and even an Indian Heritage Motor Racing class, which was won by the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL belonging to the Gondal royal family. Incidentally, this is the only 300SL in the country. 

The inclusion of Youngtimer Classics is always a welcome move at any concours, and the class was appropriately won by the 1985 Ferrari 328 GTS owned by Pratapsinh Gaekwad, who was presented the award by Jean Todt himself. 

Interestingly, there was also an “Indian Coachbuilt: In the Modern Era” class, which showcased contemporary re-imaginings of historic cars. This class was won by the 1935 Cadillac V12 Roadster belonging to Viveck and Zita Goenka, with Diljeet Titus’ 1929 Bugatti Type 44 Grand Sport Torpedo being adjudged first runner-up.

A 1910 Delaunay-Belleville HH6 15/20HP was one of the oldest cars participating in the concours, wearing unique Indian coachwork by the French Motor Car Co., based in Calcutta during the period. A very special car by any measure, it was participating in the “Indian Coachbuilt: In Period” class, which was won by Shrivardhan Kanoria’s 1923 Rolls-Royce 20HP. 

Apart from the cars participating in the concours, there were some remarkable cars on display, such as the mythical ex-Maharaja of Kashmir’s Rolls-Royce Phantom I 17 EX, featuring a terrific duck tail, which is one of the most distinctive pre-war cars ever. Ranjit Malik’s 1925 Phantom I, which recently completed the Kashmir to Kanyakumari drive, was also on display. 

BMW joined in the fun by displaying some of its most significant cars, such as the BMW 507 in a striking red paint shade (fun fact: Elvis Presley was a proud owner of a 507) and a 3.0 CSL, widely revered as the original Batmobile and one of my personal favourites. 

The Best of Show was won by the 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre Drophead Coupé, dressed in H.J. Mulliner coachwork, owned by Dhanraj Gidwaney. Being from the MX series, it is widely regarded as among the most desirable of its kind. It also has some serious provenance—it was delivered new to the Nawab of Bhopal, who later gifted it to none other than Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur on her wedding. 

My favourite car, with my Alfisti bias, was a recently imported and restored 1948 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 owned by Amal Tanna, which was hands-down the most stunning car at the event, in my opinion. The blue over red interior with the cheeky “Hello 6C” licence plate just did the trick for me. Unfortunately, a broken timing chain kept it out of contention for any prizes. 

Something we all should be proud of is that the vast majority of cars participating in the concours reside in India and have been restored by Indian restorers in India. The high quality of restorations, at par with western contemporaries, was also appreciated and acknowledged by the judging panel. 

The only real limitation of the event is its deliberately intimate nature. Though exclusivity is part of the charm, sharing our passion with a larger audience is equally important for the historic car movement in India. Here’s to the next edition in 2028!