The 10th edition of the 21 Gun Salute Concours d'Elegance 2023, a spectacular show of vintage and classic cars, culminated in Vadodara in the state of Gujarat with prizes given to the best beauties along with a grand show of dance, art and culture. The show stopper and prize winner was the 1934 Packard 1107 Coupe Roadster owned by Gautam Singhania, CMD of Raymond Group.
In the bike category The Best of Show was won by 1958 Velocette Venom 500 single owned by Reuben Solomon from Pune. The jury had shortlisted three cars for Best of Show in which 1934 Packard 1107 Coupe Roadster of Singhania won the Best of Show trophy. The second place went to 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith owned by Yohan Poonawalla and the third place was bagged by 1936 Nash Ambassador Series 1290 Sedan owned by Diljeet Titus.
Various classes such as Edwardian, Pre and post-war American, Pre and Post war European, MG, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Preservation, Jaguar and Daimler were all judged by the esteemed jury that was led by the Chief Judge – Christian Kramer.
The 21 Gun Salute Concours d’ Elegance is Asia’s most anticipated, acclaimed and internationally awarded motoring event. It is organised by the 21 Gun Salute Heritage & Cultural Trust in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and with the strong support of Gujarat Tourism to boost Incredible India! campaign. What separates the 21 Gun Salute from most other similar events is that it is spread over three days with a unique amalgamation of Indian culture and motoring excellence.
Christian Kramer Concours Chief Judge exclaimed, “Leading the jury panel at 21 Gun Salute Concours is always a great experience and every year the 21 Gun Salute Concours grows bigger and better with a major emphasis on ICJAG judging and accurate restoration. I am impressed by the Concours' organisation and the rare masterpieces in attendance."
Madan Mohan, Chairman & Managing Trustee, 21 Gun Salute Heritage & Cultural Trust after congratulating the winner said, “I am honoured as I have witnessed the fiercest battle of the finest. It was an honour to organise this wonderful event where participants not only brought along vintage wonders of the automobile universe but also the history and fascinating stories of their respective rarities. The amalgamation of splendid automobiles with India’s rich heritage and culture never fails to leave a viewer’s eyes sparkling with wonder and provide the most unique experience. We hope to keep pleasing the veterans and inspire the young enthusiasts in the coming future.”
The crowd gathered at the stunning grand Lukshmi Vilas Palace seemed pleased with themselves for spending their weekend in the presence of historic vintage beauties, entertaining cultural performances, and delectable food. The lovely weather only added to the allure of this very picturesque vista! The attendees, as well as the spectators who came to watch the event, were captivated, and as the day progressed, the crowd grew in size, as did the crowd's enthusiasm. The overwhelming response from the audience, as well as the enormous cheers for the cars, demonstrated the show's success!
Eminent guests and renowned personalities including Pawan Munjal, Yohan Poonawalla, Harsh Pati Singhania, Gautam Singhania and Ravi Avalur graced the event.
On the first day at the palace was Chief Guest HH Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad, Rajmata of Baroda who inaugurated the display of vintage and classic cars and the Concours Show. Eminent guests and renowned personalities included HH Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, Maharaja of Baroda, Mrs. Neerja Birla, Gaurav Gupta, Chief Commercial Officer, MG Motor India and other esteemed members of the royal families of India.
The show also witnessed a special section of MG’s Cars as its legacy and long line of heritage has been a centre of attraction for participants and fellow vintage car owners all these years at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance. MG Cars at the display included 1946 MG TC Sports Tourer, 1958 MGA convertible, 1979 MG Midget, 1947 MG TC, 1948 MG TC, 1965 MGB, 1964 MG B, 1951 MG TD, 1958 MG MGA Roadster, 1955 MG ZA Magnette Saloon, MG TD, 1950 MG YT and 1963 MG Midget Convertible.
The visitors feasted their eyes on several motoring masterpieces from all over the world like the 1911 Napier, 1922 Daimler, 1930 Chevrolet depot hack woody, 1932 Chevy, 1935 Ford Special, 1938 Armstrong Sidley, 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30, 1947 Buick Roadmaster Convertible, 1947 Daimler DB18, 1948 Humber, 1948 Bentley Marc VI, 1948 Buick Super, 1936 Dodge D2 Convertible Sedan, 1942 jeep ford GPW, 1936 Bentley 3.5, 1937 Bentley 4.24, 1937 Bentley Vanden Plas, among others.
Vintage and classic cars from Assam, Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ahmadabad, Baroda, Mansa, Himmat Nagar, Surat, Anand and various other parts of the country were present at the 21 Gun Salute Concours Show d’Elegance.
The oldest automobile on display was the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen- the first car invented by Karl Benz - pioneering founder of Mercedes-Benz. For the first time in motoring history, the Maharaja cars of Baroda were also on display at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d' Elegance.
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