The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance 2026 concludes with a celebrated second edition in Udaipur | News
The second edition of The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance concluded at The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, reaffirming its position as one of the premier gatherings of classic cars and collectors in the region. Over three days, the event brought together leading historians, global collectors, designers and automotive connoisseurs for a compelling tribute to India’s unique automotive heritage, craftsmanship and culture.
A defining highlight of this year’s edition was the introduction of the Oberoi Tour d’Elegance, a scenic ride along the iconic Fateh Sagar Lake. Participating cars were experienced in motion against the romantic landscape of Udaipur, celebrating them not just as static historical art objects, but as living expressions of engineering, performance and timeless design.
Mr. Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, said, “The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance reflects our continued commitment to preserving heritage and celebrating India’s unique automotive history. We are delighted to welcome the global classic car community back to Udaipur and present an experience that honors both tradition and our commitment to restoration excellence.”
The 2026 edition, compiled by the well-known car historian Mr. Manvendra Singh, presented a carefully considered selection of cars from eras and regions. Each class offered a compelling story of design evolution, patronage and technical ingenuity.
Mr. Manvendra Singh, Curator of the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance commented, “India remains a remarkable repository of automotive history. The Oberoi Concours provides an exceptional platform to showcase these cars as cultural artefacts shaped by patrons, craftsmen and time.”
The jury was led by Chief Judge Ms Sandra Button, Chair of the Pebble Beach Concoursd’Elegance, alongside an international panel of leading experts including Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Michael Kadoorie, Giacomo Agostini, Jean Todt and Derek Bell and other renowned historians, collectors and specialists. Simon Kidston returned as the voice of the Concours, while celebrated automotive artist Tim Layzell joined as the official poster artist, signing limited edition artworks during the event.
Ms. Sandra Button, Chief Judge of the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance, added: “The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance continues to strengthen its presence on the global concours landscape. The quality of the cars and the respect for authenticity make it a meaningful gathering for collectors and historians alike.”
This year’s curated classes explored various dimensions of automotive heritage, from Indian Heritage Motor Racing and Indian Coachbuilt: Period and Modern Times to Cars of the Maharajahs – Jodhpur and Pre-War Classics – Rolls-Royce. A special Phantom retrospective traced a century of excellence at Rolls-Royce and underlined India’s enduring bond with the brand.
BMW Partners for the second year in a row
BMW partnered with the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to celebrating India’s automotive heritage. Through BMW Group Classic – the division responsible for all heritage activities – the brand once again demonstrated its enduring legacy and its belief that the future of mobility is rooted in heritage. After participating in the first edition, where it led the parade with the legendary BMW 328, BMW returned in 2026 with two spectacular cars: the iconic BMW 507 Roadster, considered one of the most sought-after cars in automotive history, and the BMW 3.0 CSL racing coupe, which marked the starting point of BMW M GmbH’s celebrated performance division.
Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of 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 captures the glamor of the 1950s, the 3.0 CSL reflects the racing spirit of the 1970s, and the Concept Speedtop offers a bold take on the luxury to come. This partnership highlights our commitment to exceptional design and engineering. For For Indian enthusiasts connect the event combines 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.
As the BMW Group approaches its 110th anniversary in 2026, the brand continues to combine its rich past, dynamic present and forward-looking future, preserving its heritage while evolving to meet the expectations of collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars makes a grand debut at the Oberoi Concours d’ Elegance
A decisive milestone of the 2026 edition was the grand debut of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as official partner of The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance. On the occasion of its first participation, the brand reflected on its historic and enduring bond with India while strengthening its commitment to the Indian market.
Set against the ethereal backdrop of Lake Pichola, the Rolls-Royce lounge on the lawns of The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur became a sophisticated gathering space for collectors and enthusiasts. The Black Badge Specter exhibition served as a compelling bridge between the brand’s storied past and its future, cementing its place within the Goodwood-era collector’s canon. As the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupe, the Specter fulfills Charles Rolls’ early vision of a car that would be ‘utterly silent and clean’, while embodying the same commitment to sustainability, bespoke craftsmanship and engineering excellence that has defined Rolls-Royce for more than a century.
Irene Nikkein, Regional Director Asia-Pacific, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “India occupies a unique and deeply meaningful place in the Rolls-Royce story – past, present and future. We see a new generation of customers who cherish a deep-rooted appreciation for bespoke craftsmanship and the depth of our heritage in equal measure. The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance reflects our own values of excellence and rarity, and it is a great pleasure to connect with the Indian classic automotive community and meeting so many enthusiasts and owners who continue to preserve the legacy of our cars.”
Rolls-Royce’s presence reflected India’s growing strategic importance within the brand’s global vision, with the country becoming the highest-growth market in the Asia-Pacific by 2025, achieving double-digit growth for four consecutive years.
Craftsmanship that goes beyond cars
Rolex was the official timekeeper of the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance, underlining the shared values of precision, endurance and timeless design. Thomas Goode brought an extra dimension of British heritage craftsmanship to the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance, enhancing the hospitality experience with his iconic fine tableware and enhancing the celebration of artistry beyond the automotive world.
Adding a sophisticated cultural narrative to the weekend’s celebrations, celebrated couturier Tarun Tahiliani presented an exclusive showcase inspired by his enduring design philosophy of India Modern – a vision that harmoniously bridges India’s rich artisanal heritage with today’s global aesthetic. Known for reinterpreting traditional craftsmanship through a modern lens, Tahiliani’s presentation reflected the spirit of The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance: precision, provenance and innovation. Intricate hand embroideries, heritage textiles and time-honored techniques were juxtaposed with flowing silhouettes and architectural customization, creating a dialogue between past and present. Like the cars on display – where ancient engineering and evolving design meet – the showcase reinforced the shared values of craftsmanship, evolution and timeless elegance that define both haute couture and classic motoring.
The event was further distinguished by the presence of members of the former royal families of India, including HH Maharaja Gaj Singhji of Jodhpur, HH Maharaja Himanshu Kumarsinhji of Gondal, Yuvraj Mahanaaryaman Scindia, Pratapsinh Gaekwad of Baroda, HH Maharajah Manujendra Shah of Tehri Garhwal and HH Maharaja Harshvardhan Singh of Dungarpur. reflecting the deep historical patronage of car culture in India.
Now in its second successful edition, the Oberoi Concours d’Elegance continues to evolve as a distinctive meeting point of design, engineering and culture, celebrating not only extraordinary cars, but also the enduring romance, craftsmanship and artistry that define them.
