Udaipur Hosts Prestigious Oberoi Concours d'Elegance with Rare Automotive Treasures
The historic city of Udaipur served as a magnificent backdrop for the second edition of the Oberoi Concours d'Elegance, which concluded at The Oberoi Udaivilas. This exclusive event brought together some of the world's rarest and most elegant automobiles, creating a spectacle of automotive heritage and luxury.
Scenic Tour d'Elegance Introduced as New Highlight
A significant innovation this year was the introduction of the Oberoi Tour d'Elegance, a picturesque drive along the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake. Instead of remaining stationary on display lawns, numerous classic machines were seen in motion against Udaipur's iconic lakes and palace vistas. This dynamic element reinforced the concept that these vehicles are not merely museum artifacts but living masterpieces of engineering excellence.
Curated Classes Showcase Diverse Automotive Heritage
The event featured meticulously curated classes that spanned various automotive categories:
- Indian Heritage Motor Racing
- Indian Coachbuilt cars
- Cars of the Maharajahs (Jodhpur and Pre-War Classics)
- Rolls-Royce retrospective
A special Phantom retrospective traced an entire century of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' unparalleled excellence, highlighting the brand's enduring legacy in luxury automotive manufacturing.
Premium Automakers Showcase Iconic Models
BMW partnered with the event for the second consecutive year through BMW Group Classic, presenting two legendary models: the iconic BMW 507 Roadster and the formidable BMW 3.0 CSL racing coupé. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce made its debut appearance at the concours, displaying the groundbreaking Black Badge Spectre, heralded as the world's first ultra-luxury electric super coupe.
India has emerged as Rolls-Royce's highest growth market in the Asia-Pacific region, achieving remarkable double-digit growth for four consecutive years. The presence of members from India's former royal families further emphasized the nation's deep-rooted connection with automotive heritage and luxury motoring traditions.
Prestigious Awards Recognize Automotive Excellence
The 2026 Oberoi Concours d'Elegance recognized exceptional vehicles across multiple categories:
- The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL secured Best in Class in Indian Heritage Motor Racing (cars)
- The 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre earned Best in Class in Pre-War European Classics
- Among Rolls-Royce models, the 1924 Rolls-Royce 20hp Tourer claimed Best in Class in Pre-War Classics – Rolls-Royce
- In the Youngtimer category, the 1985 Ferrari 328 GTS emerged as Best in Class
The prestigious Best of Show Automobiles title was awarded to the Bentley G25, while the Best of Show Motorcycles honor went to the 1944 BSA M20, recognizing exceptional preservation and historical significance.
The Oberoi Concours d'Elegance successfully blended automotive history with contemporary luxury, creating an unforgettable celebration of mechanical artistry against Udaipur's royal backdrop. The event underscored India's growing importance in the global luxury automotive market while honoring the nation's rich automotive heritage through carefully preserved classic vehicles.
