Auto World Vintage Car Museum — Attraction in Gujarat

he late Pranlal Bhogilal was one of India's pioneering car collectors. In his vast collection he had over 200 cars, including 36 Rolls-Royces! These cars are parked in his various houses all over the country. But he also established Auto World, a unique car museum at his 'Dastan Estate' in Ahmedabad. This museum is open to the public and about 100 of Bhogilal's cars are on display. The entry charges are Rs 50 and Auto World gets a decent number of visitors.

Pranlal Bhogilal passed away in 2011 at the age of 73. But fortunately, his loyal staff has still kept Auto World operational. When I met some of them, they said this was their way of honouring their late boss. Some also mentioned that despite the support of Bhogilal's only child, his daughter Chamundeshwari, it is getting increasingly difficult to maintain the cars and look after their security and well-being.

Auto World has an amazing collection of cars, and also some bikes and horse carriages. There are several different pavilions spread over acres of verdant grounds. In these reside over a dozen Rolls-Royces, including a 1923 Rolls 20 HP with a very unusual shooting brake body by Barker. There is also a 1922 Rolls-Royce 20 HP and a 1927 Phantom I with a boat tail roadster body again by Barker. In 1997, 50 years after our independence from the British, Bhogilal had a 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I with a Barker body painted in the colours of India's flag! Bhogilal named this Rolls "Azad".

In fact, Bhogilal was in the habit of naming or christening his cars, and some of them are called Darya-I-Noor, Durga, Chamunda, Chetak, Shahenshah, Pushpak, Caesar, Cleopatra etc. What's more, Bhogilal also had plates made with the names and these were fixed onto the bonnet of the cars! Other Rolls-Royces displayed at Auto World are a 1923 Silver Ghost, 1927 Phantom I with a limousine body by Windovers, 1936 Phantom III, a 1937 Phantom III and 1949 Rolls-Royce. An interesting one is the 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost with a Victoria State Landau body that also has gas lamps on the side.

One of my favourite cars at Auto World is the 1927 Hispano Suiza H6C with coachwork by HJ Muller. This car was specially built for shikar or the sport of hunting, for the erstwhile princely rulers of Alwar state. This Hispano Suiza has massive extra spotlights and also cabinets mounted on the running boards to keep shotguns and rifles! Another important car is the 1937 Maybach SW38. At the museum I was told that in 2006, Ulrich Schmid-Maybach of the illustrious Maybach family flew down to Ahmedabad from Germany to convince Pranlal Bhogilal to part with this 6-cylinder Maybach as it had been designed by his grandfather. Bhogilal, of course, refused to...

Google Maps Review: World Vintage Car Museum, Ahmedabad

Nestled in the expansive Dastan estate on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, the World Vintage Car Museum is a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Established in 1927 by Pranlal Bhogilal, this museum showcases an impressive collection of over 120 vintage cars, some of which are over a century old. The museum has earned its reputation as one of the largest private collections in the world, having gained recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1987 for its extensive collection.

As you step into the museum, you're greeted by an array of stunning vehicles, from classic Rolls Royces to elegant Cadillacs. Each car is meticulously maintained and displayed, often with historical context provided by knowledgeable staff. The museum features an impressive variety, including rare models from well-known manufacturers like Jaguar, Mercedes, and Buick. Additionally, visitors have the unique opportunity to enjoy a short ride in select vintage cars for a small fee, making the experience even more memorable.

The museum's layout is thoughtfully designed, allowing visitors to stroll through and appreciate the intricate details of each vehicle. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it suitable for families and groups. Moreover, the on-site café offers light snacks, allowing guests to recharge after exploring the fascinating exhibits.

Visiting hours are from 10 AM to 9 PM, with Mondays reserved for maintenance and care of the cars. The entry fee is reasonable, considering the wealth of history and the quality of the exhibits.

Overall, the World Vintage Car Museum is a hidden gem in Ahmedabad that captivates visitors with its historical significance and impressive collection. Whether you're a car lover or simply looking for a unique experience, this museum promises a delightful journey through automotive history. Don't miss out on this opportunity to step back in time and witness the elegance of vintage...

Visited the Auto World Vintage Car Museum in Ahmedabad last weekend, and honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. I’m not even a hardcore car enthusiast, but something about seeing those old beauties lined up with so much pride just made me happy.

The place is huge, and if you’re someone who actually takes time to notice the small details of each car, give yourself at least 1.5 to 2 hours. I tried to rush at first, but then I slowed down and started appreciating the craftsmanship—especially on the old Chevrolet and Ford models. Some of them look straight out of those old Hollywood movies!

There’s one Maybach in particular that felt like royalty on wheels. I actually stood there imagining a maharaja stepping out of it in full royal attire. And speaking of royalty, a lot of these cars did belong to Indian royal families. They even have little nameplates saying which king or noble owned it, which adds a really cool historic vibe.

I was casually taking photos with my phone, and let me tell you, even with a normal phone camera, the pics come out great because of the lighting and the way the cars are displayed.

One small unexpected surprise – I saw peacocks walking around near the lawn area! Didn’t expect that at all. There were also some weirdly big pigeons chilling near the roof area… for a second I thought they might be some other species. Nature + vintage cars = nice combo, no?

Oh, and for those into practical vehicles – they have some old utility vehicles too. Not just fancy luxury stuff. It’s nice to see how transport evolved over the years.

The only reason I’m giving 4 instead of 5 stars is because the maintenance in some corners could be better. A few sections had dust or weren’t lit properly, and the signage could be improved too. But overall, great experience.

Definitely worth a visit, especially if you're into cars, photography, or just want a peaceful afternoon doing...