Yohan Poonawalla's Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Wins Duke of Marlborough Award
Yohan Poonawalla’s 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith has won the Duke of Marlborough Award at the Salon Privé Concours in the UK. It is the second time the Pune-based industrialist has received this recognition, having earlier won with his Mysore Bentley in 2021. The victory adds to his growing reputation as a collector who focuses on provenance-rich vehicles with links to India’s princely states.
A Maharaja’s Commission
The Silver Wraith, chassis number WCB40, was originally delivered to the Maharaja of Mysore in 1949. At the time, the Maharaja ranked among the wealthiest men in the world and frequently placed bulk orders with Rolls-Royce, giving rise to the phrase “Doing a Mysore.”
Built by James Young as a four-seat drophead coupe, the car wears a carnation red finish with a red and grey leather interior. Its distinction lies in extensive bespoke detailing: solid silver crests on the doors, illuminated plaques at the front and rear, and flag staffs on the wings. Inside, veneered folding tables, cigar lighters, and picnic sets with silver flasks and china cups reflect the extravagant tastes of India’s royals.
The car later belonged to the Maharaja of Bharatpur and was used to transport members of the British Royal Family during their India visits, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and the Prince of Wales. These associations increase its historical significance, giving it value beyond craftsmanship.
Poonawalla’s team restored the Silver Wraith to its original specification using authentic materials and period-correct methods. Judges at Blenheim Palace, where the 20th anniversary edition of Salon Privé took place, praised the accuracy and presentation of the restoration.
Recognition From Salon Privé
The Duke of Marlborough personally selected the car for the award, highlighting its ornate silver appointments. Event chairman Andrew Bagley and classic car specialist Max Girardo also praised its craftsmanship and heritage during the parade.
For Poonawalla, this award adds to recent global recognition. In 2023, he was named among the “Top 100 Classic Car Collectors of the World” by The Classic Car Trust and received Octane magazine’s “Classic Car Ambassador of the Year” at the Historic Motoring Awards.
The Yohan Poonawalla Collection, based in Pune, focuses on vehicles with strong historical stories rather than simply rare or expensive models. This approach has produced consistent results at international competitions, where judges increasingly value authenticity, documentation, and cultural context alongside condition and design.
His repeat wins with Mysore-linked cars underline the global appeal of these vehicles. The Maharaja’s custom commissions pushed the boundaries of coachbuilding and remain remarkable even today.
By winning one of Salon Privé’s most prestigious awards again, Poonawalla not only reinforces his place among top international collectors but also showcases India’s automotive heritage to a wider audience. Cars once built for Indian royalty now stand alongside Europe’s and America’s finest on the world stage, ensuring their stories continue to be told.