Swan Car

Made to shock

A bizarre sight, this Brooke 'Swan Car'. No surprise, since it was dreamed up by an eccentric character, Robert Nicholl 'Scotty' Matthewson. This wealthy Scot lived in the early twentieth century in Calcutta, the capital of what was then called British India, later India. Matthewson wanted to shock the local elite with his car. And he succeeded.

A striking appearance

The first appearance of the Swan Car in Calcutta traffic made the headlines: "Women started screaming" and "The cattle walking in the streets scattered in all directions." And this while traffic in Calcutta was already very busy and chaotic at the time. The reaction of the authorities was predictable, and the Swan Car was no longer allowed to appear on the streets.

A work of art on wheels

The appearance was that of a swan, probably inspired by the Swan Park in Calcutta, where Matthewson lived. The accessories of the car are just as remarkable as the appearance of this work of art on wheels, especially the ability to spray hot water from the swans beak and the brushes to clean the tires.

The Maharaja of Nabha

Matthewson decided to sell his car. A buyer was found in the person of the Maharaja of Nabha. After a conflict with the neighboring principality, this Maharaja was forced to abdicate. His son, then 9 years old, succeeded him. For this son a Baby Swan was built, which forms a unity with the Swan Car.

Meet the Swan Car

The cars were rarely used anymore, and in the 1980s part of the Maharaja of Nabha's fleet was sold, including the legendary Swan Car. Both cars were acquired by the Louwman Museum and underwent a very extensive restoration.

Experience this masterpiece up close

Dont wait another moment to see this masterpiece in real life. Plan your visit to the Louwman Museum!