Industrialist Yohan Poonawalla’s 1928 Rolls-Royce Experimental Sports Phantom ‘17EX’ has become the first car owned by an Indian to win a Best in Show award overseas. The ‘17 EX‘ clinched the top prize last month at the Valletta Concours in Malta. Recently acquired by Poonawalla and refurbished in Austria prior to the contest, it has the distinction of being the only example in the world with coachwork by Jarvis of Wimbledon.

1. Rolls-Royce 17EX was originally owned by Maharaja of Kashmir
2. Only example in the world with coachwork by Jarvis of Wimbledon

Rolls-Royce 17EX history and importance

The 17EX is considered one of the most historically significant Rolls-Royces still in existence, as it was conceived and developed under the direct supervision of Sir Henry Royce as a prototype. Mindful of Bentley’s success at Le Mans, Rolls Royce intended the 17EX to clock a top-speed of over 100mph (160kph), for which it was equipped with a 7.8-litre, 6-cylinder engine.

What makes the 17EX most distinctive is its streamlined, aerodynamic body, which utilised aircraft industry techniques for weight reduction. Other striking features include twin windshields, free-floating wheel arches, a polished bonnet top, and a boat-tail rear end. The design house, Jarvis, was renowned for creating successful aerodynamic concepts for racing drivers, including the record-setting ‘Bluebirds’ for the king of speed, Sir Malcolm Campbell. Incidentally, this 17EX is finished in Campbell’s favorite ‘saxe blue’ color.

The 17EX was delivered new to His Highness Maharaja Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Kashmir, in original experimental condition. It remained in India until the 1970s, after which it relocated to England and Europe.

Commenting on the win, Yohan Poonawalla said, “I am thrilled to see 17EX win the top prize today in its first outing with me, and the win is even sweeter coming in this milestone anniversary year as Rolls-Royce celebrates 120 years.”

Yohan Poonawalla’s illustrious Phantom collection

The 1928 17EX joins an illustrious company of Phantoms in Poonawalla’s collection such as the 1933 Phantom II of Sir Malcolm Campbell, 1937 Phantom III of Maharaja of Panchkote, 1962 Phantom V of the Emir of Qatar, 1979 Phantom VI which belonged to the HM Queen Elizabeth II and a 2005 Goodwood Phantom VII which was the very first car delivered in India, after Rolls-Royce’s return to the country following a 50-year hiatus.

In 2023, Poonawalla became the first Indian to feature in the global ranking of ‘Top 100 Classic Car Collectors’ of the World’ published by The Classic Car Trust, and also became the first collector from the country to win the prestigious ‘Classic Car Ambassador of the Year’ at the Historic Motoring Awards presented by Octane in UK. He was also named ‘Collector of the Year’ by the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar.