Archive · 15 Aug 2025
Nehru's Rolls-Royce: A Symbol of Independent India
In 1947, Queen Elizabeth gifted a luxurious Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith to Lord Mountbatten.
After India's independence, this car became the first official state car, used by Prime Minister Nehru and other leaders.
It was a symbol of luxury, with a spacious interior and a powerful engine.
Over time, it was neglected but was later restored by a vintage car enthusiast.
Now, it appears in vintage car shows, a reminder of India's history.
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was gifted to Lord Mountbatten in 1947 by Queen Elizabeth.
The car was later given to the Indian government and used by Nehru and Shastri.
The Silver Wraith was the first official state car of independent India.
The car featured a 4.3-liter inline-six engine and a four-speed manual gearbox.
The Silver Wraith was later restored by vintage car enthusiast Yashwardhan Ruia.
- Who
- Jawaharlal Nehru, Lord Mountbatten, Queen Elizabeth, Yashwardhan Ruia.
- What
- The Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, the first official state car of independent India.
- When
- 1947, when the car was gifted; used by Nehru throughout his tenure.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To serve as the official state car, symbolizing the nation's new beginning.
- Original Owner
- Lord Mountbatten
- Gift Giver
- Queen Elizabeth
- First Official State Car
- Yes
- First Prime Minister to use
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Engine
- 4.3-liter inline-six
- Transmission
- 4-speed manual
- Restorer
- Yashwardhan Ruia
