We speak to Yohan Poonawalla, chairman, Poonawalla Group about his dream cars, his motorsport hero, his automotive bucket list and more.
What are you driving and why?
For my daily drives, I use the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Flying Spur, Bentley Bentayga, Mercedes-Maybach S 680 or the Land Rover Defender. I also love driving my Ferraris, like the 458 Speciale Aperta and 488 Pista Spider, depending on the place and occasion.
What’s next on your wish list?
A Ferrari Monza SP2.
The most fun you’ve had in a car?
Driving my 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible ‘Popemobile’ in the first ever Mille Miglia in the UAE, alongside some of the best and most iconic cars in the world.Â
Favourite / Dream money no object car?
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé.
Who is your all-time greatest motorsport hero?
It would have to be both Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
Favourite road?
Along the Cote D’Azur in France and the Jebel Jais in the UAE.
What’s on your automotive bucket list?
Well, the list is endless!
What would you do with your last litre of fuel?
Put it in my favourite super car, the Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta, with the top down and hear that multi-award winning engine scream down the Cote d’Azur.
Yohan also has a collection of vintage Rolls’.
Your ideal 5 car garage would be?
Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB with Privacy Suite
Bugatti Tourbillon
Ferrari Monza SP2Â
Bentley Flying Spur W12 SpeedÂ
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Honestly, a 5-car garage is way too limited and a big compromise for me.
What was your first car?
A Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W111) , when I turned 18, which I still take to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally.
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