One of the greatest things about good architecture is its ability to transform a space entirely and create a certain environment for the people. This ability of architecture to redefine space completely is beneficial whether it’s a hotel that needs to be warm and welcoming, a castle that needs to be luxurious, a home that needs to be cozy, and a museum that needs to be expensive, vintage, and rustic. One example of good architecture that does exactly that is the Vintage and Classic car museum of Udaipur.
Before diving into the Vintage and Classic Car Museum of Udaipur, it is essential to know the worth of the city of Udaipur and how its historical significance plays a role in making the museum one of the Udaipur is a city in India that has one of the richest history of architecture and has a unique historical example of how medieval cities in India managed to create a close-knit relationship to nature. Many instances of vernacular architecture can be seen in Udaipur, which tells us about the settlements and the area’s evolution.
Udaipur, lying in the South of Rajasthan, is also called the City of Lakes and is often compared to Venice for its historical and romantic appeal. Aside from the beautiful medieval architecture, this city’s main feature is Lake Pichola, which influences the micro-climate of the entire city by providing evaporative and passive cooling during the hot summer months. The city has a rich feel, focusing on architecture, art, history, and religion. (Mandal, n.d.)
The history of Udaipur is filled with stories about the Mewar dynasty and the characteristics that differentiated them from all the other rulers of their time. They were the perfect combination of Mughal and Rajasthani culture and architecture, and the families of Mewar lived a very rich and fulfilling life. Most of the cars kept at the Vintage and Classic Car Museum Udaipur were once used by them. The museum was once known as the Mewar State Motor Garage (Palace Garage) and was designed to be away from the hustle and bustle of the central city to create a certain ambience for car enthusiasts to enjoy. (Agarwal, n.d.)
Vintage and Classic Car Museum Specifics
With the city’s rich culture and architecture, Udaipur serves as the perfect backdrop and city to have a Vintage and Classic car museum showcasing unique antique cars. This museum is not just a treat to the eyes of the average person but also a haven for automobile lovers with fascinating vehicles that are one of a kind and aren’t produced anymore. These stunning cars from the 20th century can be looked at, explored and studied by car enthusiasts. (Moorthy, 2017)
This museum is a real treat for those who love cars and everything that is car-related. This museum is set off the grounds of the renowned home of the Royal Family and is owned and maintained by them. The museum was inaugurated on 15th February of 2000 and hosted some of the rarest vintage cars, some as old as 70 years, including numerous Rolls Royce and Mercedes models. Among these cars, the Vintage and Classic Car Museum of Udaipur also holds the 1924 Rolls Royce 20HP, awarded the ‘Best of Class Category, Vintage Classic in the Cartier Travel with Style Concurs’ in 2008. (Chadha, n.d.) Moreover, this stunning collection of cars includes the exquisite 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom, which was used in Octopussy, the 1983 James Bond film. (Moorthy, 2017)
Other cars in this esteemed collection include a Buick (1946), Cadillacs from 1938-39, a Fors A (1930), a Morris Minor 100 (1959), and a Vauxhall 12 Deluxe (1947). The museum is accessible to the general public during the week from 9 am to 9 pm, and entry has a small fee for children and adults alike. (Moorthy, 2017)
The best thing about this museum is the amiable staff, ready to talk to enthusiasts and answer their questions in great detail. The Royal Family maintains these cars, and the Royal Garage regularly services them to keep them in great shape and top running order. Most of these vintage cars are in such excellent condition that they are functional, and if you are lucky enough, you might even see some of these cars being driven around by the team within the museum grounds.
The museum
Museum’s architecture is rustic, elegant, and simple and resembles the grace of the antique cars it displays. The vintage cars and the architecture of the Udaipur Museum come together beautifully and represent a moment beautifully held in time. The heritage that the city of Udaipur holds is significantly reflected in its Vintage Car Museum and the stunning cars it has.
Therefore, if you love cars, vintage aesthetics, and historical architecture, the Vintage and Classic car museum Udaipur is the perfect summer destination for you to visit, especially if you’re not from Udaipur. Everybody, from kids to adults, will have the time of their life in this stunning architectural building looking at shiny cars.
References
Agarwal, R., n.d. Vintage Car Museum Udaipur. [Online]
Available at: https://www.transindiatravels.com/rajasthan/udaipur/vintage-car-museum/
[Accessed 30 July 2023].
Chadha, S., n.d. Vintage and Classic Car Museum Udaipur. [Online]
Available at: https://myudaipurcity.com/vintage-classic-car-museum-udaipur/
[Accessed 30 July 2023].
Mandal, S., n.d. Architecture of Indian Cities: Udaipur – City of Lakes. [Online]
Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a1030-architecture-of-indian-cities-udaipur-city-of-lakes/
[Accessed 30 July 2023].
Moorthy, R., 2017. The Royal Vintage Car Museum Of The Maharaja, Udaipur. [Online]
Available at: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/the-royal-vintage-car-museum-of-the-maharaja-udaipur/
[Accessed 30 July 2023].
