If you are planning a trip to Ahmedabad and have a passion for history or automobiles, the Auto World Vintage Car Museum is likely on your radar. Located on the lush Dastan Estate, this isn't just a parking lot filled with old cars.

It is recognized as one of the most significant personal collections in India, curated by Pranlal Bhogilal. This guide covers everything from the hidden costs you need to know before you go to the reality of the visitor experience in 2026.

  • Location: Dastan Estate, Sardar Patel Ring Road, Kathwada, Ahmedabad
  • Opening Hours: 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM (Open all days)
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
  • Average Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours

About Auto World Vintage Car Museum: Not Just a Garage

When you step into the Dastan Estate, you are entering a piece of history. Established by Pranlal Bhogilal, a connoisseur of automotive art, this museum holds a Guinness World Record for the world's largest private garage. The setting itself adds to the charm. Unlike sterile, indoor museums, this open-air pavilion is surrounded by greenery. You might even spot peacocks wandering around the lawns, which offers a serene contrast to the mechanical beasts on display.

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This place serves as a tribute to the era when cars were built with individual character and craftsmanship rather than mass-production efficiency. It is a fantastic spot for photographers, history buffs, and families looking for a quiet escape from the city noise.

Legends Awaiting You in the Collection

The sheer variety of vehicles here is staggering. The collection houses over 100 vintage cars, motorcycles, and horse-drawn carriages. You will find aristocratic brands that defined luxury in the early 20th century.

  • Rolls Royce & Bentley: The museum boasts an impressive lineup of these British legends. Look out for the specialized hunting cars and ceremonial vehicles used by Indian Maharajas.
  • Maybach: One of the crown jewels is a rare Maybach, which has an interesting history involving a German family member trying to buy it back.
  • American Muscle & Style: From the classic Ford Model T to the flamboyant Cadillacs and Lincolns of the 1950s, the evolution of American design is on full display.
  • Unique Finds: Keep an eye out for the car featured in the movie Gandhi and even a surprising appearance by early Indian models like the Tata Nano, showcasing the spectrum of automotive history.

Honest Note: While the collection is magnificent, the display arrangement is quite dense. The cars are parked very close to each other in long rows. This means you cannot walk around each car individually to see the interiors or the rear details up close. You have to admire them from the front or the side barriers.

Entrance Fee and the Photography Surprise

This is the part where most visitors get confused. The pricing structure has specific rules regarding cameras and mobile phones.

The standard entry ticket is 100 INR per person. However, this ticket only allows you to enter and look with your eyes.

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If you want to take photos, even with your smartphone, you must pay an additional 100 INR per device. The security staff is very strict about this. If you do not buy the camera ticket, you will be stopped immediately if you pull out your phone to snap a picture. It is better to pay this upfront at the counter to avoid awkward interruptions during your tour.

Important Rule: Video recording is strictly prohibited. Even if you pay for the camera ticket, it is valid for still photography only.

The Classic Car Ride Experience

For those who want to feel what it is like to travel like a royal, the museum offers a vintage car ride. You can take a short 3.5 km joyride within the Dastan Estate premises.

The cost for this experience is 1000 INR. This price typically covers a single ride for up to four people. It is a bit pricey for the distance covered, but it is a rare opportunity to sit in a running vintage machine rather than just looking at it. The drivers often share interesting tidbits about the car's mechanics during the drive.

Critical Tips for Visitors

To make your visit as smooth as possible, keep these practical tips in mind based on recent visitor experiences:

  • Staff Interaction: The security guards are extremely vigilant. They will follow you to ensure you do not touch the cars or take photos without a permit. Do not take it personally; they are just doing their job to protect these valuable artifacts.
  • Food and Dining: There is a restaurant named Vintage Village inside the premises that serves traditional Gujarati Thali. It is a great place to have lunch after your tour, especially if you are visiting with family.
  • Connectivity: The location is on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. While getting there by cab or auto-rickshaw is easy, booking a ride back can sometimes be tricky. It is wise to ask your driver to wait or plan your return trip in advance.
  • Heat Management: Ahmedabad gets very hot. The display area has a roof but is open from the sides. Visiting around noon can be uncomfortable.

Where is it and How to Get There?

The museum is located in the Kathwada area, right off the Sardar Patel Ring Road.

  • By Taxi/Cab: This is the most convenient option. You can easily book an Uber or Ola from anywhere in Ahmedabad directly to the museum gate.
  • By Car: There is ample free parking available at the Dastan Farm entrance.
  • Distance: It is approximately 15-20 km from the Ahmedabad city center and the railway station, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.