Yohan Poonawalla’s Rolls Royce Phantom ‘17EX’ wins Best of Show in Japan

Yohan Poonawalla’s 1928 Rolls-Royce Experimental Sports Phantom ‘17EX’ won the prestigious Best of Show title at the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan 2026, held recently at the iconic Yakushiji Temple in Nara. The event, founded by Hidetomo Kimura, marked the first-ever appearance of the ‘17EX’ in Japan.

The rare automobile, once owned by the Maharaja of Kashmir, stood out among a world-class field of pre-war, post-war, supercars, and hypercars. The judging panel featured noted experts, including Shiro Nakamura and Alberto Scuro.

Designed and tested by Sir Henry Royce, the ‘17EX’ is a one-of-a-kind Sports Phantom I, featuring a powerful 7.8-litre engine and aerodynamic coachwork. Widely regarded as one of the most significant Rolls-Royce models, it impressed judges with its rich history, originality, and exceptional condition.