Me and my cars: Siddhant Karnick

What are you driving / riding and why?

I drive a 1982 Mercedes-Benz W123. Because in today’s world of sanitised, convenient cars, it’s refreshing to have something that still feels like I’m truly in control – a machine I can even fix myself. Alongside it, I also have a Mercedes GLE 450, a Mercedes E 250, a Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, and a Honda Africa Twin.

What’s next on your wish list?

More parking space.

The most fun you’ve had in a car / bike?

It was with my parents, when my father was in the Army. We would go in a military convoy of five vehicles with protection and body guards, and it was an exhilarating experience.

Favourite / Dream money no object car / bike?

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing.

Who is your all-time greatest motorsport hero?

Michael Dunlop, for all his wins at the Isle of Man TT.

Favourite road?

There’s one that heads to Nashik from Mumbai, not the usual highway, it’s a little unknown route and I’d like to keep it that way.

What’s on your automotive bucket list?

Ride through Africa on my Honda Africa Twin.

What would you do with your last litre of fuel?

I’d ration it out – just enough to hear my engines start and stop, savoring each growl and purr one last time.

Your ideal 5 car / bike garage would be?

Mercedes-Benz W123

Lamborghini Urus

Toyota Hilux

Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII

Dune buggy

I’d also like to have the Honda Africa Twin and KTM 500 EXC in my garage.

What was your first car?

The VW Polo GT TSI, which I still own.

Also see:

Me and my cars: Yohan Poonawalla