In Part 1, we all have witnessed the exquisite classic car collection at GONDAL of 1930’s, 1950’s and 1970’s.
Sardar Patel Darwaja, Junagadh
In this post we will take a peek into the cars the Royal family bought as part of their heritage collection which are from the 1940s’ era.
Junagadh morning
As we threaded our way in the bustling city of Junagadh, the early morning presented a quiet and serene picture. A few people could be seen and many of them were huddled around this imposing structure, that was designed with both Hindu and Islamic architecture, known as the Sardar Patel Darwaja.
Built in the memory of Sardar Patel, the iron man of India, responsible for unifying this city into the Indian union in 1948.
American cars, 1940’s, Gondal
the classic cars at the Orchard Palace, Gondal, Gujarat
During the 1940’s, American car design was largely influenced by, robustness, had aerodynamic shapes due to wartime building techniques.
Big, imposing front grilles, rounded fenders, automatic transmissions and strong V8 engines made them popular.
Come, let’s see a few at Gondal 🚗
These cars, belong to the Royal family of Maharaja Jyotendra Singhji of Gondal.
Studebaker
the 1947, 6-cylinder Studebaker Convertible seen at the Orchard Palace,
Gondal, Gujarat had become famous world over after the 2nd World War
Mercury
of post war elegance, stood regal at
the Orchard Palace, Gondal, Gujarat
Fraser
Oldsmobile
fresh garnish. Economic pricing, good engineering and handsome style made these cars one
of the few best immediate post-war General Motors created. You can easily identify
with one-piece front bumpers, down-turned four-bar grilles with a center post
Cadillac
by its long, sleek lines that set the standard for automotive styling in the post-war era.
Her power train was a robust V8 engine, providing a smooth and powerful
driving experience. This model also marked Cadillac’s move into
automotive advancement and luxury
Featured a fastback design which would be copied by many car designers.
Even Bentley, copied it. Excellent design helped her to
survive through the 40’s and became a Cadillac signature
Lincoln
design and the powerful V12 engine, a rarity in American sedans of that era.
It boasted of luxurious interiors and advanced engineering, like a hydraulic power top
and sophisticated suspension system.
luxury and typical design, featured elegant, long flowing lines and a
sophisticated, hand-built quality. Powered by a V12 engine.
Only very rich could afford for its high price.
Buick
Known for elegant design, streamlined body and she epitomized post-war
American automotive expertise. Famous for offering Dynaflow automatic
transmission, which provided a smoother and effortless driving experience
Willys Jeep
Unique for its rugged and multipurpose design, making it the most popular military
vehicle of World War II. Reliability, maneuverability, and ability
to climb rough terrain, earned it a legendary status
Ford pickup
half ton pickup is known for its streamlined body compared to its predecessors.
This pickup set the stage for modern truck aesthetics.
This model ended the pre-F-Series era of trucks
Dodge truck
and practical catering to the needs of that era’s American farmers and small
businesses. Highly functional and versatile for various commercial uses
Did you enjoy the wonderful 1940’s car collection of the Royal family at Gondal, Gujarat? I hope you did 🤗
Part 3
In the Part 3 of Gondal classic cars, we will dive into the 1960’s collection.
Part 4
Gondal Royal family has a stupendous European collection of classic cars. A must see, Part 4.
Part 5
You will be amazed to see how the Royal family of the former Gondal princely state travelled across India in Part 5. They travelled in their personally owned Saloon Train Carriage.
Part 6
Smell the wet earth, experience serenity as you wander through a Japanese Garden 🌿in Part 6.
See you there 👌
Inference
- 1947 Studebaker Convertible
- 1947 Mercury Eight
- 1947 Frazer Standard Manhattan
- 1947 Oldsmobile
- 1947 Cadillac Convertible
- 1941 Cadillac
- 1947 Lincoln Zephyr V12
- 1946 Lincoln Continental
- 1947 Buick Convertible
- 1941 Willys Jeep MB
- 1947 Ford Pickup
- 1947 Dodge truck
| Distance from Junagadh to the Orchard Palace | 66 kms |
| Best time to visit | December through early March, avoid summers |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed from 12 pm to 3 pm for lunch) Time Required: 2-3 hours Closed on Mondays |
| Parking | The Orchard Palace has its own parking |
| Pocket pinch | Entry Fee: Indians – Vintage Car Museum Rs.120 Camera – Rs.80 Mobile camera – Rs.80 Video Shooting charge:Rs.200 |
| Places to visit around | Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Naulakha Palace Shri Ramanath Dham |
SPITFIRE GAUTAM 