One could select any number of colorful superlatives and adjectives to describe the life and career of Sudhir Choudhrie. Two excellent words might be “determined” and “unstoppable.”

Those descriptors are valid whether one is speaking of his business empire, his personal life or his hobbies. Take the latter, for example. Choudhrie is an avid collector of vintage automobiles. These are iconic brands, such as Mercedes, Cadilac, Bugatti and others.

Finding a rusted-out heap in a junkyard that’s barely more than scrap metal and restoring it to pristine condition is an activity that requires supreme patience, a willingness to take the long haul and monumental efforts to find auto parts that may no longer exist. When Sudhir Choudhrie takes on a car built in 1901 and attempts to restore it to perfect, pristine condition -– well, that requires a special kind of discipline.

Consider the 1921/1923 Bugatti in Choudhrie’s collection. It came to India originally at the behest of a Muslim family that lived in Bombay (today called Mumbai). This wealthy family of umbrella manufacturers bought the car for their son who later went blind, rendering him unable to drive.

The Bugatti was placed in a garage for storage. Years later, the roof collapsed leaving the marvelous vehicle severely damaged. Choudhrie acquired it in the 1980s and began a 10-year journey to rebuild, repair and restore this classic to its original condition. Just getting permission to send the engine to England for repair involved three long years of red tape!

Nevertheless, the job got done. Today, the 1921/23 Bugatti holds a place of honor in Choudhrie’s vast collection. It’s a wonder to behold in full operational condition.

This dogged persistence is what enabled Sudhir Choudhrie to excel in the world of international trade and investment –- and allowed him to beat severe heart disease and survive a heart transplant procedure for more than 20 years and counting.