When it comes to vintage car collecting in India, few names command as much respect as Yohan Poonawalla. A billionaire industrialist and automotive heritage enthusiast, Poonawalla has built a collection that rivals some of the greatest in the world, earning him accolades on the global stage. His dedication to preserving automotive history was recently recognised at the 21 Gun Salute Concours d’Elegance 2025, where he was awarded the prestigious ‘Heritage Motoring Pioneer Trophy’ for his outstanding contributions to automotive heritage.

From royal limousines to record-breaking speed machines, his collection is more than just a garage—it’s a rolling museum of some of the most historically significant cars ever made. Whether it’s a Rolls-Royce once owned by the Queen or a Lincoln Continental used by the Pope, every car in his collection has a story to tell.

Here’s a look at some of the crown jewels from the Yohan Poonawalla Collection:

1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith – The Popemobile

This regal Rolls-Royce once belonged to the Maharaja of Mysore before it became known as the Popemobile, used by Pope Paul VI and Mother Teresa. A rolling symbol of history, it even won the ‘Trofeo BMW Group Classic’ for the most sensitive restoration at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023.

Rolls-Royce Phantom V – Ex Ruler of Qatar

Once the prized possession of Qatar’s founding father and first president, this Phantom V is a blend of Middle Eastern luxury and British engineering excellence. With its unmistakable Rolls-Royce presence, this car remains one of the most distinguished limousines of its era.

Rolls-Royce Phantom II ‘17EX’ – Experimental Prototype

If there’s a Rolls-Royce with a serious pedigree, it’s this Phantom II ‘17EX’—a one-off experimental prototype once owned by the Maharaja of Kashmir. It even bagged the ‘Best of Show’ award at the Icons Concours in Spain.

1979 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI – Ex HM The Queen

Among the rarest of rare, this Phantom VI was used by Queen Elizabeth II herself! One of the most luxurious state cars ever made, it even made an appearance during Her Majesty’s visit to Sweden.

1964 Lincoln Continental Convertible – The Vatican Connection

This iconic Lincoln Continental is no ordinary convertible—it was once used by Pope Paul VI and later Mother Teresa. With its sleek lines and presidential appeal, it’s an unmistakable part of both automotive and religious history.

1974 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster – The British Beauty

No great car collection is complete without an E-Type Jaguar. This 1974 V12 Series 3 Roadster combines power with the elegance that made the E-Type one of Enzo Ferrari’s favourite cars.

Range Rover Autobiography – The Queen’s Off-Roader

Luxury SUVs don’t get more exclusive than this—ex-HM The Queen herself! This Range Rover Autobiographycarries a royal legacy, proving that British royalty always rides in style—even off-road.