In the current era of advancements and a new century, we love fast cars, modern cars, and even more so, hybrids. As the number of cars has increased over the decades, we have been met with heavy traffic and worsening road conditions, yet we continue to seek the most from our journeys in the comfort of modern cars. However, we feel the absence of custom coach-built, purpose-built vintage cars. What if we brought back the classics to experience the roads of today?

In 2025, we celebrated 100 years of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Known for its "best car in the world" reputation, the marque represented peak 1920s bespoke design, along with a sporty and high-performance character for that era. To mark this automotive artistry and celebrate India's growing motoring culture, a story was created. A true ardent collector and custodian of classics, Mr. Ramji Malik undertook a 4,000 km expedition from the northernmost peaks to the southernmost shores of India in his 1925 Rolls-Royce Barker Tourer.

A route was set from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and a 30-day journey soon commenced. Having previously curated drives across the country and restored and driven rare automobiles, Mr. Malik sought to experience the beauty of Indian roads in a century-old Rolls-Royce, an open-top tourer powered by a 7.7-litre straight-six engine producing approximately 100 bhp. The drive traced through major Indian cities, bringing together collectors, enthusiasts and communities across the country at various showcases.

"Some days were smooth; some days we had to push the limits," said Mr. Malik. Beginning in Jammu and navigating through winding roads and expansive highways, the journey involved battling traffic and adapting to diverse climates. The crew supported the expedition with a flatbed truck that followed the route for quick fixes and refuelling when needed. Driven by Mr. Malik himself and accompanied by his son, the car covered 200–250 km each day, steadily progressing to the final leg of the journey at Kanyakumari.

The successful odyssey was made possible by a relentless pursuit to see it through, making it a grand celebration, "The Final Showcase." Hosted by Mr. Yohan Poonawalla at the Poonawalla Stud Farms in honour of the brand, the journey and the moment. A legendary collector at heart, he presented his own Rolls-Royce collection, including historic Phantoms such as the celebrated "Kashmir I," Phantom II once owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell, Phantom V commissioned for the Emir of Qatar and Phantom VI built for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, alongside the centenary Phantom I that completed the expedition.

A spectacle graced by esteemed guests, it served as a fitting tribute to conclude the milestone. As the story of the marque continues to fascinate us, this remarkable chapter serves as a reminder to preserve and celebrate its heritage while reconnecting future generations with the motoring story of a bygone era.