21 Gun Salute - Exclusive Stories

When you think of classic cars in India, the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance inevitably comes to mind. More than just a staple of the Indian classic car events calendar, it has earned a well-deserved place on the global stage. Whether you're a history buff or a car enthusiast, this international vintage car rally offers an experience rich in heritage and spectacle. Meticulously curated, it stands as a rolling testament to India's storied automotive past.

For its 11th edition, the rally commenced with a grand flag-off at Delhi's iconic India Gate, before making its way to the Ambience Golf Greens in Gurgaon. If you think about it, it was quite symbolic, seamlessly bridging the nation's past and present.

What began as a gathering of gleaming metal has evolved into a full-fledged movement, positioning India as a key player in the global historic automobile conservation movement. As Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, aptly noted, the Concours significantly boosts heritage tourism – something evident from the enthusiastic crowds lining the streets in the early hours, eager to catch a glimpse of these moving masterpieces.

The procession itself was a symphony of polished chrome and exquisitely restored coachwork – an awe-inspiring sight. Over 125 vintage cars and 50 vintage motorcycles paraded through the capital, captivating both seasoned enthusiasts and casual onlookers. The grand culmination of the three-day event took place at Ambience Golf Greens, where an opulent setup awaited –the perfect stage for the show that just about to begin!

Among the automotive stars on display, several stood out – each representing a chapter in motoring history. The 1903 De Dion Bouton, the oldest entrant, offered a fascinating glimpse into the dawn of the automobile. Imagine the sheer engineering feat of its 402cc single-cylinder engine, propelling a horseless carriage down dusty roads over a century ago.

In stark contrast, the 1939 Delahaye Figoni et Falaschi embodied the flowing elegance of French Art Deco design in the pre-World War II era – giving me my first real-world encounter with this breathtaking automotive artistry. Then, there was the 1917 Ford Model T Roadster – a symbol of mass-produced motoring and a powerful reminder of the car’s transformative impact on society. This was the vehicle that put America – and the world – on wheels.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue were the cars with royal provenance. The 1935 Buick 90 L, once owned by Shrimati Maharani Lady Jagdamba Devi of Ayodhya, stood as a reminder of an era when automobiles were the ultimate symbols of prestige and power. Meanwhile, the 1935 Cadillac Fleetwood commanded attention with its imposing presence. This Cadillac was restored by Sara Auto Restorations, a Mumbai-based firm owned by collector and multiple Concours award winner Viveck Goenka and run by his nephew, Allan Almeida. The car was restored solely based on historical illustrations attributed to its original Fleetwood designer, John Hampshire.

Some notable names present at the event included Yohan Poonawalla, Diljeet Titus, Jimmy Tata, Gautam Singhania and Harshpati Singhania, along with presence of royalty from the princely states of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Rajkot, Baroda, Gondal, Mysore, Baroda, Gwalior, and Kutch.

These individuals – custodians of India's rich automotive heritage – not only brought their prized possessions to be admired but reinforce the event’s significance as a celebration of history.

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(L-R) 1978 MG MGB, 1950 MG YT Tourer, 1946 MG TC and 1949 MG TC Roadster. The MG connoisseurs were out in full force with their machines.

The procession was a symphony of polished chrome and exquisite coachwork

(Top ) 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom II Windovers Limousine, once owned by the Patiala royal family. and (bottom) a 1922 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.