The Royal Udaipur RR GLK 21

Classic Drive from D

erby to Udaipur to P

ebble Beach and...Continues

MMHPTMAPIN

ANu VIkrAM SINgH (AVS) of Karjali is the

Keeper of the Vintage and Classic Car Collection

(VCCC) at The City Palace, Udaipur. AVS has

been actively associated with VCCC for the last

20 years—from its inception to the present. His

unbridled enthusiasm for vintage cars, their working and upkeep has

made him a knowledgeable expert in the field, under the guidance

of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. AVS and his dedicated team developed

various in-house restoration methods in the workshop at the Garden

Hotel, Udaipur. With his many years in the field of restoration and

constant interactions with renowned restorers, car enthusiasts and with

highly-skilled engineers, he has honed his skills and built a formidable

reputation. Restoring vintage and classic cars remains his core

competence and passion.

NArAyAN ruPANI, now better known as Bob,

belongs to the pioneering lot of Indian automotive

journalists starting with the Indian Auto Journal in

1986. Over the years, he has also been the executive

editor of magazines such as Car & Bike International, auto motor und sport (India), BBC TopGear (India). He is presently the

managing editor of Auto India. Rupani has also authored the critically

acclaimed book Driving Holidays in India. Rupani has participated in

several races and rallies with fair success. He has been part of the only

Indian team ever to have participated in the Isuzu Challenge Expedition.

Rupani is also a founder jury member of the prestigious ICOTY (Indian Car

of the Year) Award and was Chairman of the jury in 2008 and again in 2012.

gAuTAM SeN began his career in 1984, with

Maruti Udyog. In 1986, Sen switched industries

and launched India’s first news stand car magazine,

Indian Auto, as founding editor. In 1992, Sen joined

the Business India Group, launching Auto India in

1993 and continues to edit it. Sen’s other books include The Maharajas & Their Magnificent Motor Cars, The Car Design Book and Rolls-Royce 17EX—A Fabulous Destiny.

Classic Drive from Derby to Udaipur to Pebble Beach and...Continues

This book is about a Royal Rolls-Royce of Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Seldom has a car lived such a life.

The 1924 Barker bodied Tourer Rolls-Royce 20 HP (chassis no. GLK 21) was

purchased by His Highness Maharana Bhupal Singh of Udaipur in 1936. She

was procured primarily to serve as a source of spare parts for another Rolls-

Royce 20 HP (chassis no. 42 GO) owned by the princely state of Udaipur

(Mewar) which was a favourite of Maharana Bhupal Singh.

Soon after RR GLK 21 arrived in the Palace Motor Garage at Udaipur, her

engine was removed and fitted in RR 42 GO. Then World War II happened

and RR GLK 21—the car that this book is devoted to—got entwined in

history and became victim to the ravages of time. From the 1940s to the end

of the last millennium, a period of almost 60 years, she lay almost forgotten

in the Zenana Mahal in the City Palace, Udaipur.

It was only in 1999 that Shriji Arvind Singh of Mewar decided to have her

restored. After a restoration process that took around eight years, RR GLK

21 was finally resurrected and assumed pride of place in the Udaipur Palace

Motor Garage. It was as if RR GLK 21, the Rolls-Royce 20 HP that had

been bought purely as a Christmas tree to source spares was now making a

miraculous comeback by ‘rising from the ashes like a phoenix’.

The irony is that now it is RR GLK 21 that is getting all the attention and

acclaim. She has been the star at several prestigious events and has received

extensive coverage in both the print and electronic media.

As these words are being penned, the magnificent lady is returning home

over the high seas, proud and triumphant in her glorious achievement of

being the only winner from India at Pebble Beach.

What a life, what a story !

With 261 photographs

Front cover: Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur on the ‘ramp’ in his 1924 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Tourer GLK 21, receiving ‘The Lucius Beebe Trophy’ from Mr. Giles Taylor, Design Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Shriji is accompanied by Ms. Padmaja Kumari Mewar of Udaipur, Dr. Kush Singh Parmar of Santrampur and Mr. Graham Ashley-Carter at the 62nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, California, USA on 19th August 2012. Photo Credit: Brad ZemcikBack cover: Automobile enthusiasts admiring the Rolls-Royce line up in the Class E-2 Maharaja Rolls –Royce category at the 62nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, California, USA at the Show field on 19th August 2012. GLK -21 in powder blue, created history by being the first ever Indian entry privileged to drive up the winners ramp to receive the prestigious Lucius Beebe trophy at Pebble Beach. Copyright ©2012 by Kimball Studios/Courtesy of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

MAHArANA MewAr HISTorIcAl PuBlIcATIoNS TruSTwww.eternalmewar.inwww.royalcarsofudaipur.org

MAPIN PuBlISHINg www.mapinpub.com

Printed in India

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Compiled by Anu VikrAm Singh

With ContributionS bybob rupAni And gAutAm Sen

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Compiled by Anu VikrAm Singh

With ContributionS bybob rupAni And gAutAm Sen

mAhArAnA meWAr hiStoriCAl publiCAtionS truSt in ASSoCiAtion With mApin publiShing


1716

India’s first privately financed and produced Son et Lumiere The

mewar Sound and light Show is shown at the City palace Complex

in english and hindi.

eurosolar awards the european Solar prize 2005 to maharana of

mewar Charitable Foundation in the category ‘one World Co-

operation’ for the development of solar projects in india.

2006 The first museum to carry out a photogrammetric survey for a

conservation master plan of the City palace Complex, udaipur.

2007 mewar Sabha Shiromani, a forum to unite the people and friends

of mewar spread globally, is instituted.

2008 An Audio tour guide launched to enhance the experience of visitors

to the City palace museum and Crystal gallery.

two over 100-year-old heritage motor launches Ford (17+1 seater)

and Chrysler (24+1 seater) are restored to meet today’s stringent

environmental standards and are now propelling in Lake Pichola.

maharana of mewar Charitable Foundation pioneers a complete

explosive detection plan in the entire palace premises under a

risk management plan.

2009 installation of the statue of maharana pratap at udaipur airport.

The statue is seen as a fitting tribute to the spirit of Mewar and its

valour, depicting the undefeated eternal values of mewar.

2010 maharana of mewar Charitable Foundation supports the eco-

logical restoration of Ahar river and ecological improvement of

Udai Sagar Lake through biological techniques.

As a way of completing his obligations to his forefathers, Shriji

Arvind Singh mewar initiates installing of three massive wooden

gates at tripoliya gate that stands at the northern end of the City

palace Complex. tripoliya (triple Arched) gate was built with white

marble in 1711 Ad.

2011 A Joint Co-operation programme (JCp) was signed between indian

Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO India Office,

new delhi, udaipur municipal Council, the City of Strasbourg

(municipalite de Strasbourg), France, and maharana of mewar

Charitable Foundation, udaipur, for 2011–2013 to strengthen

udaipur’s knowledge base, develop a framework and undertake

activities to preserve its heritage and develop international

collaboration and partnerships for heritage-based projects in the

city. A signing ceremony was held at the city of Strasbourg, France,

on 2 october, 2011.

Modern-day Milestones

1981 The first Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards is held.

1988 The Palace Band, whose history can be traced back to 1861-74 AD,

is revived.

1989 historic resort hotels (hrh) pvt. ltd. is instituted.

1992 time-honoured traditions dating to 17th century, if not earlier, in

the form of Regal Festivals like Holika Dahan, Ashwa Pujan, and

Kartik Poornima are revived.

1994 Crystal Gallery opens in Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur, with the

world’s largest private collection of crystal furniture and objects.

1995 The first solar-powered boat is built. It is now used commercially

at Gajner Lake, Gajner Palace (near Bikaner).

2000 the Vintage and Classic Car Collection opens to public.

2003 First prototypes of mewar’s solar-powered vehicles are designed

and tested during a series of international rallies in rajasthan.

2005 A collection of Flora danica porcelain is exhibited at the gallery

Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur.


1716

India’s first privately financed and produced Son et Lumiere The

mewar Sound and light Show is shown at the City palace Complex

in english and hindi.

eurosolar awards the european Solar prize 2005 to maharana of

mewar Charitable Foundation in the category ‘one World Co-

operation’ for the development of solar projects in india.

2006 The first museum to carry out a photogrammetric survey for a

conservation master plan of the City palace Complex, udaipur.

2007 mewar Sabha Shiromani, a forum to unite the people and friends

of mewar spread globally, is instituted.

2008 An Audio tour guide launched to enhance the experience of visitors

to the City palace museum and Crystal gallery.

two over 100-year-old heritage motor launches Ford (17+1 seater)

and Chrysler (24+1 seater) are restored to meet today’s stringent

environmental standards and are now propelling in Lake Pichola.

maharana of mewar Charitable Foundation pioneers a complete

explosive detection plan in the entire palace premises under a

risk management plan.

2009 installation of the statue of maharana pratap at udaipur airport.

The statue is seen as a fitting tribute to the spirit of Mewar and its

valour, depicting the undefeated eternal values of mewar.

2010 maharana of mewar Charitable Foundation supports the eco-

logical restoration of Ahar river and ecological improvement of

Udai Sagar Lake through biological techniques.

As a way of completing his obligations to his forefathers, Shriji

Arvind Singh mewar initiates installing of three massive wooden

gates at tripoliya gate that stands at the northern end of the City

palace Complex. tripoliya (triple Arched) gate was built with white

marble in 1711 Ad.

2011 A Joint Co-operation programme (JCp) was signed between indian

Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO India Office,

new delhi, udaipur municipal Council, the City of Strasbourg

(municipalite de Strasbourg), France, and maharana of mewar

Charitable Foundation, udaipur, for 2011–2013 to strengthen

udaipur’s knowledge base, develop a framework and undertake

activities to preserve its heritage and develop international

collaboration and partnerships for heritage-based projects in the

city. A signing ceremony was held at the city of Strasbourg, France,

on 2 october, 2011.

Modern-day Milestones

1981 The first Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards is held.

1988 The Palace Band, whose history can be traced back to 1861-74 AD,

is revived.

1989 historic resort hotels (hrh) pvt. ltd. is instituted.

1992 time-honoured traditions dating to 17th century, if not earlier, in

the form of Regal Festivals like Holika Dahan, Ashwa Pujan, and

Kartik Poornima are revived.

1994 Crystal Gallery opens in Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur, with the

world’s largest private collection of crystal furniture and objects.

1995 The first solar-powered boat is built. It is now used commercially

at Gajner Lake, Gajner Palace (near Bikaner).

2000 the Vintage and Classic Car Collection opens to public.

2003 First prototypes of mewar’s solar-powered vehicles are designed

and tested during a series of international rallies in rajasthan.

2005 A collection of Flora danica porcelain is exhibited at the gallery

Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur.


21

Historical Perspective

Rolls-Royce (RR) motorcars and India have enjoyed a very long and close association.

This relationship dates back to the early 20th century and the era of Maharajas and the British

rule in India, and it would not be wrong to say that if Rolls-Royce is today perhaps the most

honoured luxury marque in the history of the automobile, it owes it to India.

This is because the Indian subcontinent was the ultimate destination for many of Rolls-Royce’s

early cars, as the Indian Maharanas and Maharajas were only too happy to make the transition

from horse-drawn carriages to a horseless one.

In 1907, an English businessman brought the first Rolls-Royce to India. It was christened the ‘Pearl

of the East’ and participated in a 620-mile Reliability Trial, spread over six mountain passes. The

Rolls-Royce performed brilliantly and after winning many awards, it was sold to the Maharaja of

Gwalior. The resultant publicity did much to enhance the reputation and sales of the model that

went on to become widely known as the ‘Silver Ghost’. By the time King George V of Britain

was crowned Emperor of India at the Imperial Delhi Durbar in 1911, Rolls-Royce had already

established its presence and a keen following in India and eight identical Silver Ghosts had been

ordered for official use at the Durbar. In the same year, a team from Rolls-Royce was sent out to

India to establish a sales-and-repair depot. Over the next few years, most royal garages in India

had a Rolls-Royce in them. In fact, the Maharaja of Patiala went on to own a total of 44 Rolls-

Royces before his death in 1938.

The princely state of Udaipur (Mewar) was no exception. The first Rolls-Royce entered the Royal

Palace Motor Garage of Udaipur in 1914 when Maharana Fateh Singh ordered a Rolls-Royce Silver

Ghost Colonial Tourer 40–50 HP with coachwork by Hooper. He used the Silver Ghost extensively,

even taking it on shikar (hunting) trips and its pleasing performance paved the way for many more

Roll-Royces (see Chapter 8) to become part of the Palace Motor Garage of Udaipur. Maharana

mAJor generAl hiS highneSS AryAkul-kAmAl-diWAkAr rAJ-rAJeShWArnArendrA-Shrimoni hinduA-SurAJ mAhArAJAdhirAJ

Shree 108 Shree ekling diWAnShree mAhArAnA Sir bhupAl Singh bAhAdur g.C.S.i., k.C.i.e.

oF udAipur, meWArr. 24.05.1930 to 04.07.1955

Facing page:maharana bhupal Singh, who had purchased the rolls-royce tourer 20 hp glk 21Accession no. 2008.06.045


21

Historical Perspective

Rolls-Royce (RR) motorcars and India have enjoyed a very long and close association.

This relationship dates back to the early 20th century and the era of Maharajas and the British

rule in India, and it would not be wrong to say that if Rolls-Royce is today perhaps the most

honoured luxury marque in the history of the automobile, it owes it to India.

This is because the Indian subcontinent was the ultimate destination for many of Rolls-Royce’s

early cars, as the Indian Maharanas and Maharajas were only too happy to make the transition

from horse-drawn carriages to a horseless one.

In 1907, an English businessman brought the first Rolls-Royce to India. It was christened the ‘Pearl

of the East’ and participated in a 620-mile Reliability Trial, spread over six mountain passes. The

Rolls-Royce performed brilliantly and after winning many awards, it was sold to the Maharaja of

Gwalior. The resultant publicity did much to enhance the reputation and sales of the model that

went on to become widely known as the ‘Silver Ghost’. By the time King George V of Britain

was crowned Emperor of India at the Imperial Delhi Durbar in 1911, Rolls-Royce had already

established its presence and a keen following in India and eight identical Silver Ghosts had been

ordered for official use at the Durbar. In the same year, a team from Rolls-Royce was sent out to

India to establish a sales-and-repair depot. Over the next few years, most royal garages in India

had a Rolls-Royce in them. In fact, the Maharaja of Patiala went on to own a total of 44 Rolls-

Royces before his death in 1938.

The princely state of Udaipur (Mewar) was no exception. The first Rolls-Royce entered the Royal

Palace Motor Garage of Udaipur in 1914 when Maharana Fateh Singh ordered a Rolls-Royce Silver

Ghost Colonial Tourer 40–50 HP with coachwork by Hooper. He used the Silver Ghost extensively,

even taking it on shikar (hunting) trips and its pleasing performance paved the way for many more

Roll-Royces (see Chapter 8) to become part of the Palace Motor Garage of Udaipur. Maharana

mAJor generAl hiS highneSS AryAkul-kAmAl-diWAkAr rAJ-rAJeShWArnArendrA-Shrimoni hinduA-SurAJ mAhArAJAdhirAJ

Shree 108 Shree ekling diWAnShree mAhArAnA Sir bhupAl Singh bAhAdur g.C.S.i., k.C.i.e.

oF udAipur, meWArr. 24.05.1930 to 04.07.1955

Facing page:maharana bhupal Singh, who had purchased the rolls-royce tourer 20 hp glk 21Accession no. 2008.06.045


2322

A line-up of the cars at Wimbledon, england, in June 1925. third from left: 1924 rr tourer 20 HP GLK 21, Coachwork by Barkerphoto courtesy: J.m. Fasal

Folloling pagel:A fleet of new Rolls-Royces and Vauxhalls ordered by maharaja of Jodhpur in 1924 and photographed in Wimbledon in June 1925. Fourth from left: 1924 rr tourer 20 hp GLK 21, Coachwork by Barkerphoto courtesy: J.m. Fasal

Seth Shri Motilalji Sanghi of M/s Sanghi motors, Jodhpur, india, was a pioneer in importing cars to india.

the Sanghi motors showroom at Jodhpur

Fateh Singh’s successor, Maharana Bhupal Singh’s favourite RR was a 1922 Tourer 20 HP (chassis

no. 42 GO) that he purchased in 1925 for Rs 15,551 (a little over $250 at 2012 exchange rates).

Maharana Bhupal Singh purchased many more Rolls-Royces, but RR 42 GO remained his favourite.

He went for a drive in it almost daily and also used it on ceremonial occasions when it was flanked

by colourfully decorated elephants and horses and surrounded by a mass of people. Some old-

timers even say ‘the animals were better behaved in the presence of silent Rolls-Royces than other

makes of cars’! Those were the days of great pomp and pageantry in ‘Princely India’ and elephants

and horses adorned with pure gold jewellery and precious stones began to run shoulders with the

Roll-Royces sporting shiny chrome radiator grilles.

With the passage of time and extensive usage, the RR 42 GO began to require some maintenance

work. But spares were not easy to procure so the State of Udaipur (Mewar) in 1936 purchased a 1924

Barker bodied Tourer 20 HP (chassis no. GLK 21). This car was originally ordered by the Maharaja

of the neighbouring state of Jodhpur. It was purchased from him by one of India’s pioneering car

importers and dealers, Seth Shri Motilal Sanghi, also of Jodhpur. And it was Motilal Sanghi who

sold RR GLK 21 to the Maharana of Udaipur for Rs 5,721 (less than $100 at 2012 exchange rates).

Shortly after RR GLK 21 arrived in the Palace Motor Garage, it was cannibalized and its engine

removed and fixed in RR 42 GO. Then Second World War happened and RR GLK 21 got entwined

in history and was surrendered to the ravages of time. From 1940s to the end of the century, a

period of almost 60 years, it lay forgotten in the Zenana Mahal (ladies’ quarters) inside the City

Palace, Udaipur.


2322

A line-up of the cars at Wimbledon, england, in June 1925. third from left: 1924 rr tourer 20 HP GLK 21, Coachwork by Barkerphoto courtesy: J.m. Fasal

Folloling pagel:A fleet of new Rolls-Royces and Vauxhalls ordered by maharaja of Jodhpur in 1924 and photographed in Wimbledon in June 1925. Fourth from left: 1924 rr tourer 20 hp GLK 21, Coachwork by Barkerphoto courtesy: J.m. Fasal

Seth Shri Motilalji Sanghi of M/s Sanghi motors, Jodhpur, india, was a pioneer in importing cars to india.

the Sanghi motors showroom at Jodhpur

Fateh Singh’s successor, Maharana Bhupal Singh’s favourite RR was a 1922 Tourer 20 HP (chassis

no. 42 GO) that he purchased in 1925 for Rs 15,551 (a little over $250 at 2012 exchange rates).

Maharana Bhupal Singh purchased many more Rolls-Royces, but RR 42 GO remained his favourite.

He went for a drive in it almost daily and also used it on ceremonial occasions when it was flanked

by colourfully decorated elephants and horses and surrounded by a mass of people. Some old-

timers even say ‘the animals were better behaved in the presence of silent Rolls-Royces than other

makes of cars’! Those were the days of great pomp and pageantry in ‘Princely India’ and elephants

and horses adorned with pure gold jewellery and precious stones began to run shoulders with the

Roll-Royces sporting shiny chrome radiator grilles.

With the passage of time and extensive usage, the RR 42 GO began to require some maintenance

work. But spares were not easy to procure so the State of Udaipur (Mewar) in 1936 purchased a 1924

Barker bodied Tourer 20 HP (chassis no. GLK 21). This car was originally ordered by the Maharaja

of the neighbouring state of Jodhpur. It was purchased from him by one of India’s pioneering car

importers and dealers, Seth Shri Motilal Sanghi, also of Jodhpur. And it was Motilal Sanghi who

sold RR GLK 21 to the Maharana of Udaipur for Rs 5,721 (less than $100 at 2012 exchange rates).

Shortly after RR GLK 21 arrived in the Palace Motor Garage, it was cannibalized and its engine

removed and fixed in RR 42 GO. Then Second World War happened and RR GLK 21 got entwined

in history and was surrendered to the ravages of time. From 1940s to the end of the century, a

period of almost 60 years, it lay forgotten in the Zenana Mahal (ladies’ quarters) inside the City

Palace, Udaipur.


2524


2524


Documents

The Royal Udaipur RR GLK 21