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Originally Posted by DKG Without a doubt the logistics of managing such a vast collection is to say the least mind boggling. Not to mention the massive costs involved. But then a collection of this calibre and size does consume truck loads of money and monumental efforts. I hope he is able to figure out how best it can be managed and improved over time. I should think one would need a full team of highly competent staff with a full fledged inhouse workshop to be able to do justice to the cars.
Speedy along the lines of what Steve has done for the PIII's would it be possible for you to attempt doing that (time permitting) for the RR's in Mr. Bhogilal's collection? Coupled with pictures I can see that as material for a fabulous coffee table book, not to mention the contribution toward educating people and preseving factual information on the provenance of the RR's in his collection?
Infact there should be so many tales to tell by Mr. Bhogilal himself on how every car was acquired etc. I wish someone actually documents it all. I once heard an interesting story (not sure how true it was) that often he'd send his staff in a brand new Fiat to the Maharajah as inducement to exchange an old Roller. Sounds too fanciful eh??? Never know what people may have needed to do to acquire these beauties. Those Maharajahs definintely were an eccentric bunch. |
the cars as you see them today in the museum would remain in the same condition as he does not intend to restore them back to their hey days. his concern like i mentioned earlier is the trusted men that he once had and now at his ageand also health not permitting cannot be on the floor as he once used to. he used to have his own workshop and a staff of 20 people to look after the cars.
i would love to compile and document all his cars not only the RR's. the only thing is that his cars are not limited to only one city or even one location in a city. the cars that are in the museum are not to be fidled with so not much can be done about them, except from memory or old pictures that we have.
Mr. Bhogilal when in the mood would tell us alot of stories of the cars, especially when i would sleep in the back seat of some with my shoes on or he would catch me jumping off the fenders. alot of his cars were bought by my father for him and there are plenty of stories that my father could also share.
there was a certain maharaja whom my father had met in regards to some antiques that were to be bought for Mr.Bhogilal. my father was taken into a room next to the garden where the goods were waiting to be inspected before being loaded onto a truck. my father noticed something that looked like a car in the covers. on inquireing, it turned out to be a Hotch Kiss. he was told that the car was of no use and more of a gardeners use. my father took all the antiques plus gave two motorcycles dont remember the makes now for the car. he had picked up a RR phantom by handing over an ambassador because the Maharani had developed a fancy for it.
some cars and bikes were given with the victorian carriages that he bought and vice versa. |