India is home to several billionaires, including Mukesh Ambani, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Ratan Tata, Gautam Adani, and many others. These ultra-rich individuals run multinational conglomerates, lead luxurious lifestyles, and own opulent homes, private jets, expensive cars, and more.
One particular Indian billionaire has recently made headlines for buying the late Queen Elizabeth II’s highly customized Range Rover in a private transaction.
Scroll down to learn more about this billionaire and his acquisition of this unique piece of British history, previously owned by the royal family.
According to a Times of India report, Yohan Poonawalla, the Managing Director of Poonawalla Group, has reportedly purchased a Range Rover that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
According to the report, the 2016 Range Rover SDV8 Autobiography LWB edition was set to be auctioned on Bramley’s Auctioneers website for 224,850 pounds (approximately Rs 2.25 crore), however, Poonawalla decided to buy the vehicle in a private deal, bypassing the auction process.
Designed specifically for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family of Britain, the vehicle comes with a unique registration number, OU16 XVH.
The TOI report also states that the vehicle was modified with unique customised features such as police emergency lighting, massage seats, specially adapted fixed steps, driver assistance systems, a shooting star headliner, covert lighting, and grab handles in the rear for the Queen’s easy entry and exit.
Yohan Poonawalla, who was awarded The Collector Of The Year 2023 by the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar in 2023, has in his possession an eclectic mix of rare and vintage vehicles previously owned by Maharajas, the Pope, Nawabs, Presidents, and other historical figures. He owns a range of vintage Rolls Royce, customised Ferraris, and many other rare Bentleys, Lamborghinis, Mercedes, and vintage rides.
In an interaction with The Economic Times, Poonawalla expressed his delight in purchasing the remarkable piece of automotive history that came with a unique registration number.
“Once a car leaves the royal household, the number plate changes. What is unique about this car is the fact that it still retains the same registration number, OU16 XVH, as used by the late Queen. (That has) turned out to be a bonus,” he said.
