Exclusive! Inside Access: Yohan Poonawalla's Pune home has a fleet of luxury sports and vintage cars; the industrialist talks about his passion for cars
Earlier this year, industrialist Yohan Poonawalla made headlines after acquiring India's most expensive car — a magnificent Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII EWB, valued at an astonishing `22 crore.
Now proudly housed in the garage of his Pune residence, this is just one of the many treasures in a collection that blends heritage with horsepower.
Within the walls of Poonawalla's Koregaon Park property is a garage where modern engineering marvels sit alongside rare vintage icons. The fiery red Ferraris turn heads, but it is the regal Cadillac Eldorado — stationed prominently on the porch — that commands the spotlight.
During an exclusive shoot and interview, the auto aficionado gave a glimpse of his enviable collection and spoke about his passion for automotive craftsmanship and curating vintage rides and modern masterpieces.
Yohan Poonawalla with 1927 Rolls Royce 20 HP Tourer and 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Saloon
'I hold the number one spot in my family when it comes to vintage car collection'
Walking us through rows of pristine classics and supercars, Yohan says, 'Love for cars runs in my family. I hold the number one spot when it comes to vintage car collection. We've always been into cars and horses.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
I just took it a step further. I've had the honour of showcasing these vehicles on international platforms and making India proud.'
Earlier this year, he was bestowed with the Hero of the Rally title at Mille Miglia UAE 2024. Behind the wheel of his 1974 Jaguar E-Type Roadster V12, he navigated the rugged terrain of the UAE—including the winding ascent of the Jebel Jais mountains—representing India with flair.
Yohan Poonawalla with 1979 Rolls Royce Phantom VI Limousine
'I am always excited to get behind the wheel'
For someone who owns a stunning collection of cars and has driven around the world, what does a drive mean to him? 'Each drive is special.
Every time I get into a Ferrari, it feels like the first time. I am always excited to get behind the wheel. I listen to pop music. I play some Dua Lipa, feel the engine purr, and let the road decide the mood. If it's a relaxed Sunday, Michelle (his wife) and I head to our farm — each in our own Ferrari.
Or we grab ice cream post-dinner in a Volkswagen Camper Van with the kids. It's all about the vibe,' he shares.
Yohan Poonawalla with 1970 Mustang 351 Coupe, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado and 1965 Jaguar Series I Roadster
'Michelle and I used to race each other during our college days'
Even romance for the Poonawalla clan is influenced by their love for cars.
'Back in our college days in London, Michelle and I used to race each other. She'd often beat all the boys and sometimes even me (laughs). We both had BMWs and would tear through the streets. Michelle's a real driver,' he says. Elaborating on how the passion for cars has become a family affair, the industrialist says, 'My son is drawn to vintage models, while my daughter has developed a taste for the refined lines of the Jaguar E-Type.
'
'Collecting
vintage cars
is an evolved passion'
The auto fanatic's dedication has earned him global recognition. He is the first Indian featured among the Top 100 Classic Collectors of the World. Reflecting on it, he says, 'Getting to the top is easy compared to staying there. Collecting vintage cars is an evolved passion. They are not everyday cars. They don't have features or comfort. I take them out to shows and represent India and put the country on the international map.
'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
13 minutes ago
- Time of India
Over 10k vehicles across state have defaulted on traffic challans: STA
1 2 Cuttack: The state transport authority (STA) has identified over 10,000 vehicles throughout Odisha which have defaulted on traffic challans. These vehicles each have five or more pending challans and are now under the radar of transport officials for strict penal action. On Thursday, STA issued 200 notices, warning the vehicle owners to clear their dues within 15 days. If they fail to comply, STA will initiate cancellation proceedings under Sections 53 and 55 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which empower the authority to suspend or cancel the registration of vehicles which are found to be habitual violators. "The 10,000 vehicles include commercial trucks and buses, along with private four-wheelers," Lalmohan Sethi, STA's additional commissioner, said. Sethi further said that the action is being taken in phases. "On Thursday, we served notices to 200 vehicle owners. This will continue and subsequently, all identified vehicles will be impounded if dues are not cleared within the notice period," he added. "The offenders are advised to immediately check their challan status on the STA portal or the Parivahan Sewa website and make payments," Sethi said. Most of the challans relate to violations such as vehicle fitness, speeding, defying traffic signals, overloading, not wearing seatbelts, illegal parking and others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Photos Captured the Exact Wrong Moment Read More Undo Officials said that digital monitoring through the automated number plate recognition system and various CCTVs installed across the state help monitor traffic violations. The Vahan portal has also made it easier to detect and track the repeat offenders. The STA has also mobilized enforcement teams to prepare for physical verification and possible seizure of vehicles once the 15-day deadline lapses. The move is part of the state's broader mission to enforce traffic discipline and enhance road safety across Odisha.
Time of India
13 minutes ago
- Time of India
Federal court question Trump's tariff authority; cites limit of emergency law, case likely headed to Supreme Court
Appellate judges question Trump's authority to impose tariffs (Image credits: AP) Appellate judges expressed skepticism Thursday over US President Donald Trump's legal rationale for imposing broad tariffs without congressional approval, raising doubts about his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the move. During a 99-minute hearing before the US court of appeals for the federal circuit, members of the 11-judge panel repeatedly challenged the Trump administration's unprecedented interpretation of the 1977 law, which allows the president to seize assets and block financial transactions during a national emergency. The law, originally signed by former President Jimmy Carter, makes no mention of tariffs. 'IEEPA doesn't even mention the word 'tariffs' anywhere,' said Circuit Judge Jimmie Reyna as quoted by AP. Attorney Brett Schumate, representing the Trump administration, acknowledged that 'no president has ever read IEEPA this way,' but argued that the country's trade deficit constituted a national emergency requiring such action. He insisted the law grants the president 'broad and flexible' authority in emergencies, but claimed Trump was not seeking 'unbounded authority.' Chief Circuit Judge Kimberly Moore questioned that logic. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo 'If the president says there's a problem with our military readiness and he puts a 20% tax on coffee, that doesn't seem to necessarily deal with (it),' she said. Neal Katyal, attorney for the plaintiffs, called the administration's argument a 'breathtaking' overreach. 'It amounts to saying the president can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, for as long as he wants, so long as he declares an emergency,' he said. No ruling was issued Thursday, but the case is widely expected to reach the US Supreme Court. The legal battle stems from Trump's so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs imposed on April 2, which levied new duties on nearly all imports. The lawsuit does not challenge tariffs targeting China or those on steel, aluminum, and autos, many of which remain under former President Joe Biden. In May, a three-judge panel of the US court of international trade ruled that Trump exceeded his authority. The current appeal seeks to overturn that decision. Trump addressed the case on his Truth Social platform, posting: 'If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE 'DEAD,' WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS.' The lawsuit is one of at least seven filed against Trump's tariff policies, with plaintiffs including 12 US states and several businesses, such as a wine importer and a plumbing supply company. Although the US Constitution gives Congress the power to impose tariffs, decades of delegation have allowed presidents increasing control over trade policy. Trump capitalised on this, raising the average US tariff to over 18%- the highest rate since 1934, according to Yale University's Budget Lab.
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Animal husbandry gets agriculture-equivalent status in Maharashtra
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: In a significant policy shift aimed at boosting rural income and employment, the Maharashtra govt has accorded agriculture-equivalent status to the animal husbandry sector. The decision, issued via a government resolution (GR) on Thursday, will entitle eligible livestock-based businesses to power tariff concessions, subsidies on solar equipment, uniform gram panchayat taxes, and loan interest rebates akin to those given to crop farmers. As per the GR, eligible animal husbandry units will now be billed at agricultural rates instead of the higher "agri-other" commercial category. Solar pumps and equipment for livestock farms will receive subsidies on par with those offered to crop cultivators. Panchayat tax will now be levied at the same rate as for agricultural operations across the state, and loan borrowers will be eligible for up to 4% interest subvention on working capital and other loans, similar to the Punjabrao Deshmukh interest subsidy scheme. The move aligns with recommendations by the Maharashtra Economic Advisory Council, which identified agriculture and allied sectors as key growth drivers in its roadmap to achieve a Rs 8.3 lakh crore state economy by 2028. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo According to govt data, agriculture accounts for 12% of Maharashtra's gross income, with animal-based produce contributing 24% of the agri-sector's revenue, the GR states. Currently, over 60 lakh families are engaged in animal husbandry across the state. As per the 20th livestock census, Maharashtra houses around 1.9 crore cattle, including over 1.4 crore bovines and 56 lakh buffaloes. Officials said the sector has long suffered due to disparities in electricity rates, lack of solar subsidies, and higher gram panchayat taxes compared to agriculture. "By equating animal husbandry with farming, we expect increased participation, local job creation, and investment in modern practices like group-based livestock farming and value-added processing," said a senior official from the state secretariat. According to the GR, eligible units for agri-equivalent benefits include small and medium-scale animal husbandry units with operational capacities up to 25,000 broiler chickens or 50,000 layer birds, hatchery units with a capacity of up to 45,000 birds, cattle sheds with up to 100 milch animals, goat/sheep sheds housing up to 500 animals, and pig farming units with up to 200 pigs. However, breeder poultry units and animal-product processing industries will not qualify for these benefits, clarified the GR, which also states that key benefits under the new status include power tariff, solar subsidies, tax uniformity, and loan subsidies, at par with the agricultural sector. The GR also mentions that detailed guidelines and implementation procedures will be issued separately. The resolution follows informal approvals by the state's Planning and Finance Departments earlier this year. This policy alignment comes in the wake of NITI Aayog's 2021 report, which recommended integrating livestock farming into broader agriculture policy frameworks to enhance its contribution to national and state GDP.
