Here’s what drives India’s billionaires.
Captain C P Krishnan Nair,
Chairman, The Leela Palaces,
Hotels and Resorts
1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, Rolls-Royce Phantom & Ghost
When your brand stands for the finest in hospitality, your car cannot be anything but the very finest. It is, hence, no surprise that Captain C P Krishnan Nair owns a 1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, the new R-R Phantom and the Ghost. The Silver Shadow is a British icon and in 1973, was a huge leap ahead in terms of technology and, needless to say, luxury. It can often be seen parked in the porch of the Leela, located near Mumbai’s international airport. The Phantom, on the other hand, was unveiled in 2005 and has been a benchmark in luxury ever since. The precision and detailing involved in building this car and the incredible levels of customisation possible make the Phantom an extremely special car, anywhere in the world. The same can be said about the Ghost too, the baby-Rolls Royce as it is known — though the Ghost is more of a ‘driver’s car’ rather than the special occasion car that the Phantom is. Rolls-Royces have been the ultimate examples of opulence and indulgence, and for a man of Captain Nair’s stature, there can’t be a more befitting car.
Mukesh Ambani,
CMD Reliance Industries
Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Group
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Not for nothing is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class called the best car in the world. The S-Class, back in the seventies, gave the term ‘German technology’ the credibility it holds today and it holds true for the latest S-Class too. Known for its speed, authority and an amazing tendency to spoil its occupants, the S-Class is not so much of a car as it is an occasion. S-Class Mercs are opulent yet discreet, with very powerful engines and looks that you just can’t ignore. Be it a quick dash to the airport or some rapid inter-state motoring, the S-Class takes its occupants anywhere in great comfort. Mercedes-Benz has created a very fine balance between dynamics, style, comfort and luxury with the S, and that explains why heads of state, apart from the country’s leading tycoons, choose Mercedes-Benz’s flagship saloon.
Anil Ambani,
Chairman, Reliance ADAG
Lamborghini Gallardo
The younger Ambani likes his cars fast and sharp, just like himself. Though he has a Range Rover and a Mercedes-Benz S-Class in his fleet, Anil Ambani has also owned some really exotic cars in the past. However, the Lamborghini Gallardo can be called the best in his garage. The Gallardo is the sharpest and most popular Lamborghini, famous for turning Lamborghini’s fortunes around. It’s powered by an outrageous V10 engine and can do 300+ kph in the blink of an eye. It is one of the most fascinating production cars to look at and to hear it — the sound of its engine and that which emerges from the exhaust pipes — is an incredible sensation. To drive a Lamborghini at full chat is a divine experience and Ambani, being a 4 am riser, definitely knows how to indulge.
Vijay Mallya,
Chairman, UB Group
Maybach 62
If there was ever a car that could spoil you even more than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it is this, the Maybach 62. It is longer than a Rolls-Royce Phantom, to give you a perspective of things, and is loaded to the gills. A panoramic sun-roof, DVD players, LCD screens, rear doors that shut automatically, business class seats... phew! The features list on this car is literally limitless. The size and features are not where the Maybach’s party ends, though. It is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 made by Mercedes-Benz AMG and boasts of supercar-rivalling performance. Well, almost! It looks completely outrageous, is expensive and has even the proverbial kitchen sink on the inside. Dr Mallya has an impressive collection of modern and vintage cars and this Maybach is certainly a priceless member of his multi-car garage.
Gautam Singhania,
CMD, Raymond Group
Ferrari 458 Italia
Now here’s someone who’s been absolutely vocal about his love for machines. Gautam Singhania has showcased and raced some of the most iconic performance cars of modern day history like the Lotus Elise, the Honda S2000 and the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R R33. He recently acquired an Ariel Atom, undeniably the quickest accelerating car in the world (yes, quicker than even a Bugatti Veyron; 0-100 kph in slightly more than 2 seconds). But his current favourite steed is the gorgeous new Ferrari 458 Italia.
He has one in yellow and it has been customised for his tastes. The Ferrari 458 has been the topic of discussion for everyone even remotely in the know of automobiles. It looks smashing and is aggressive, fierce and beautiful all at once. Knowing Singhania’s flair for yachts, speedboats and aircraft, his choice of a Ferrari is not surprising at all.
