that Business bigwigs owning droves of exotic cars isn't anything particularly new in India, but then again, the recently-departed Mr. Ratan Tata was in a motorhead class of his own. When he wasn't busy building the juggernaut that is Tata Motors, he fashioned one of the finest car collections in the country, opting for a carefully-refined mix of luxury and big-horsepower thrills; likely giving Mumbai residents a truly special sight on his joyrides across the last few years. Here's a closer look at some of the collection's highlights, as we mourn the charismatic, fun-loving industrialists loss this week:

Ferrari California

Easily the most famous car in Tata’s stable, this first-in-India grand tourer in Rosso Corsa Red sports a powerful 4.3-litre V8 engine that delivers 460 horsepower, providing an exhilarating driving experience inspired by Ferrari's 1950s open-top roots, channeling classics such as the iconic 250 GT California Spider.

Jaguar F-Type S 5.0 V8
 

The Jaguar F-Type S in Ratan Tata’s collection is a true testament to British automotive craftsmanship. Finished in sleek metallic silver, this two-seater sports car packs a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 495 horsepower, offering a blend of raw power and agile handling, complimented by one of the greatest quad-exhaust  soundtracks in modern sportscar history.

Maserati Quattroporte

The Maserati Quattroporte in Ratan Tata’s collection is a four-door sedan in 'Blu Passione' that's made appearances in sportscar convoy drives across Mumbai, having been spotted alongside Sachin Tendulkar's Ferrari Modena 360. Sharing its heart with Ferrari, this fifth-generation model is powered by a Ferrari-sourced V8 engine, blending 434 Italian horses with everyday usability. 

Mercedes-Benz SL500
 

The Mercedes-Benz SL500 in Ratan Tata’s collection is a silver icon of elegance and performance. As part of the SL-Class, this 5th-gen roadster pairs timeless design with cutting-edge engineering. Powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 302 horsepower, the SL500 delivers smooth acceleration and a refined, powerful drive.

Cadillac XLR

Another standout in Ratan Tata’s garage is the Cadillac XLR, a two-seat roadster from the 2000s known for its power retractable hardtop and luxurious features. Unveiled as Cadillac’s flagship model in 2003, the XLR boasted a Bulgari-designed interior instrument cluster, head-up display, adaptive suspension and a 4.6-litre 320 bhp Northstar V8 engine, giving it a distinct blend of style and American muscle cred.

Images: Tea-BHP.com, Supercars & Exotics In India (Facebook)