Mumbai: Mumbai briefly time-travelled this Republic Day weekend, and no, it wasn’t due to traffic on Marine Drive. The Annual Vintage & Classic Car Fiesta 2026, presented by JK Tyre and curated by the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), concluded at the World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, after three days of pure automotive nostalgia, royal metal, and enough polished chrome to blind a drone camera.
The headline act? A once-in-a-century tribute to 100 years of the Rolls-Royce Phantom—the car that has ferried everyone from maharajas to modern-day billionaires, and still refuses to age.
A Phantom Reunion for the History Books
For the first time in India, every generation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom—from Phantom I (1925) to Phantom VII—stood together under one roof. Think of it as the ultimate family reunion, except everyone arrived in tailored suits and absolute silence.
Stealing the spotlight was the legendary Rolls-Royce 17EX Phantom I, originally owned by the Maharaja of Kashmir. After 95 years, the iconic car returned to India, making historians emotional, collectors nostalgic, and Instagram photographers extremely busy.
When Private Garages Look Like Museums
Automobile connoisseur Yohan Poonawalla showcased an unmatched lineup of Phantom models, along with 20 rare cars from his globally acclaimed collection—proving once again that some people collect stamps, while others collect history on wheels.
Meanwhile, industrialist Gautam Singhania displayed two Phantom I models, and a stunning 1936 Phantom III, once owned by the Royal Family of Nabha and later by the late Pranlal Bhogilal, reminded visitors that Indian royalty had impeccable taste long before “luxury lifestyle” became a hashtag.
The Winners’ Circle (Where Even the Trophies Felt Classic)
Top honours at the Fiesta included:
- Custodian of the 100 Years of Phantom Legacy Award: Yohan Poonawalla
- Collector of the Year: Gautam Singhania
In the prestigious Concours d’Elegance:
- Vintage Car Winner: 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I – Gautam Singhania
- Classic Car Winner: 1950 Jaguar XK 120 – Rajiv Kehr
Special awards went to everything from a 1921 Fiat Corsa to a 1968 Opel Rekord, proving that in the vintage world, even “unique” means rare enough to make Google sweat.
Two Wheels, Same Royal Treatment
The motorcycle and scooter segment was no less impressive. From a 1940 Norton 16H to a 1967 BMW R69S, and from Jawa to Lambretta, India’s two-wheeler heritage was celebrated with the same reverence usually reserved for crown jewels.
Yes, even a 1980 Yezdi Jet 60 took home the “Most Unique Two-Wheeler” award—confirming that nostalgia doesn’t need 12 cylinders to feel special.
Heritage with a Safety Message
The Fiesta concluded on Republic Day with a Road Safety Drive from Cuffe Parade to Worli and back to Churchgate, aligned with National Road Safety Month. The message was simple and powerful:
“Sadak Suraksha, Jeevan Raksha” — because even if your car is from 1928, traffic rules are from 2026.
More Than an Event, A Rolling Museum
With royal provenance, rare global collections, passionate enthusiasts, and a strong public safety message, the JK Tyre Vintage & Classic Car Fiesta 2026 wasn’t just an exhibition—it was a living, moving museum of Indian motoring history.
And as the Phantom celebrated its 100th birthday in Mumbai, one thing became clear: some cars age, some cars evolve… but a Rolls-Royce Phantom simply becomes a legend with better stories.
