If Atithi Devo Bhava defines the ethos of Indian hospitality, then the Oberoi Concours is that philosophy executed with precision – impeccably organised, thoughtfully curated and delivered without fuss.
Having won Breakthrough Event at the 2024 International Historic Motoring Awards, expectations were high for its second edition. The consensus was clear: this is now a must-attend event, set against the extraordinary backdrop of Udaipur’s lake palaces. The fundamental elements of a successful concours are universal – a striking setting, respected judges, committed collectors, a compelling field and a measure of motorsport gravitas. The Oberoi Concours delivered all of these with an ease and understated luxury that sets it apart.
At the centre of the event was a field of more than 80 cars, many with royal provenance, having been owned at some stage by Maharajas or the Maharanas of Udaipur. Alongside them sat 35 motorcycles, acknowledging the continuing cultural and practical importance of two-wheel transport across the subcontinent.
The Best in Show motorcar was presented to the fabulous 1939 Bentley 4¼ litre Drophead Coupe, owned by Dhanraj Gidwaney. This particular car was delivered new to the Nawab of Bhopal who later presented it to Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur as a wedding gift. It wears very elegant HJ Mulliner drophead coupe coachwork, and being the MX series, is amongst the most desirable models of its kind. Motorcycle honours were awarded to a 1944 BSA WM20, campaigned by the British Indian Army in Burma between 1943 and 1946.
Star presence came courtesy of Sir Jackie Stewart, Derek Bell, Giacomo Agostini and Jean Todt, with Stewart and Bell holding an engaged audience during a forum hosted by Justin Bell.
The classes were pleasingly eclectic. Pre-war and post-war American classics, British sports cars and a strong contingent of pre-war Rolls-Royce were joined by a Youngtimer category. Particularly distinctive were Indian Heritage Motoring and Racing and Indian Coachbuilt Now, the latter celebrating contemporary interpretations of historic designs.
The international judging panel, led by Sandra Button, faced the familiar challenge of weighing exceptional provenance, meticulous restorations and the pride of owners who had invested heavily in presenting their cars. As at any serious concours, commitment brings expectation, and in Udaipur that intensity was at times quietly evident – adding a subtle layer of complexity to an already exacting judging process.
This remains a distinctly Indian concours – and all the stronger for it. The majority of the cars reside in India and have been restored locally. Judges noted both the quality of work and the pace at which Indian restoration houses are advancing. As Convenor Simon Kidston observed, the average age of a restorer in India is just 35 – an encouraging statistic for the future of the country’s motoring heritage.
A seminar on restoration and preservation, which included contributions from Louise Wood of P&A Wood, major Hong Kong collector Chip Connor and Sandra Button, Pebble Beach Chairman developed some interesting themes, the two key takeaways being the difference between active preservation versus neglect, and the importance of restoration in telling the story of the car’s history rather than just returning a car to its factory blueprint.
The only real limitation remains the deliberately intimate nature of the event. The short tour, introduced for the first time this year, was a welcome addition – giving the cars an opportunity to stretch their legs and allowing the residents of Udaipur to enjoy a glimpse of the spectacle. It also hinted at the potential for the Concours to extend its reach in carefully considered ways, sharing its evident passion with a broader audience while preserving the exclusivity that underpins its appeal.
Another consideration is how, and to what extent, the event might embrace greater international participation. One of the defining strengths of the Oberoi Concours is its distinctly Indian character – its celebration of local heritage, royal provenance and the subcontinent’s unique motoring narrative. As its reputation grows, interest from global collectors will inevitably follow, and the prospect of seeing some of the world’s great cars on Indian soil would be compelling. The opportunity, however, lies in striking the right balance: broadening the canvas without diluting the cultural identity that makes the event so distinctive, and which will underpin its continued evolution when The Oberoi returns in 2028.
For more information, see theoberoiconcours.com
