It was truly a historical and momentous occasion for collectors of classic cars when Cartier unveiled its inaugural “Travel with Style” Concours D’Elegance, commemorating India’s automobile heritage at the Royal Western Turn Club in Mumbai.

At this exclusive and unique event, the owners of superb heritage automobiles – Maharajas and other royalty, as well as private collectors – all agreed to display the subjects of their passion in public, in some cases for the very first time.

With remarkable designs and craftsmanship which went into creating the most luxurious and distinctive of cars, these automobiles are classified as truly classic cars, some of which rank among the most priceless and prestigious in the world due to their extraordinary and imaginative design and coachbuilding.

A wonderful celebration of sixty hand chosen international classic cars from across the globe, utilitarian, sports or flamboyant, most of these elegant vehicles have never been exhibited on the international stage before.

“This event would not have been possible without the car owners, who kindly loaned us their remarkable automobiles, as part of this amazing Indian culture and like Cartier the jeweler, these 60 cars are jewels of India”, said Bernard Fornas, CEO of Cartier International.

Cartier guests were exclusively treated to the mystical opulence and elevated elegance with a private view of the Travel and Style exhibition celebration the automotive design and coach building of India’s belle époque.

In attendance were a select group of aficionados and collectors from within and outside the country to have a close view of some of the most incredible amalgam of international marques reflecting the tastes of the land, its royalty and gentry. It was magnificent display of a collection of Continental and American Classics to customized cars to their typical Indian milieu making it one of the most exotic display anywhere in the world, a fact which confounded the international Judges while awarding the prizes for the ‘ Concours ‘ ( competion ) in Elegance.

For HMCI the event turned out to be a recognition and milestone with 20 entries covering all the categories representing 12 owners. It also had the distinction of winning the prestigious prizes of Post War Classic for 1952 Cadillac Series 62 owned by Diljeet Titus and Exotic for 1923 Rolls-Royce-20 hp owned by Dharamaditya Patnaik.

Master of Ceremonies, Alain de Cadenet announced the final winners which were judged by H. R. H. Prince Michael of Kent, I, The Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie, Nick mason, Peter Steven, Gordon Murray, James Lindsay, Don McCullin, CBE, Mark Stewart and Simon Kidston.

The Cartier ‘Travel with Style’ Concours d’Elegance has established India as a traditional venue for the world renowned Concours as a permanent fixture on the International Classic Car circuit.