World’s greatest vintage car collector Pranlal Bhogilal is no more

World’s greatest vintage car collector Pranlal Bhogilal is no more
By Japan K Pathak
Ahmedabad,13 January, 2011




A man who single handedly collected highest numbers of vintage cars and maintained them throughout his life, Ahmedabad based industrialist Shri Pranlal Bhogilal died yesterday night in Mumbai. He was 73. He is survived by his only daughter Chamundeshwari.

Shri Pranlal Bhogilal was admitted in Mumbai’s Jaslok hospital for last two and half months. He was admitted after severe diaria. Later he developed infection and was critical.

Shri Pranlal Bhogilal has left behind him a treasure of 204 vintage cars. Of them 105 are showcased in his Ahmedabad based 2200 acre Dastan farm. Interesting fact about these cars is that each and every car is in running position, and none is junk. Shri Pranlal Bhogilal used to see personally that each car should be in operating condition.

The vintage car lovers can worry about the future of this largest single handedly made vintage car collection, but sources closed to late Pranlalbhai suggest that his daughter is determined to continue to take care of the car collection.

Though Pranlalbhai was known as vintage car collector, his contribution to industry was also significant. He served as the President of ASSOCHAM (the Apex Organization of Trade & Industry), Indian Merchant’s Chamber, All India Starch Manufacturers’ Association, All India Laminate Manufacturers’ Association, Indian Textiles Association & Machinery Manufacturers’ Association, Western India Automobile Association.

Shri Pranlal Bhogilal was a board member of Lok Prakashan Limited(the company that owns Gujarat’s highly circulated and top daily Gujarat Samachar) and Zydus Cadila.

Pranlal Bhogilal’s bungalows spread across all major hill stations and several cities of India were known as ‘Palace’ due to their size and grandness.

He was very fascinated and excited about his vintage car collection. The city of Ahmedabad used to witness his vintage car collection exhibition occasionally. Pranlalbhai would remain present there to tell the story of each car. Pranlalbhai had passionately created the Auto world museum in his farm house. The museum apart from 105 vintage cars, also show cases vintage carts, and motorcycles.