Racing has been in his blood (Doctors & pathologists group his blood type as 20/40 multigrade!!). A well-known name in the world of automobiles - be it racing, rallying, organising or writing, and a National Champion in the Himalayan Rally’85, and the first Indian to finish fourth overall. In the Great Desert Himalaya Raid the most gruesome rally in the World after the Paris-Dakkar rally, not only did he finish First in the category of LCV’s (Light Commercial Vehicles) but also achieved record timings in Competitive Sections ‘LEH to SRINAGAR Via Kargil’ in 5 hours and 13 minutes in a 3.5 ton Canter, covering a total distance of 440 kms with a half hour service stop in Kargil! In 1992, he formed the PERFORMANCE CARS RACING TRUST a non-profit organization only dedicated to promotion of Motor Sports activities in the Country. Conducted National Championship Rallies from 1992 to 1998 very successfully under the same banner, Castrol was the overall sponsor. Chaired Delhi Automotive Racing Association (D A R A) from 1986 to 1990
Today, in the world of Automobile on the domestic and International front a known figure while contributing to The Hindu, Times of India, India Today Plus, Outlook, Overdrive and some life style magazines. Has participated in International Rallying, been a Test driver, an Advisor and a writer for some of the Top magazines and newspapers. Advisers to TV shows like CNBC, India Today, Business Today, and Road Show on star TV, expert comments on AAJ TAK news, Zee TV, CNBC and many other TV and on line websites. A senior Steward of motorsports events in India and abroad. He not only understands the Automobiles as in the present day ‘Modern’ cars, but also excels in restoration of old Vintage & Classic beauties.
Founder and past President of Heritage Motoring Club of India (a Vintage & Classic Cars Club in Delhi). Regional Director Federation of Motor sports Clubs of India, Chairman PCRT.
Tutu Dhawan now 77 yrs old, and since the age of 12 this passion of automobiles as a hobby initially which later became his profession, his bread-earner. Even during school & college days, after study-time, he worked on automobiles for at least 6 to 8 hours daily on a part-time basis.
As a result of which, he has to his credit more than five and a half decades of ‘hands on’ floor shop experience in this business of automobiles. In 2009 he has designed, developed and made a real Roadster Replica of one of the most popular British Sports Cars the Morgan that was authenticated by none other but the King of Bollywood Mr. Sharukh Khan and the same vehicle is now with him in his Showroom. A very respected name in the Automotive Industry in India, was on the board of advisors to the Government of Delhi, on subjects of Auto Motion.
Sonu Chhiba
30 May 2021
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- Morgan Sports car
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- The Willys Overland
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- Beetle Re-Build
