Imagine a scene that brings to mind the romantic and idyllic landscapes that inspired poets like Wordsworth and Clare. In the midst of this picturesque setting, you spot a worn-out and beaten 1937 Rolls-Royce parked beside an old barn
The car’s tired appearance and tattered exterior reveal a history of wear and tear, as if it has been neglected and abandoned by the world around it. Despite its age and weathered condition, the car’s presence in this rustic setting evokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, a reminder of a bygone era that time has forgotten.
The car’s majestic appearance was truly awe-inspiring. Its aluminum body, which had been crafted by skilled human hands, was adorned with dozens of shades of black and silver, creating a stunning visual display. As Rupert pressed the start button, it was almost unbelievable to hear the loud noise that emanated from the car. Suddenly, the massive 4257cc inline six engine roared to life with a soft cough, accompanied by the satisfying click of the push rod. The feeling of power and strength that filled the air was palpable, leaving no doubt that this car was a force to be reckoned with.
Rupert’s beloved car holds a special place in his heart, and he takes great care of it, polishing it every six months to keep it shining like new. Even the rust on the car holds a certain charm, adding to its unique character and history. However, Rupert’s joy is sometimes marred by the pesky pigeons that constantly perch on his car, leaving him no choice but to shoo them away.
Rupert and Jan Gray with their close and reliable Rolls-Royce
Despite its age and wear and tear, the car has remained remarkably original over the years, with the only exception being the driver’s rear spoiler, which was damaged in a collision with a London taxi in the 1970s. Despite this setback, the car continues to roam the roads, carrying on its legacy and capturing the hearts of all who behold it.
As he speaks, it becomes clear that the car holds a special significance for him, a connection that goes back generations. Commissioned in 1936 by Lady Edgecumbe, the car eventually found its way into his father’s possession. A successful doctor in London, his father relished the idea of driving a Rolls-Royce to visit his wealthy patients in the upmarket neighborhood of Kensington. As a child, he would accompany his father on these visits, his job to unscrew the angel hood ornament and follow him into the opulent houses.
While his father tended to his patients upstairs, he would spend time in the kitchens, chatting with the servants and soaking up the atmosphere of these exceptional homes. The memories of those early days remain vivid in his mind, and as he speaks, it’s clear that the car represents far more than just a vehicle – it’s a symbol of a bygone era, a time when wealth and privilege were on full display, and anything seemed possible.
The journey of the car on the dirt roads in India
Elling the world and documenting his experiences through his camera lens. Yet, the memory of his father’s beloved car lingered on in his mind, and he knew that he couldn’t let it go to waste.
Finally, in 2010, Gray made the decision to restore the Rolls-Royce to its former glory. It was a labor of love, and Gray poured his heart and soul into the project. He sourced original parts from all over the world and meticulously refurbished every inch of the car.
The end result was nothing short of stunning. The Rolls-Royce was once again a masterpiece of engineering, gleaming in all its former glory. Gray took it out for a spin, and the feeling was indescribable. He had not only restored his father’s legacy, but he had also created his own.
The story of Gray’s family was one of constant adventure and exploration, from the remote reaches of Borneo to the bustling cities of India. They had seen and experienced so much together, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
But there was one thing that had remained constant throughout it all – the Rolls-Royce. It had been a steadfast companion on their family holidays to France, but had never ventured further afield.
That all changed when Rupert heard the tale of the maharaja and his dustcarts. The idea to take the Rolls on an epic journey across India began to take hold, and he couldn’t shake it from his mind.
And so, with his family by his side, Rupert set out on the adventure of a lifetime. They crossed vast deserts and navigated treacherous mountain passes, all the while surrounded by the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of India
Gray’s dream of taking the Rolls-Royce on a grand adventure across India was becoming a reality, but it was not without its challenges. The car had been in need of some serious repairs, and time was running out.
With the help of fellow Rolls-Royce enthusiasts and fans of the marque dotted across India, Gray began to chart their route through the continent. It was a daunting task, but one that they were determined to accomplish.
However, just six months before they were due to set off, disaster struck. During the freezing winter of 2011, Gray forgot to put in coolant and the engine froze. It was clear that a full rebuild was necessary, and time was not on their side.
Thankfully, they found a skilled mechanic named Jim Stokes of Jim Stokes Workshops, who was more than willing to take on the challenge. He rebuilt the car from the ground up, right down to the gearbox, and the end result was nothing short of miraculous.
Despite the hefty cost of the repairs, Gray and his family knew that they had made the right choice. And when Jim Stokes personally guaranteed the car’s condition, they knew that they were in good hands.
With the Rolls-Royce restored to its former glory, they set out on their journey with renewed vigor and excitement. The road ahead was long and uncertain, but they knew that they were ready for whatever lay ahead.
As Gray and his family made their way through India in their newly restored Rolls-Royce, they were joined by a surprise guest – their godson, Oliver McGarvey. Oliver had recently left film school in Paris, and though Gray was initially hesitant to bring him along, he proved to be an invaluable addition to the group.
At first, they were thrilled to have Oliver join them for a few weeks, but he quickly became an integral part of the team and ended up staying for six months.
As they continued their journey, Gray’s fears about the car’s reliability began to resurface. They found themselves stuck in traffic in the sweltering heat of Ahmedabad, with lorries abandoned by their drivers clogging the roads. Gray knew that if the engine overheated, it could be irreparably damaged.
To make matters worse, the crowd that had gathered around them went from friendly to hostile in a matter of moments. But Gray and his family were not ones to be easily intimidated, and they waited patiently for their chance to escape.
Finally, the truck in front of them moved, and they took off at full speed. They were relieved to leave the chaos behind and grateful to have Oliver there to capture the whole experience on film. It was just one of the many challenges they would face on their incredible journey through India.
When the Greys took their journey across India, they stayed in a variety of accommodations, ranging from the opulent palaces of the maharajas in Rajasthan to budget-friendly hotels in Uttar Pradesh, and even timber-framed houses high in the Naga Hills. Their journey eventually led them to Bangladesh, where they attended the Chobi Mela, an international festival celebrating photography and human rights.
This was a special moment for Gray, who had attended the festival many times before, and he was thrilled to be able to attend with his family and their Rolls-Royce. The event was founded by their close friend, Dr. Shahidul Alam, a photographer and activist who had been imprisoned and tortured for speaking out on Facebook. During the festival procession, Dr. Alam sat on the car’s roof, smiling like a Buddha. The combination of the vintage Rolls-Royce and the English aristocrat may have seemed an unlikely symbol at a human rights festival, but Gray insists that “it just worked, everybody loved it.”
The family was ecstatic after leaving the festival but soon found themselves in a difficult situation. They were rushing through the night to leave Bangladesh before their visa expired, but they encountered a hartal, a political strike that prohibits the use of any motorized vehicle on the roads.
Unaware of the strike, they stopped to ask for directions and a crowd began to gather around them. The shouting turned into gesticulating, and the crowd became more hostile. Grey quickly drove forward, and a gap opened up in front of them. He quickly drove away, and a few hundred yards later they saw a police station, where they stopped and hid for a while.
Once upon a time, while navigating the roads of India in a Rolls-Royce, the travelers faced a difficult challenge. The locals seemed to pay no attention to any traffic laws or regulations, and were fond of making daring overtaking maneuvers that could be described as near-suicidal.
Despite the car accumulating numerous battle scars throughout their adventure, it wasn’t always the Rolls-Royce that ended up in the worst condition. One day, while driving through a traffic jam, the travelers suddenly heard shouts of protest from the front of the car.
Upon investigation, they discovered that the Rolls-Royce’s bumper had caught two motorized rickshaws – one on each side. The bumper was slowly turning them around, causing them to go sideways and risking them to tip over, despite being fully loaded with about 10 people in each one.
The travelers got out of the car and had to lift the rickshaws off the bumper. Luckily, no damage was done, and they ended up laughing about the situation afterwards. However, at the time, the driver felt like a complete idiot.
Once upon a time, a couple embarked on a journey across India. They parked their car in Kolkata and traveled by train to Bangalore in the south. Meanwhile, their trusted support vehicle, a Royal Enfield, retired and McGarvey went off on his own with a Rolls-Royce that had seen better days, along the coast. They were to be reunited a few days later.
The trio then continued their adventure, driving from the coast to Goa and ultimately to Mumbai. Over the course of six months, they had covered over 8,000 miles.
While they had captured countless memories, from the slums of Mumbai to the palaces of the maharajas, perhaps the most vivid images were yet to come.
Once upon a time, after their incredible journey across India, McGarvey returned to the UK and began editing his footage. He spent years tirelessly working on it, and eventually, with Sharon Stone as executive producer, their imagery and recordings were brought to life in a motion picture that documented their family’s adventure – Romantic Road.
As they watched the finished product, the family members wondered if seeing their trip from an outside perspective would give them a greater understanding of India. However, Gray was quick to dismiss that idea.
“I don’t think I will ever claim to have an understanding of India,” he said. “It’s such a complex and varied country, with so many different parts. We were in love with it when we started, and we stayed in love with it throughout.”
Thanks for the beautiful pictures: Images: Max Edleston/Rupert Grey
SRC: https://classiccarsite.us/
