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The 17EX was conceived and developed under the direct supervision of Sir Henry Royce as a prototype
Industrialist Yohan Poonawalla’s Rolls-Royce ‘17EX’ has become the first car owned by an Indian to win a Best in Show award overseas. Poonawalla’s 1928 Rolls-Royce Experimental Sports Phantom ‘17 EX‘ won the top prize earlier last month at the Valletta Concours held in the city of Valletta in Malta. The car was only recently acquired by Poonawalla, and was refurbished in Austria prior to entering the contest. It has the distinction of being the only example in the world with coachwork by Jarvis of Wimbledon.
- Rolls-Royce 17EX was original owned by Maharaja of Kashmir
- 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.
Perhaps most distinct about the 17EX was its streamlined, aerodynamic body where techniques from the aircraft industry were applied to achieve weight reduction. Other striking features of the car included twin windshields, free-floating wheel arches, a polished bonnet-top and a boat-tail rear end. The design house, Jarvis, had a reputation for designing successful, aerodynamic concepts for racing drivers, including the record-setting ‘Bluebirds’ for the king of speed, Sir Malcolm Cambpell. This 17EX, incidentally, is also finished in Campbell’s favourite ‘saxe blue’ colour.
The 17EX was delivered new to His Highness Maharaja Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Kashmir, in original experimental condition. It stayed in India until the 1970s, following which it spent time in 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.
Also See:
Yohan Poonawalla’s cars bag prestigious awards at Salon Prive Concours d’Elegance
Bentley Mark VI from India wins top award at RREC Concours d’Elegance
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