Indian Billionaire Yohan Poonawalla’s 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Wins Prestigious Duke of Marlborough Award at Salon Privé 2025

Yohan Poonawalla’s historic 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith clinched the Duke of Marlborough Award at Salon Privé 2025 in the UK, highlighting his passion for preserving India’s royal automotive legacy.

By Utsav Chaudhary

1.24k

Sep 16, 2025 08:28 am IST

Yohan Poonawalla Rolls Royce Silver Wraith

Indian billionaire industrialist Yohan Ponnawalla has once again made it into the limelight on the global classic car stage with his magnificent 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith. This iconic vehicle was honored with the prestigious Duke of Marlborough Award at the renowned Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, UK. The prestigious Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, known as “Britain’s Greatest Palace,” served as the setting for the 20th anniversary edition of the leading event.

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The event, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, featured some of the world’s finest historic automobiles, from pre-war classics to modern hypercars. Entrants from several countries participated with their historic prewar and postwar cars, supercars, and modern hypercars. Amongst them was Indian billionaire industrialist Yohan Poonawalla’s astonishing restored Silver Wraith that ignited the event and impressed the attendees and judges. A showstopper, reinforcing his status as one of the world’s leading collectors of Maharaja-era bespoke automobiles.

Salon Privé 2025: A Spectacle of Elegance and Heritage

The event was held at Blenheim Palace, celebrating two decades of excellence, showing the rarest and most distinguished craftsmanship of automobiles. The Duke of Marlborough Award was presented by His Grace Charles James Spencer-Churchill. As the 12th Duke of Marlborough, while presenting this award, he said, “What caught my attention was the amount of bling on this car. It is a beautiful car; congratulations.”

Yohan Poonawalla’s Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith stood out for its extensive bespoke features and historical significance, earning the Duke’s personal admiration for its historic craftsmanship.

Also Read: Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge Launched in India at INR 9.50 Crore

The Maharaja Rolls-Royce: A Bespoke Masterpiece Steeped in History

The magnificent coach built by the renowned James Young, a four-seater coupe, and the magnificent chassis WCB40 were delivered new in 1949 to HH the Maharaja of Mysore, who at that time was the world’s second richest man. The car captures the essence of India’s royal motoring heritage. Custom-built with bespoke elements such as polished wood folding tables, solid silver crests and plaques, and a host of luxury elements for both comfort and status.

Throughout its illustrious history, the Silver Wraith was subsequently owned by the Maharaja of Bharatpur and even chauffeured British royalty, including HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, and Queen Elizabeth II during their visits to India. Even the Prince of Wales was chauffeured in it when he visited India. This car is emblematic of the allure of the once-powerful and highly rich Indian Maharajas.

Yohan Poonawalla: Finest Collector of Indian Automotive Heritage

Yohan Poonawalla’s passion for classic cars can be reflected in his collection of rich automotive heritage. This recent Salon Privé award adds to an impressive trophy collection that includes the Duke of Marlborough Award for his Mysore Bentley in 2021, the 'Overall Best in Show' at Valletta Concours 2025, and recognition as the first Indian to be named to The Classic Car Trust's Top 100 Classic Car Collectors in Europe.

Commenting on the award, Poonawalla said, “It is my privilege to showcase these storied Maharaja cars on international platforms. This car is uniquely bespoke and continues to underpin the growing appreciation for coachbuilt automobiles even today.”

Conclusion

Yohan Poonawalla’s magnificent win at Salon Privé’s 20th anniversary not only celebrates the craftsmanship and rich history of his 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith but also shines a spotlight on India’s rich automotive heritage. The Silver Wraith remains a centerpiece of the Poonawalla Collection. The car's craftsmanship defines love shared among the family, cementing their place on the international motoring stage as ambassadors of India’s historic automotive legacy.