What are you driving and why?
For its sheer luxury and presence, I drive a Cadillac Escalade to work. However, my favourite car for recreational driving is a left-hand-drive Jaguar E-type V12, for its raw power and beauty.
What’s next on your wishlist?
A military Humvee – the real thing.
The most fun you’ve had in a car?
That would be the off-road drive in my customised Scorpio, from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley. The magnificent scenery, the serene beauty, the amazing terrain, the tricky road along the Indo-Tibet border and the oxygen mask on my face made it an unforgettable drive.
Favourite/Dream money-no-object car?
A 1957 Mercedes 300 Gullwing.
Who is your all-time greatest motorsport hero?
Stéphane Peterhansel, for winning the Dakar Rally 13 times! And in different cars!
Favourite road?
From Chennai to Bengaluru, but in my 1961 Fiat.
What’s on your automotive bucket list?
A 1967 Mustang Shelby GT500, a brass-era pre-1915 Ford Model T Coupe, a 4x4 Lamborghini LM002, and a large V8 Trike.
What would you do with your last litre of fuel?
Without any hesitation, go off-roading – even if it lasts only a few minutes.
Your ideal five-car garage would be?
1. My first car, a 1961 Fiat;
2. the reliable and go-over-anything-and-anywhere Toyota Land Cruiser series 80
3. my first vintage, a 1935 Derby Bentley Convertible
4. LHD Jaguar E-Type V12
5. a Land Rover Defender 90.
I would love to squeeze in a Mercedes W111 Fintail, and park my Defender on the street.
What was your first car?
I was eight years old when I got my first car – a 1961 Fiat. I still have it, and in immaculate condition. My love affair with automobiles started with the Fiat.
