Two 1911 Motor Car Advertisements During The British India Era
Two rare 1911 clippings of newspaper advertisements for motor cars, used by the British India Government. These two 1911 advertisements are from a time when the automobile was just emerging, which was invented only a decade ago. The newspaper clips are advertisements for the Standard and Darracq motor cars.
The Standard Motor Car’s advertisement reads –
“Pre-eminent in the preference of Princes and Potentates.
“H.R.H. The Durbar Standard Car built for his Majesty The King, and for the Royal Suite of visitors to the Durbar of the Coronation at Delhi.
“Government of India. 33 Standard cars built for the Nepal Expedition for His Majesty and Visitors.
“Vice Regal. Standard cars built at the Vice Regal command for the Royal Suite.
“Bombay Presidency. Standard Cars built at the Bombay Presidency’s command for the use of His Majesty during his stay in Bombay…”
Standard Motors bagged the major order from the British India Government. The vehicles were for the conveyance of King George V and his entourage during the 1911 Delhi Durbar. It was also for the King’s conveyance to the places he visited, including Bombay. Even for the hunting expedition with Nepal’s king. The cars were also allotted for the Viceroy and his staff during the durbar.
The second advertisement is of the Darracq motor car, a French automobile company. That was sold to a British company in 1905 when it was in its infancy. But later closed down after changing hands several times. This was because the car’s engine had serious design flaws that could not be properly rectified. Nevertheless, the Darracq in 1911 bagged orders for around thirty cars for the Delhi Durbar. Click on the photo to enlarge.
Did you know- that Darracq’s cost of GBP295, as mentioned in this 1911 advertisement, would be now GBP41,457 after adjusting for inflation, converting into Indian currency rates, it would be slightly more than Rs 4 crores.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#15)., 2 Old Photos – Eden Gardens & William Peel Statue Kolkatta., Marina & Senate House Madras 1900s, 3 Old Postcards., Electric Trams For The City of Madras, Old Print 1973.
