Mumbai: Celebrated distinguished car collector and Billionaire industrialist Yohan Poonawalla was recently honoured at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance Gurugram 2025, with the prestigious ‘Heritage Motoring Pioneer Trophy’ for Outstanding Contributions for preserving automotive heritage and making India shine on the world stage. The award was presented by Union Cabinet Minister of Culture & Tourism, Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. A passionate preserver of automotive history, Poonawalla’s recognition at this esteemed event further cements his status as India’s leading car collector and motoring ambassador to the world.
Renowned for his ‘Yohan Poonawalla Collection’, an assemblage of some of the world’s most historically significant and rare automobiles, Poonawalla has long been a driving force in promoting India’s automotive legacy on the global stage.
With an enviable collection of vintage, classic, luxury and sports cars including the most expensive new Rolls-Royce in India—the Phantom VIII Extended Wheelbase (EWB), the last Privacy Suite car in the world. The noteworthy collection also includes the 1933 Phantom II owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell, the 1979 Phantom VI used by HM Queen Elizabeth II, the 1951 Series 1 Defender from the Royal Family of the Princely State of Kutch, and the Popemobile – – a 1949 Silver Wraith previously owned by the Maharaja of Mysore, has also won global acclaim, including the ‘Trofeo BMW Group Classic’ for the most sensitive restoration at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023 to name a few.
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 and recognition as the first and only Indian to be named among the ‘Top 100 Classic Collectors of the World.’ He was also recently awarded the Vintage & Classic Car Vanguard of India Legacy Excellence Award presented to him by Amruta Fadnavis at the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI) Annual Vintage Car Fiesta. Earlier this year, he was also honoured with the ‘Hero of the Rally’ award at the Mille Miglia UAE, where he represented India with his celebrated Popemobile. Beyond his impeccable collection, Poonawalla’s participation in premier global events such as the Salon Privé, Concours of Elegance Hampton Court, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Valletta Concours, RREC and the legendary Mille Miglia UAE Rally 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 also for keeping India’s Vintage & Classic car heritage & legacy 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 award at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance is yet another milestone in a journey dedicated to preserving, restoring, and celebrating classic automobiles on the world stage.