The second edition of The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance concluded in Udaipur, India, with a 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre Drophead Coupé winning best of show for its royal provenance and preservation. Held over three days in February 2026 at The Oberoi Udaivilas, the event showcased nearly 100 classic vehicles and motorcycles, drawing collectors, historians, and members of Indian royal families. Highlights included a new scenic tour and partnerships with BMW and Rolls-Royce.
The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance 2026, curated by automotive historian Manvendra Singh and helmed by Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, took place against the backdrop of Lake Pichola at The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The three-day event featured close to 100 vehicles across 10 classes, including Pre-War Classics (European and American), Post-War Classics, Cars of the Maharajahs (Jodhpur), Indian Heritage Motor Racing, and a special Rolls-Royce Phantom retrospective. Four motorcycle classes were also on display, such as Veteran (Vintage) and Post-War Classics.
A new addition, The Oberoi Tour d’Elegance, allowed participating automobiles to drive along Fateh Sagar Lake, emphasizing their engineering and design in motion. The international jury, led by Sandra Button, Chairperson of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, included experts like three-time Formula 1 champion Jackie Stewart and 15-time Motorcycle World Champion Giacomo Agostini.
Best of show went to a 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre Drophead Coupé (chassis B77MX), originally delivered to the Nawab of Bhopal and gifted to Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. Judges praised its provenance, authenticity, and mechanical integrity. Other class winners included the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental for ‘Spirit of Elegance’, a 1926 Bugatti Type 23 ‘Brescia’ for ‘Spirit of Excellence’, a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, and a 1983 Premier Padmini customized for racing. Motorcycle accolades went to a 1953 Sunbeam S7, 1944 BSA M20, and 1926 Norton 16H. Pune industrialist Yohan Poonawalla received a special mention for his Rolls-Royce Phantoms display.
BMW returned as a partner, showcasing a 1950s BMW 507 Roadster and 1970s BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’. Rolls-Royce made its debut with the Black Badge Spectre electric coupé. Members of royal families, including Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur and Maharaja Himanshu Kumarsinhji of Gondal, attended. Fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani presented a showcase on the ‘Indian drape’, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern design.
Arjun Oberoi stated: “The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance reflects our enduring commitment to preserving heritage and celebrating India’s unique motoring history.” Sandra Button noted: “The quality of the automobiles and the respect for authenticity make it a meaningful gathering for collectors and historians alike.” The event underscored India’s role in global automotive history through princely patronage and restoration.
