1919 Maharaja of Nabha Cygnet

This is probably the oldest Indian-made automobile in the world. The Maharaja of Nabha had it built in his own garages for use on his estate to accompany the larger and even more extravagant Brooke Swan Car. It was called the 'Baby Swan' or 'Cygnet.' Passionately fond of motor cars, of which he possessed several rare models, the Maharaja of Nabha was also the founder of the Vintage Automobile Association of India.

The original Swan Car is a work of art that was the creation of the eccentric and wealthy Robert Nicholl 'Scotty' Matthewson, who lived in Calcutta. It was built by JW Brooke and Company in Lowestoft, England, to resemble a swan gliding through the water. Brooke made both cars and boats, so the Swan car combined both in one vehicle. Matthewson later sold the car to the Maharaja of Nabha, whose family owned it for more than seven decades. In 1990, the car was sold at auction and purchased by the Louwman Museum in the Netherlands. It was given a complete restoration, including new upholstery from India.

Both the Brooke Swan Car and the Cygnet are currently in the car of the Louwman Museum.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2012