Indian auction shows well-patinated gems

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With a full force auctions gale storming over Paris last weekend, we’d almost forget that there are other auctions elsewhere in the world. That’s until the news of a sale in New Delhi reached us. Osian’s auctioneers will be selling a large number of classic cars, together with a selection of Indian fine art on 27 February

There are some Indian assembled cars offered for sale, but what we like most is the state several of them are in. You can see they have been used regularly up until not very long ago. Fiat 1100s and Hindustan Ambassadors are the obvious vehicles. But how about a Daimler DB18 originally owned by the Maharaja of Morvi and reputedly put in storage after he ran over a black cat with it?

Or a Jaguar Mk4 in a two-tone colour scheme that must feel perfectly at home in India’s most colourful streets. And despite it being a Pre-War there’s even a massive 1934 Cadillac 7-seater, fully preserved up until its original paint. Another Cadillac we adore is a 1947 Series 60 Sedan in stunning maroon, also owned by a Maharaja when new and later given to his minister. A tired-looking Mercedes 220 of 1962-vintage was once owned by J.R.D. Tata of Tata Industries.

And then there are the BMC products. Wolseleys, Morrises and Austins plus a lovely and clearly very well used Riley Pathfinder that would certainly do very well in any preservation class, too.

There is a catch, though, as Gautam Sen, automotive expert & scholar & the Head for the Historical Vehicles Division for Osian's explains: “With more than 8,000 vintage & classic cars still existing in India that cannot be exported, the market potential is rather vast."...

If you have some spare minutes, we can never the less recommend you to have a look at their full catalogue here.

(Words editor, pictures Osian’s)

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