Billionaire industrialist and distinguished car collector Yohan Poonawalla was recently honoured at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance Gurugram 2025 with the prestigious ‘Heritage Motoring Pioneer Trophy’ for his outstanding contributions to preserving automotive heritage and showcasing India on the global stage. The award was presented by Union Cabinet Minister of Culture & Tourism, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
A passionate custodian of automotive history, Poonawalla’s recognition at this esteemed event further solidifies his status as India’s foremost car collector and motoring ambassador. Renowned for the ‘Yohan Poonawalla Collection’—a remarkable assemblage of historically significant and rare automobiles—he has been instrumental in promoting India’s automotive legacy worldwide.
Yohan Poonawalla boasts an enviable collection of vintage, classic, luxury, and sports cars, including India’s most expensive new Rolls-Royce—the Phantom VIII Extended Wheelbase (EWB), the last Privacy Suite model in the world. His remarkable assemblage also features the 1933 Phantom II once owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell, the 1979 Phantom VI used by HM Queen Elizabeth II, and the 1951 Series 1 Defender from the Royal Family of the Princely State of Kutch.
Among his most distinguished vehicles is the iconic Popemobile—a 1964 Lincoln Continental 4-door convertible used by Pope Paul VI during his visit to India. His celebrated Maharaja Rolls-Royce “MYSORE,” a 1949 Silver Wraith previously owned by the Maharaja of Mysore, has garnered global acclaim, including the prestigious ‘Trofeo BMW Group Classic’ for the most sensitive restoration at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023.
Yohan Poonawalla’s passion for classic cars has earned him numerous accolades, including the ‘Classic Car Ambassador of the Year Award 2023’ by the Historic Motoring Awards UK. He is also the first and only Indian to be named among the ‘Top 100 Classic Collectors of the World.’ Recently, he received the Vintage & Classic Car Vanguard of India Legacy Excellence Award from Amruta Fadnavis at the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI) Annual Vintage Car Fiesta. Earlier this year, he was honoured with the ‘Hero of the Rally’ award at the Mille Miglia UAE, where he represented India with his iconic Popemobile.
Beyond his remarkable collection, Poonawalla’s active participation in prestigious global events such as Salon Privé, Concours of Elegance Hampton Court, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Valletta Concours, RREC, and the legendary Mille Miglia UAE Rally—where he has competed three times in a row—has elevated India’s presence in the world of classic motoring.
Speaking about his latest recognition, Yohan Poonawalla said, “It is a privilege to receive this award at the prestigious 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance, an event that celebrates automotive history and craftsmanship. My passion for classic cars has always been driven by the desire to preserve and showcase India’s rich motoring heritage on a global stage. This recognition is not just for me but for keeping India’s Vintage & Classic car heritage alive.”
A titan in both industry and motoring, Yohan Poonawalla continues to champion India’s automotive legacy, bringing global recognition to the country’s rich motoring history. His latest honour at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance marks yet another milestone in his journey of preserving, restoring, and celebrating classic automobiles on the world stage.
