Take on the elements. Review on Mahindra Classic

The legend called Jeep

During WW-II the Americans wanted a vehicle which could carry their troops and light weapons over all kinds of terrain. The main requirements were that the vehicle be light weight, powerful and of course should have a 4-wheel drive to conquer any kind of terrain. Many auto-manufacturers came up with prototypes but the one that took the deal was Willys Overland Corporation. The US Army liked the ruggedness and durability of the prototype and its ability to mock at any terrain thrown at it. The deal was clinched and orders were placed to produces thousands of these vehicles. This is when the legend called ''Jeep'' was born. No one is sure why was it christened so.. some say it came from ''GP'', expanding to General Purpose. Whatever it is, the jeep is one of the very few good things about WW-II.

The Civilian Jeep

After the WW-II was over, the soldiers returned to their home lands but could not forget the amazing automobile which they had become so used to driving on the battle fields. They wanted to own something similar, not only because of the amazing off-road and load-towing capabilities but also as a memoir of having taken that vehicle right up the enemy's nose. Willys Overland saw these market vibes and immediately took up the manufacture of jeeps for civilians. Thus came in the new breed of jeeps called Civilian Jeeps or CJ's. Starting from CJ-2A in the 1950's, the series continued till the CJ-8's of 1980's. Undoubtedly the most captivating and most popular of these has been the CJ-3B. Incidentally, the CJ-3B is still being manufactured in some parts of the world.

Till very recently, as late as the year 2000, India used to make its very own version of the CJ-3B. This marvel of machinery was being manufactured by Mahindra and Mahindra and was called the ''Classic''. Unfortunately, the production had to be stopped because of dwindling sales. Sad as it is, it remains a fact that the average Indian consumer wants value for money and was not very willing to shell out Rs. 4 lakh plus for a ''jeep'', which is supposed to plough the kutcha roads of villages and farms. If you want to know how crazy people still are on this marvel of an automobile, check out https://film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Index.html

The Mahindra Classic

Well, coming to the Classic, it is as close as you can come to a Jeep of the WW-II era. This is unless, of course, you are lucky enough to lay your hands on one of those original/restored Willys or Fords. The pride of owning a Classic lies in the fact that it is an Indian-bred jeep, made by an Indian firm. Till as late as 1999, the Classic was exported to many countries like UK and Australia. Well, what is there in a jeep you may ask... after all it is a rattling open tin can which creaks and squeaks the hell out of you, does not go above 80 kmph and the engine boom requires you to holler at the top of your voice to make yourself audible to the other person. Well, I have only one answer for the above... own it and you'll know it.

To begin with, let's face it, it is a very basic vehicle with no frills attached. The leaf springs squeak the hell out of you, the suspension tosses you around like a cork in water at every bump and does not go above 75-80 kmph. Well, the reason is simple... it is a jeep ! It does what its meant to do, take on any terrain with a sense of ease and arrogance, if I may say so. The short wheel-base, the 4x4 mechanism and a good set of footwear make the Classic one of the best off-roaders around.

Nothing comes closer to a Classic off-road. What was that ? Did I hear someone mention ''Gypsy'' ? Well, I am not here to rage a vehicle-war but a petrol engine'd off-roader somehow does not sound good, does it ? Anyways, coming back to the Classic, buy it only if you are a real jeep enthusiast and can live with some of the pain points that come along with it. If you are more of a highway-star then it is a no-no. If you are the one who likes to take on the elements, then this is the vehicle for you. Remove those doors, lift off that top, drop the windshield and feel the breeze against yourself, caressing you all over. The torque is enough to pull you up those inclines in 3rd, or at the most 2nd gear. Put her in 4H and she can pull you through slush/mud. Put her in 4L and you can drag a tree-trunk behind you or climb up that incline you thought only spider-man can climb.

One thing that my Classic has taught me is grace and dignity. Lumbering around peacefully at 60kph, I look at the Santros and City's whiz past me... but I give them nothing more than a smile, picturing a scene when I take my wheels to places where these people cannot imagine going even on foot :-) Did I sound a little arrogant there ? Sorry about that ! And that feeling of confidence you get when you have that 4WD gear box under you, just awesome !! You know you can come out of almost anything with that thing working under you.

If you feel that I am a little biased towards the Classic then you are wrong... I am VERY much biased ! And I repeat, DO NOT buy a Classic if you cannot appreciate a jeep. Many people tend to like the looks and would like to buy it just because they would want to be seen in a jeep... its cool ! As long as you do not mind shelling out 1.5-2 lakhs (yeah that is what you will need to pay for a Classic in good condition) just for ''looking'' cool, its fine. You can buy it, keep it and take it out on the weekends, lug 2 girlies at the back and zoom around town. But if you are not that type, if you are putting in your hard-earned money in this then make sure you are a die-hard jeep fan.

For people who would like to own something rugged but with some modern comforts thrown in, like power steering, A/C, stereo etc. can very well pick up the Bolero. It is a good buy. But for owning a Classic, you need to have that thing for jeeps. And if you have it, you know what I'm talking about here !!