Mumbai's Vintage Car Fiesta 2026: A Journey Through Automotive History and Heritage
The bustling city of Mumbai recently transformed into a sanctuary of nostalgia and polished chrome at the VCCCI Annual Vintage Car Fiesta 2026. Held at the prestigious World Trade Centre in Cuffe Parade, this elegant celebration of heritage and craftsmanship offered a rare escape where time seemed to slow down, allowing motoring legends and cherished memories to converge in a spectacular display.
A Centenary Tribute to Rolls-Royce Phantom
Organised by the Vintage & Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI) in association with the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), the three-day fiesta attracted enthusiasts and collectors into a world steeped in automotive history. This season's event was particularly significant as it marked a centenary tribute to 100 years of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, one of the most iconic luxury car brands in the world.
The most stirring moment of the fiesta was undoubtedly the homecoming of the legendary 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I (17EX). Once owned by Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir, this magnificent vehicle returned to Indian soil after an absence of 95 years. This rare confluence of global prestige, royal legacy, and national pride captivated attendees, symbolising a deep connection between India's regal past and its enduring appreciation for automotive excellence.
Emotional Stories on Wheels: Family Memories and Vintage Vespas
Beyond the grandeur of luxury cars, the fiesta also showcased vehicles with profound emotional value. From Girgaon, Saili Bhiwandkar arrived with her father to display a pair of scooters that carried deep family significance—a yellow Vespa alongside a red one. "Together, we call them 'haldi-kunku'," she explained, referencing traditional Indian wedding rituals. "The red scooter belonged to my father's uncle, while the yellow one was my grandmother's. She rode it for years before passing it down to me. These aren't just vehicles; they are family memories on wheels."
Yohan Poonawalla's Rolls-Royce Phantom Lineup: Tracing a Century of Excellence
Prominent collector Yohan Poonawalla presented a remarkable lineup of seven Rolls-Royce Phantom models, tracing nearly a century of automotive excellence. The collection included:
- 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I (17EX) – Previously owned by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir
- 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Saloon (Barker) – Formerly owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell
- 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III (Park Ward) – Ex-Maharaja of Panchkote
- 1962 Rolls-Royce Phantom V (James Young, Seven-Passenger Limousine) – Previously owned by the Ruler of Qatar
- 1979 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI (Mulliner Park Ward) – Used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
- 2005 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII – First Phantom delivered to India post re-launch
- 2024 Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII EWB – The final EWB Phantom globally with Privacy Suite
Enthusiast Perspectives: A Living Museum of Automotive Heritage
For attendees like Sunil Vora, a vintage car enthusiast, the event was nothing short of magical. "Being here felt like stepping into a living museum where every car has a heartbeat and a story," he shared. "You don't just admire the craftsmanship—you feel the eras, the people, and the journeys they represent. For a vintage car lover, this is nothing short of magic."
The VCCCI Annual Vintage Car Fiesta 2026 successfully bridged the gap between past and present, offering a unique platform where automotive history was not just displayed but vividly experienced. From royal legacies to family heirlooms, each vehicle told a story, making this event a must-attend for anyone passionate about India's rich automotive heritage.
