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Delhi Durbar, India 1911
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Sir Charles Friswell became the
sole distributor of Standard Cars in 1905, and became the first Chairman of The Standard Motor Company. In 1911 he was
successful in persuading the Indian Government and The Vice Regal Department, to supply all the cars for the Delhi Durbar
Celebrations to mark the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India. In all 70
Standard Cars were sent, of six different types including 10 lorries for the carriage of beaters in the tiger hunting expeditions.
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| My thanks to Steve Gallichan for finding this picture |
THE FLEET OF MOTOR CARS BUILT BY THE
STANDARD MOTOR Co. in 1911 FOR KING GEORGE V AND QUEEN MARY'S VISIT TO INDIA FOR THE DELHI ROYAL DURBAH
TO COMMEMORATE THEIR CORONATION This is a genuine
original sepia print made by Newspaper Illustrations Limited of 161A Strand, London.
On the rear of the photograph is the following statement:
The first sign of
the near approach of the Durbah at Delhi is the completion and dispatch of the fleet of motor cars that have been specially
built for the convenience of their Majesties the King and Queen whilst they are at Durbah as the Emperor
and Empress of India. Messrs Friswells have just completed the order for the whole fleet, which may be detailed as follows. When their Majesties arrive
at Bombay on the 2nd Dec. where they will be received by the governor of the Province two 20 Hp 6 Cylinder Standard
cars for the use of their Majesties and ten for the the Royal visitors will be at command. Arriving at Delhi on the 7th
Dec., another fleet of Standard cars, painted in royal blue with red lines and upholstered in blue leather with the Royal
crown on the side panels will await the Royal visitors. Apart from this there is another fleet of Standard cars for the visitors
of the Government of India. These are painted cream and upholstered in green leather. After the Durbah comes the Nepah Shooting Expedition
taking place during the last days of December. For this purpose an entirely separate fleet has been built, comprising two
20HP Standard cars with luxurious landaulette bodies, two beautifully fitted double phaetons for the Royal visitors attending
the shoot and several 20HP lorries to convey the beaters and the impediments of the shoot.They make a wonderful fleet
of cars, are British made throughout being manufactured at the Coventry works of the Standard Motor Co. and Messrs. Friswells
are to be congratulated upon having completed so large an order to time. |
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| A delightful informal picture of |
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| HM King George V in coversation with his Chauffeur |
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| The special bonnet mascot as fitted to all cars |
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| 20 H.P. Landaulette |
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| 20 H.P. Double Phaeton Torpedo |
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