The 11th edition of the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance concluded at the Leela Ambience Golf Greens, showcasing a spectacular blend of vintage automobiles and rich Indian cultural heritage. The highlight of the event was the crowning of the 1922 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, originally owned by the princely state of Mayurbhanj, as the overall winner. This vehicle, currently owned by Dhanraj Gidwani since 1992, captivated the audience and impressed the jury with its timeless elegance and meticulous preservation.
Olympic champion and politician Babita Phogat, along with former Indian women's cricket team captain Anjum Chopra, attended the event as chief guests. They honoured winners across various categories, alongside special guest Maharaja Mandhata Singh Jadeja of Rajkot. Gidwani expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling all exhibited cars 'special and priceless.'
The event featured an extraordinary line-up of rare automobiles, attracting over 25,000 enthusiasts and visitors from across the country. Notable among them was the 1935 Buick 90L (ex-Ayodhya), owned by Diljit Titus, which secured first place in the Post War American Coupe category due to its historical significance and exceptional restoration.
Cultural celebrations were integral to the experience, with traditional Indian folk dances like Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Bhangra, and Giddha adding vibrancy and authenticity to the gathering. The international jury, comprising experts from the US, UK, Japan, and Belgium, meticulously assessed each vehicle, reaffirming the global stature of the event.
Attendees were particularly drawn to the oldest car on display—a 1903 De Dion Bouton, exhibited by Hemant Kumar Ruia. Ruia described the opportunity to showcase this historic automobile as 'a moment of immense pride.' Another attraction was the 1928 Chrysler presented by His Highness Mandhata Singh Ji of Rajkot, who praised the event's celebration of automotive heritage.
A rare and notable highlight was a custom-built 1948 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Coupe, originally made for the Maharani of Baroda, now owned by collector Madan Mohan. Returning to India after decades abroad, this Bentley stood out for its unique upholstery and historical significance, described by Mohan as 'an essential piece of India's motoring legacy.'
Vintage car enthusiast Shanker Sundara from Chennai, who showcased a 1938 MGTA Tickford DHC, highlighted the passion for classic automobiles among visitors as inspiring.
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