… but don’t miss these golden oldies inside
Yohan Poonawalla with the 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I (17EX), an iconic automobile that’s a magnet for vintage car fans. Pic/By Special Arrangement
The Vintage and Classic Car Club of India’s (VCCCI) and Western Indian Automobile Association’s (WIAA) annual vintage car fiesta to be held on January 24, 25, and 26 will highlight a centenary tribute to 100 years of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, as was informed at a curtain raiser press meet at the World Trade Center (WTC), Cuffe Parade in SoBo on Thursday afternoon. The cars will be on display at the WTC.
Phantom of fiesta
Pune-based industrialist and automobile collector, Yohan Poonawalla, will be in Mumbai starting today, presenting a lineup of seven Rolls-Royce Phantom models at the fiesta. Prime amongst the seven will be the 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I (17EX), formerly owned by the ex-maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is poetry in motion. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Nitin Dossa, WIAA executive chairman, said at the press meet, “There will be a historic homecoming of the legendary 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I (17EX). Once owned by Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir — and subsequently by numerous owners — this vehicle seems almost sacrilegious to call ‘a car’; it is an institution, but for convenience, I will say car, has been bought by Yohan Z Poonawalla. Every classic car aficionado will understand the importance of this vehicle and the weight of history behind it. It is with delight and pride to see it come home after 95 years.” Yohan Z Poonawalla said over the phone from Pune, “This car is a collector’s dream. It is one of the most famous and iconic of all Rolls-Royce cars.”
Hot on the circuit, the car is an eye-catcher. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Vijay Kalantri, chairman of WTC Mumbai, reminded that there was a reason the WTC has been hosting this event, with this being the sixth edition. He said, “There is a synergy between corporates and cars. Last year, we had more than 100,000 visitors. We were astonished as we expected around 25,000. Numbers point to the popularity.”
Tourist magnet
The WIAA, supported by the WTC, used the announcement as a springboard to appeal to the state government to earmark a museum for vintage cars. Dossa said, “We have been requesting the state government to provide space for a vintage car museum. Mumbai has some of the best vintage cars. The museum, I am certain, will be a significant tourist magnet. We have collectors in the city who have cars once owned by royalty. Imagine the excitement at being able to see them.”
Dr Vijay Kalantri, chairman, WTC Mumbai (left), with Nitin Dossa, executive chairman, Western India Automobile Association. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Kalantri added, “One understands there is a space crunch in Mumbai, but some solution can be found.” Meanwhile, Poonawalla said, “Vintage cars are owned by different individuals, kept at scattered places by the owners, and the public does not have an opportunity to see these. With a museum, they will have a chance to see them at one location. The cars in the museum can be changed on a rotational basis. I understand that land is pricey and scarce in Mumbai, yet a museum even slightly away from the city will work, as the government has done a great job with road connectivity. There have been several discussions about the museum, but that is where it stands. We are looking forward to this happening.”
Three-day fiesta
Jan 24: Entry by invitation only
Jan 25: Exhibition opens to public (9.00 am to 6.00 pm); free entry for children below 15 years (school/college ID required)
*Tickets available on www.district.in
Jan 26: Republic Day road safety drive (starts at 11 am from WTC)
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