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Along the edges of the Khaas Bagh property, what may have been stables of thoroughbred horses now house a vintage car collection of pedigreed provenances.
The collection is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era, fine touches that have been lost to the cookie-cutter approaches of the present-day.
Along the edges of the Khaas Bagh property, what may have been stables of thoroughbred horses now house a vintage car collection of pedigreed provenances.
The collection is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era, fine touches that have been lost to the cookie-cutter approaches of the present-day.
While the attraction of the international vintage car market beckons, the collection deliberately centers around vehicles steeped in robust local contexts.
A prime example is the 1924 Rolls Royce tourer, once belonging to the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj, adding a regal and royal touch to the ensemble and encapsulating the aristocratic heritage within the stable’s confines.
Standing tall amongst these automotive treasures is the REO Flying Cloud, hailed as the world’s first car with an automatic gearshift. Custom-ordered by HH Rajkot, this marvel has been restored to its original color and upholstery, a poignant reminder of innovation from a bygone era.
Another jewel in the collection is the classic 1948 Buick Super Eight, discovered in the garages of Maharaja Karni Singh of Bikaner, adding a flair of royal splendor to the vintage lineup.
Setting this entire collection apart is the painstaking restoration effort invested in each vehicle.
Citing an example would be the 1928 McLaughlin-Buick Sports Tourer, originally owned by the Raj Bainali estate of Bihar. Acquired in a state of disrepair, it now is restored to its original grandeur, adorned in its distinctive original green colour with black fenders, resurrecting and reviving a piece of automotive history.
The McLaughlin Buick Tourer serves as an eloquent ambassador of timeless beauty.
Amidst this automotive symphony, the 1933 Pontiac emerges as a rare eight-cylinder marvel, a scarcity in the Indian context, while the well-restored 1947 DeSoto Fluid Drive is a real gem, originally cherished by a senior judge in West Bengal.
Adding an element of exclusivity, the 1929 Cadillac LaSalle proudly stands as one of only five in the world, a rarity and a real jewel within the Khaas Bagh collection. This unique piece further elevates the ensemble, proving not only a commitment to preserving automotive history but also a dedication to acquiring vehicles of exceptional significance.
The familial connection resonates profoundly with Suryaveer’s family-owned 1948 Oldsmobile, standing as an example of the love and nurturing care lavished upon these automotive treasures.
The grandeur of American luxury finds representation in the 1947 Packard, rubbing shoulders with the timeless 1934 Ford Phaeton and the rugged nostalgia embodied by World War II jeeps.
A special mention goes to Suryaveer’s grandfather’s car, a poignant piece of family history impeccably preserved in its original condition.
Essentially, the vintage car collection at Khaas Bagh transcends mere vehicles; it showcases a journey through time, echoing tales of craftsmanship and personal anecdotes, all the while preserving and highlighting the elegance and deep heritage of an era that continues to attract automotive enthusiasts and history aficionados alike.