MUMBAI: Billionaire industrialist and avid automobile enthusiast Yohan Poonawalla was recently awarded the prestigious Vintage & Classic car Vanguard of India Legacy Excellence Award by Amruta Fadnavis at the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI) Annual Vintage Car Fiesta. The event, held at the World Trade Centre in collaboration with the Directorate of Maharashtra Tourism, and the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), celebrated the artistry, ingenuity, and history of vintage and classic automobiles.
Yohan Poonawalla, a titan in the Indian industrial landscape, was also previously recognized as India’s Motoring Ambassador to the World at the 2023 VCCCI Annual Vintage Car Fiesta. This accolade acknowledges his unparalleled contribution to the historic vehicle movement and his remarkable efforts in putting India on the global motoring map. Yohan Poonawalla’s enviable collection of vintage, luxury and sports cars including some of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history.
At the heart of his collection is his latest acquisition the Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII Extended Wheelbase (EWB) and last Privacy Suite Phantom in the world which is India’s most expensive car and one of the most exquisite Rolls-Royces globally. His collection also features classic Bentleys, Jaguars, and American muscle cars, each meticulously maintained to preserve its historical significance.
As India’s Motoring Ambassador to the World, Yohan Poonawalla has consistently elevated the country’s rich automotive legacy to international prominence. His participation in premier global events such as Salon Privé, Concours of Elegance Hampton Court, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, RREC Annual Rally & Concours d’Elegance, Sandringham Pageant of Motoring, Valletta Concours, Icons Mallorca, Geneva International Motor show, Qatar and the legendary Mille Miglia in the UAE has earned him numerous accolades and brought pride to India.
In addition to showcasing India’s automotive heritage at these prestigious platforms, Poonawalla has also been a consistent winner at car rallies and races, earning top honours at the world’s leading motoring shows in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. His dedication to preserving and promoting vintage cars has cemented his reputation as a custodian of automotive excellence.
Reflecting on his recent honour, Yohan Poonawalla said, "It is a privilege to be recognized as India’s Motoring Ambassador to the World and to receive this ‘Vintage & Classic car Vanguard of India Legacy Excellence Award’. Cars are more than just machines—they are pieces of history and art that deserve to be cherished and preserved. I am committed to showcasing India’s rich automotive legacy on the global stage and am deeply grateful to VCCCI and its partners for organizing such a spectacular event."
Organized by VCCCI, India’s premier vintage and classic car organization. As one of India’s oldest and most respected vintage car clubs, VCCCI has played a pivotal role in bringing the entire automobile community together and celebrating the significant milestones in the world of vintage and classic automobiles. The event was a living museum of meticulously restored vehicles, each a testament to the artistry and engineering brilliance of its era.
With this recognition, Yohan Poonawalla continues to take India’s motoring legacy to the global podium, inspiring generations of enthusiasts and collectors to celebrate and preserve the history of automobiles.
