The 2007 “L’Impérial - Rallye d’Exception” travelled from Delhi to Udaipur, taking participants on an exotic journey across Rajasthan, land of the Maharajas. They discovered the region’s majestic temples and opulent palaces, as well as the Victorian architecture so emblematic of the country’s colonial past.
« Incredible India »
The tour brought « Incredible India » to life in vivid colour as some 20 drivers and their partners navigated their classic cars through contemporary India’s bustling city streets-driving on the left around obstacles that included sacred cows, elephants and rickshaws.
Enjoying the scenery
Speed was far from the objective of this 2,000 km tour; participants took time to savour the extraordinary surroundings, visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur (the Pink City), the Blue City Jodhpur, and Deogarh, whose residents greeted the tour with a shower of rose petals!
Exceptional accommodation
During the tour, participants were treated to a night at the Oberoi Amarvillas Hotel, located a mere 600 meters from the Taj Mahal and whose rooms all boast spectacular views of the monument, a night in an 18thcentury marble palace built in the middle of Pichola Lake, and a night at Deogarh Mahal, a 17th century fort that has been partially converted into a hotel and is still occupied by the Prince’s descendants.
They were also invited to cocktails at the palace of the King of the Maharajas, Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar, who shared his love of cars with a tour of his personal collection. With hospitality like this, it is difficult not to fall in love with the land of contrasts that is India.
Download the full record of the rally
This is the opportunity to reflect on a very unusual journey.
L’Impérial Classic is the only French company to offer vintage car rallies worldwide, combining not only speed but also the art of living and passion for cars.
These rallies, each centred on an exceptional destination, offer splendour, sophistication and true French style and elegance. These watchwords go hand in hand with the quality and originality of the hospitality on offer.
L’Impérial Classic could be nothing other than top of the range, and is today a major player in the vintage rally world. It combines receptions and private visits, fascinating spectacles in unique sites with tailor-made organisation, providing travel through sumptuous countries to explore culture and hitherto undiscovered sights.
L’Impérial Classic retains its fundamental principles, the guarantee of its success and its trademark : unique routes, precise preparation and « haute couture » style, trips which offer each participating team the chance to live their dream.
As a new decade dawns for l’Impérial Classic two outstanding new projects have been announced (the South Africa in 2016 and the end of the world : New Zealand in 2017).