Oberoi Udaivilas launches concours d’elegance in Udaipur

Over its 90 year history, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has hosted prestigious classic and vintage car rallies across its various properties across India as a way to promote and preserve the country’s automotive heritage. And in keeping with this tradition, the Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur has announced that it will be hosting the inaugural Oberoi Concours d’Elegance from 16 – 18 February 2024. 

The luxury Indian hotel will showcase the finest vintage and classic automobiles and motorcycles from India and abroad. Set against the majestic backdrop of Lake Pichola and traditional domed architecture of the resort, the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance will celebrate the remarkable design and craftsmanship of the world’s most sought after and distinctive vehicles.

India has a rich and deep rooted history with motorcars that dates back to the 1890s. Over the centuries, thanks to the patronage of Indian royalty and private collectors, an automotive legacy flourished in the country. This legacy encompasses some of the rarest and most significant automobiles in history. The concours will be a unique opportunity to view some of these automobiles that have been restored and preserved over many generations. 

Speaking about this event, Arjun Oberoi, executive chairman of the Oberoi Group, said he was “delighted to host and promote the celebration of beauty, innovation, and craftsmanship that has defined a century of the most exceptional automobiles of the world”. 

“Our automotive legacy is amongst the most significant and historically important. With the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance, we look forward to placing India on the world’s concours stage and showcasing the very best of automotive heritage and excellence,” he said. 

Adding to the concours’ historic expertise is curator Manvendra Singh Barwani, India’s leading automotive historian. “The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance will take the heritage of automobile culture and the history of India to an international level, showcasing the finest vintage and classic automobiles and motorcycles,” he said. “Moreover, with Indian restoration work on par with international standards, we can compete with international entries on our home stage.”

In addition to Manvendra, a distinguished panel of classic car cognoscenti from across the globe will judge cars and motorcycles in different classifications, led by chief judge Sandra Button, chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.