Pratap Sinh Gaekwad has always been fascinated by cars. From his early days exploring his family’s grand palace in Baroda, Gujarat, where the ‘Buggy Khana’ housed cars, jeeps, and royal carriages, his love for automobiles was evident. Recently, he took his passion to the digital world, launching a YouTube channel and Instagram handle dedicated to traveling across India and interviewing owners of vintage and modern classic cars.
In one of his adventures in Jodhpur, Pratap, looking sharp with his grey hair glistening in the sunlight, stumbled upon a rare gem – a 1938 Delahaye 135 MS, crafted by renowned coach-builders Joseph Figoni and Ovidio Falaschi. The car, owned by Rajkumar Veer Vikram Singh of Jodhpur, is a symbol of luxury and innovation from the late 1930s. Pratap shares his excitement in an Instagram post, mentioning that only five such cars exist worldwide, with this being the sole survivor in India.
For Pratap, the essence of his endeavor lies in uncovering these hidden treasures. Through Buggy Khana, he aims to shine a spotlight on passionate individuals dedicated to restoring India’s automotive heritage. He emphasizes the importance of hearing the stories behind these cars and understanding the efforts involved in preserving them.
Reflecting on India’s history, Pratap acknowledges the significant role royal families played as avid importers of luxury European and American cars before and after World War II. However, the landscape changed after India gained independence in 1947, leading to the abolition of privy purses in 1971, compelling many royal families to part with their assets, including cherished cars.
One such car, a Rolls Royce 2025 purchased by Pratap’s great-great-grandfather, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad, in 1934, found its way back into Pratap’s possession after being sold during the tumultuous post-independence period. Now, he is meticulously restoring it to its former glory, a labor of love that brings him immense joy.
During the pandemic, Pratap intensified his efforts in expanding his car collection, now boasting around 20 vehicles, including notable classics like a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and a 1966 Mercedes 230 SL convertible. His dedication to preserving automotive history extends to showcasing his cars at prestigious events like the Oberoi car concourse in Udaipur.
Through his endeavors, Pratap aims to highlight the sacred attachment and reverence Indians hold for their cars, symbolized by rituals like garlanding new vehicles and offering prayers at temples for their prosperity. Buggy Khana serves as a platform to celebrate this enduring relationship between Indians and their beloved automobiles.