As the sun set over the serene lake, the roar of engines signaled the end of a spectacular day, underscoring that the spirit of motoring heritage in Eastern India is not merely alive but flourishing vibrantly. The Lake Club in Kolkata was transformed into a dazzling gallery of automotive history on Sunday, hosting the fifth edition of the Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) Concours d'Elegance 2026. This prestigious event set the venue ablaze with a breathtaking collection of heritage vehicles, blending mechanical genius with timeless glamour under clear blue skies.
A Majestic Backdrop for Automotive Royalty
The sprawling emerald lawns of The Lake Club provided a majestic backdrop for what has officially become the crown jewel of Kolkata's motoring calendar. Founded by EIMG President Shrivardhan Kanoria, the event aims to bring international-standard judging to Eastern India, rivaling the world's best concours competitions. Kanoria, serving as Chief Judge, led a distinguished panel that included Avik Naha, Shubhajit Kumar, and Swapan Kumar Lahiri, meticulously scrutinizing each vehicle for authenticity, restoration quality, provenance, and the personal connection between machine and owner.
Stars of the Show: Jewels on Wheels
The 2026 edition featured a lineup reminiscent of a "who's who" in automotive royalty, with several standout vehicles captivating attendees.
- The Best of Show: The ultimate honor, The Shashi Kanoria Memorial-Best of Show, was awarded to Krish Ajmera's magnificent 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine, a testament to its pristine condition and historical significance.
- The Rolls-Royce Row: A spectacular assembly of "The Best Car in the World" adorned the lawns, including a 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 owned by The Karnani Family and Avik Naha's 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30, a former "Best of Show" winner.
- The Survivor: A rare 1938 Adler, owned by former police officer Gadai Chandra Dey, stole hearts with its wartime history. Buried in 1939 to avoid acquisition by the US Army, it was salvaged in 1965 and meticulously restored to its former glory.
- The Celebrity Connection: Saikat Dutta's 1963 Triumph Spitfire, formerly owned by actor Jackie Shroff, turned heads, while Amritendu Roy's Ford Anglia, famous for its role in the Harry Potter universe, delighted fans of all ages.
- Legendary Provenance: The 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, nicknamed "Nilu," once owned by legendary singer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and now maintained by Swapan Kumar Lahiri, continued its streak of admiration after winning top honors last year.
Beyond the Competition: Rare Gems and Collaborative Success
Beyond the fierce competition, the event showcased rare gems like Yogesh Agarwalla's 1925 AC Royal, a century-old veteran of the Kolkata circuit, and a historical Jaguar E-Type owned by Dharmaditya (Julia) Patnaik, recently resurrected by Concours Restorations. The EIMG collection itself added panache, displaying a rare 1936 Bentley 3.5L and a 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 from Shrivardhan Kanoria's personal stable.
Shrivardhan Kanoria remarked, "The competition has become tougher each year with the very best of the best locking horns for top honors." The success of the day was a testament to the collaboration between EIMG and The Lake Club, with special thanks extended to Lake Club President Indranil Ghosh and the committee for their impeccable hospitality, including a lavish cocktail brunch. EIMG Secretary Subhajit Kumar was praised for bridging the two organizations, and Vice President Avik Naha for hosting the celebratory Concours Dinner.
As engines roared to life for the journey home, it was clear that events like the EIMG Concours d'Elegance are pivotal in preserving and celebrating the rich automotive heritage of Eastern India, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
