Pune’s Yohan Poonawalla’s cars win major international awards in the UK

Three motor cars owned by leading industrialist and renowned collector Yohan Poonawalla won major awards at the Salon Prive Concours d’Elegance at Blenheim Palace, UK, one of the world’s leading automotive events. The cars were evaluated by esteemed jurors from the International Chief Judge Advisory Group and included two cars owned by Maharajas and a Rolls Royce that served as the transport of Queen Elizabeth II.
The awards represent both the rich automotive heritage of India as well as the strength of the Yohan Poonawalla Collection which features diverse and historically significant cars that have won critical acclaim in international circuits.

Winning the top honours, the prestigious ‘Duke of Marlborough Award’ was Yohan Poonwalla’s 1949 Bentley Mark VI 4-light Saloon by Hooper- fondly referred to as the ‘rhubarb and custard car’ for its bright red and yellow colouring and cream leather and piped green upholstery. Originally ordered by the Maharaja of Mysore, Sir Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, reportedly the second richest man in the world after the Nizam of Hyderabad, the car was personalised with special features including plaques and shields in solid silver and 24k Page 1 of 3 gold, and an illuminated plaque on the centre of the front of roof engraved with the royal coat arms of Mysore.

Yohan Poonawalla’s 1927 Rolls-Royce Twenty HP by Barker (pictured above) was awarded the ‘Most Exceptional Coachwork Award’. The car started life as a Rolls-Royce demonstrator and trials car, was subsequently owned by the Nawab of Sachin, HH Haidar Muhammad Yakut Khan. The car is an elegant four-door tourer in black and was used for state ceremonial and touring purposes. Its unique features include ivory colour painted controls, Stephen Grebel hunting lights, dual windshield with twin aprons, the Sachin State flag mounted on the radiator, the Nawab’s monogram hand-painted on doors, and an unusual set of 3 spare wheels.
Also winning an award was a majestic 1979 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Limousine by Mulliner Park Ward which was used by Queen Elizabeth II on several occasions. Motoring historian & Concours consultant Mohammed Luqman Ali Khan stated, “PGH 116 was the transport of Her Majesty during her state visit to Sweden in 1983. It was also the flagship demonstrator and press car for Rolls-Royce Motors and was acclaimed as ‘The Ultimate Phantom’. Reacting to the success of the cars, he added: “It is an absolute privilege to see these fabled maharaja cars back on UK soil. Their recognition today on a world stage is a testament to the ever-increasing popularity of the storied and historic automobiles of the erstwhile Maharajas. Commendable is the zest with which India’s motoring legacy is being preserved by such dedicated collectors”.
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The three cars come from the Yohan Poonawalla collection which is based in Pune and is the labour of love of the family – Yohan, his artist, businesswoman, and philanthropist wife Michelle, and children Tania and Zayan, who have both taken to motoring. Commenting on his award-winning cars Yohan Poonawalla said: “I am delighted to see the cars do well in a global contest. They represent the rich automotive heritage of India and this is indeed a proud moment for all involved. This would not have been possible without my family’s complete support, and my entire team’s dedication and hard work. I am happy to showcase these cars here in Britain amongst the finest cars in the world.”
Salon Prive Concours d’Elegance took place at Blenheim Palace from 1-5 September 2021. Now in its 16th year, the event welcomes leading international car owners, enthusiasts and experts to celebrate the rarest and very best automobiles in the world. Chief Judges from the ICJAG include Nigel Matthews, Ed Gilbertson, James Wood and Keith Bluemel amongst others.
About Yohan Poonawalla
Yohan Poonawalla is one of India’s leading car collectors known for his special liking for Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and Ferraris. The Yohan Poonawalla Collection, built passionately over many years, houses some of the most exotic and important motor cars in the world, showcasing various marques from all eras.
His expansive Rolls-Royce collection includes an eclectic mix of vintages, classics and modern bespoke models, regularly shown in international concours events. His wife Michelle Poonawalla is an acclaimed artist and philanthropist. The couple lives in Pune with their children Tania and Zayan who have taken up motoring at an early age.
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