The royal families of pre-independent India were huge petrol heads, and since the dawn of automobiles, many bespoke units made their ways into the royal families of India. One such luxurious car was a Bentley Mark VI now owned by billionaire industrialist Yohan Poonawalla, which is named 'Mysore 1'. The 'Mysore 1' participated in the Annual Rally & Concours d'Elegance organised by the International Club for Rolls Royce & Bentley Enthusiasts - the largest gathering of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars in the world - and competed in Class 10 of the contest. The event was held at the Burghley House located near Stamford, known as England's greatest Elizabethan House, between July 1 - July 3, 2022. The Mysore 1 went up against a collection of beautiful Bentleys, and emerged victorious in the class.
Receiving the 'Rob Emberson trophy' from the REC Chairman David Wyld, owner of the 'Mysore 1' Yohan Poonawalla said "I am happy the car was judged as the finest in its class from a line-up of very impressive Bentleys. I see this as a testament to the dedication and passion of my hardworking team and would like to thank everyone involved with this car".
Commenting on the success, concours consultant and curator of the car Mohammed Luqman Ali Khan said, "I feel privileged to have been part of this journey and to have presented this historic car to the judges. Being adjudged as the best in class by the REC, in the face of such stiff competition, is indeed commendable and that pronouncement, makes this extraordinary car; one of the best and most important Bentleys in the world"
The Bentley Mark VI - chassis B-294-EY in particular - was then owned by the then second richest man in the world, the Maharaja of Mysore. The car was coach built by Hooper & Co for the Maharaja in 1949 and had a whole host of bespoke features like illuminated shields and plaques in 24k gold & silver, coat of arms on doors, flag staffs, cabinets and folding trays, and cut glass toiletries set with silver tops. Its colourful scheme gave it the nickname "the Rhubarb & Custard car". Post being built, the car was photographed in front of the Hampton Court Palace, before making its way to India.
73 years after being photographed in front of the Hampton Court Palace, the Bentley Mark VI 'Mysore 1' was taken back to the scene for an iconic before and after photograph a day after the event. The car's final outing will be a visit to Crewe, the home of Bentley Motors Limited and the place of the car's birth, before making its way back to India. The 'Mysore 1' has previously also won the 'Best of Show' award at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d'Elegance and also the prestigious 'Duke of Marlborough Award' at Salon Prive, and is one of the highlights of the billionaire's collection.
