Against the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola and the palatial splendour of The Oberoi Udaivilas, the second edition of The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance unfolded not merely as an event, but as an assertion. Over three immersive days, Udaipur was transformed into a living museum of motoring excellence, where chrome gleamed beneath the winter sun and conversations flowed as effortlessly as the city’s storied lakes. The 2026 edition reaffirmed the Concours’ position as one of the most significant gatherings of classic automobiles and collectors in the region, a rare confluence of historians, global collectors, designers and connoisseurs bound by reverence for the automobile as art.
If a single moment defined this year’s edition, it was the introduction of The Oberoi Tour d’Elegance. Along the iconic stretch bordering Fateh Sagar Lake, participating automobiles were liberated from manicured lawns and allowed to reclaim their essential identity: machines in motion. There is something profoundly stirring about witnessing a vintage engine hum against the romantic Aravalli backdrop. These were not static relics frozen in time, but living embodiments of engineering daring and aesthetic audacity. As they glided past curious onlookers and shimmering waters, the cars seemed to whisper stories of distant circuits, royal garages and an era when craftsmanship reigned supreme. The Tour was not a parade. It was a pilgrimage.
Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, said, “The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance reflects our enduring commitment to preserving heritage and celebrating India’s unique motoring history. We are delighted to once again welcome the global classic automobile community to Udaipur and to present an experience that honours both tradition and our commitment to restoration excellence.”
Curated by noted automotive historian Mr. Manvendra Singh, the 2026 edition presented a carefully considered selection of automobiles spanning eras and geographies. Each class offered a compelling narrative of design evolution, patronage and technical ingenuity.
For the second consecutive year, BMW returned as a partner, underscoring its abiding commitment to India’s motoring heritage. Through BMW Group Classic, the marque once again articulated a philosophy that feels almost paradoxical in its simplicity: that the future of mobility must remain anchored in its past.
Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “Our partnership with the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance 2026 celebrates the link between automotive heritage and the future. The BMW 507 reflects the glamour of the 1950s, the 3.0 CSL captures the racing spirit of the 1970s, and the Concept Speedtop offers a bold look at the luxury to come. This collaboration highlights our commitment to exceptional design and engineering. For Indian enthusiasts, the event connects the timeless charm of classic cars with the innovative spirit of modern motoring. Above all, BMW’s presence shows that true luxury is not just about the car itself, but about meaningful experiences and the pure ‘Joy’ that only iconic creations can inspire.”
Following its inaugural participation, where it led the parade with the legendary BMW 328, BMW arrived in 2026 with two icons that elicited collective admiration. The BMW 507 Roadster, widely regarded as one of the most desirable cars in automotive history, stood as a sculpture in aluminium and intent. Nearby, the BMW 3.0 CSL commanded attention, its racing pedigree marking the genesis of the celebrated M performance division. Together, they narrated a story of evolution, from post war optimism to motorsport dominance, without ever sacrificing the brand’s intrinsic elegance. A defining milestone of the 2026 edition was the grand debut of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as an official partner. Set against the ethereal backdrop of Lake Pichola, the marque’s lounge became a refined sanctuary for collectors and aesthetes alike.
Irene Nikkein, Regional Director Asia-Pacific, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “India occupies a unique and highly meaningful place in the story of Rolls-Royce – past, present and future. We see a new generation of clients who bear a deep-seated appreciation for Bespoke craftsmanship and the depth of our heritage in equal measure. The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance mirrors our own values of excellence and rarity, and it is a profound pleasure to engage with the Indian classic car community and meet so many enthusiasts and owners who continue to preserve the legacy of our motor cars.”
At its heart stood the Rolls-Royce Spectre in its Black Badge expression, a compelling bridge between a storied past and an electrified future. As the world’s first ultra luxury electric super coupé, Spectre fulfils Charles Rolls’ prophetic vision of a motor car that would be perfectly noiseless and clean. Yet it remains unmistakably Rolls Royce in its permanence, its Bespoke craftsmanship and its engineering gravitas. In Udaipur, heritage did not resist progress. It embraced it.
Time itself found a custodian in Rolex, which served as the Official Timekeeper of The Oberoi Concours. The partnership underscored shared values of precision, endurance and timeless design, reminding attendees that mastery of mechanics transcends categories.
British heritage house Thomas Goode brought an added dimension of craftsmanship, enhancing the hospitality experience with its iconic fine tableware. The result was an environment where artistry extended beyond the automobile and onto the very tables at which conversations unfolded.
In a masterstroke of cultural synergy, celebrated couturier Tarun Tahiliani presented an exclusive showcase inspired by his philosophy of India Modern. Intricate hand embroideries and heritage textiles conversed fluently with fluid silhouettes and architectural tailoring, forging a dialogue between past and present. Much like the automobiles displayed on manicured lawns, Tahiliani’s creations demonstrated that tradition need not be static. It can evolve, reinterpret and still remain authentic. The weekend thus became not merely a display of machines, but a meditation on provenance and progress.
The presence of India’s erstwhile royalty lent historical resonance to the proceedings. Among them were H.H. Maharaja Gaj Singhji of Jodhpur, H.H. Maharaja Himanshu Kumarsinhji of Gondal, Yuvraj Mahanaaryaman Scindia, Pratapsinh Gaekwad of Baroda, H.H. Maharajah Manujendra Shah of Tehri Garhwal and H.H. Maharaja Harshvardhan Singh of Dungarpur. Their attendance reflected a deep and enduring patronage of motoring culture in India, recalling an era when princely garages housed some of the world’s rarest automobiles. As the sun set over Udaipur and the final awards were conferred, one sensed that The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance had achieved something rare. It had transcended the format of a conventional car show. It had become a distinguished meeting point of design, engineering and culture, a celebration not merely of extraordinary automobiles, but of the romance, craftsmanship and artistry that render them eternal.
