2 of Pranlal Bhogilal’s vintage cars on display at automobile museum at France
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Two rare vintage cars from the late Pranlal Bhogilal's private collection are being showcased at France's National Automobile Museum. The 1927 Hispanzo-Suiza H6C, which won 'Best of Show' at a recent event, remains on display through August.
A Global Spotlight on Indian Automotive Heritage
The recent exhibition of two iconic vintage automobiles from the late Pranlal Bhogilal’s collection at the National Automobile Museum (Musée National de l’Automobile) in Mulhouse, France, represents a significant moment for Indian automotive preservation. By showcasing a 1927 Hispanzo-Suiza H6C and a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K on an international stage, the legacy of one of India’s most prolific collectors is being honored far beyond the borders of his private estate in Kathwada, Ahmedabad.
The Legacy of the Auto World Museum
Pranlal Bhogilal was a visionary who recognized the historical importance of automotive engineering long before vintage car preservation became a mainstream hobby in India. In 1927, he established his extensive collection within his 2,200-acre private estate. This site eventually evolved into the Dastan Auto World Museum, a sanctuary for rare machinery that has served as a repository for automotive history for decades. His passing in 2011 left behind a legacy that continues to command respect in the global vintage car community.
International Recognition and Acclaim
The selection of these specific vehicles for the Concours d’Elegance International highlights their mechanical and aesthetic significance. The 1927 Hispanzo-Suiza H6C’s achievement in winning the “Best of Show” award at the Mulhouse event is a testament to the meticulous maintenance provided by the custodians of the Bhogilal collection. Such recognition at a premier European institution validates the quality of preservation efforts currently underway at the Ahmedabad-based museum.
Bridging Cultural and Engineering Divides
Events like the exhibition in France serve as a bridge between Indian automotive history and the global collector market. By participating in this two-month special exhibition, the Dastan Auto World Museum is not merely displaying static objects but is actively engaging in cultural diplomacy. These cars represent a bygone era of luxury and technical innovation that transcends geography, allowing European audiences to appreciate the depth of private collections housed within India.
Future Trends in Vintage Preservation
The continued display of these vehicles through August underscores a growing trend of international collaboration among world-class museums. As vintage cars become increasingly recognized as mobile historical artifacts, institutions like the Musée National de l’Automobile are playing a pivotal role in keeping these machines relevant. For the Dastan Auto World Museum, this international exposure provides a platform to inspire the next generation of enthusiasts and historians to value the engineering marvels of the early 20th century.