Own a Classic. Don't let unavailability stop you . Review on Mahindra Classic

Birth of a fighter A soldier was born during the World War II, which upto some extent had the impact over the fate of world war and this legend was Jeep. Forces wanted a vehicle which would be sturdy, strong and yet light weight which would carry the forces to battle ground and can be easily transported via the carrier air crafts. Infact on the CJ web page on net one can find a pic of soldiers carrying Jeep over their shoulders. No one is sure why was it christened so..

In October 1947 immediately after independence, first batch of seventy five Utility Vehicles (UVs) were imported in CKD condition from Willys Overland Export Corporation and after that in year 1949, 11071 Sq. yds space was taken on lease at Mazagaon from British India Steam navigation. The first Willys Overland Jeep built in India was at this assembly plant in mazagaon, Bombay. After than from 1954 onwards: Phased manufacture of Vehicles was undertaken in collaboration with Kaiser Jeep Corporation and American Motors Corporation.These Jeeps were mainly supplied to Indian Defense forces. But, these vehicles always attracted the civilians as well, and this trend was/is most common in regions from where majority of defense personnel are for e.g. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, coorg etc.

Mahindra CLASSIC in 1996. Mahindra’s sensed the market and sentiments for the short chassis jeep and in 1996-97 came out with their best offering of CJ series the CLASSIC. This was a huge hit among the section of buyers for its high aspiration value, attitude and uniqueness. The vehicle was built with extra care and had many addons over a regular CJ like a majestic bull bar, leather seats, spoke wheels, two side mirrors, front facing rear seats and good colors options like Black, Red and green. I would not go into technical specification for its no more under production and last vehicle from the assembly line is almost 8 years old. Sad as it was the production for classic was stopped due to dwindling sales as an average Indian consumer wants value for money and do not want a vehicle which would seat only 4 and will not provide protection from elements, the farming or rural community had more options like 550 and 500 which would comfortably seat 8 guys. And other enthusiasts had option of an army auctioned jeep which costed 1/4th of original classic. One theory also suggests that it was the phase when Indian defense and paramilitary forces were shifting from Jeep to Gypsy, for varied reasons and Mahindra wanted to liquidate its short chassis stuff. Well any way the Classic got discontinued. One negative point about vehicles like classic and royal enfield is their image people think any civilian driving these vehicle must either be a gunda, or political honcho or spoiled son of a millionaire thanks to Bollywood movies. So my appeal to all, that please view people owning or driving such vehicles also as a soldier, sports man, adventurists, prosperous farmer, and above all a responsible citizen.

I wanted a Jeep and my friend who is captain in India Army suggested me to get a regular CJ3B convert into CLASSIC. He had done similarly.

Now my search for CJ3B started. I spoke to several people and researched a lot. My findings took me to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Goa, MP, Bengal and Mumbai these are the places where you can find lots of short chassis jeeps and CLASSICS (I didn’t visited all these places physically few were mere electronic visits) .There are few locations in India which are famous for refurbished Jeeps. These are Dabwali in Haryana, Malout and Moga in Punjab. Other popular markets are Jaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan but, these are small markets and you don’t get much choice.

Following are few ways by which one can get a classic replica if not the original classic.

Take an army disposed jeep CJ340 or DP 340, one can get it from the scrap dealers who buy it in lot from army auction or if you have some friend or relative in army than one can get it from their also, caution; auction vehicles can’t get registered in many cities! After getting the vehicle transform it into a Classic entire project would cost some 1.5 lacs. OR Pack your bag and visit Delhi’s Mayapuri area or Dabwali in Haryana or Malout in Punjab their one can find ready made jeeps, slight modification and a classic replica is ready. Caution: take a mechanic with you and do not buy cut chassis jeep (91” shortened to 81”) it will give wheel balancing and alignment problems and eat away the tyres. Most fit discarded Japanese engines which give good mileage and less noise Toyota 2c is the best. Few final words; Do lots of research and do not panic be ready for the right opportunity; at times one can get a short chassis jeep in running condition for a throw away price . “ Only a jeweler knows the value of a gem for ignorant it is just a stone”.

Beware of chaps selling their beauties on internet or through various forums in such deals one may end up paying an amount which is far more higher than the actual price. Also, be ware of touts and shrewd & greedy mechanics, if you are involved in making a jeep of your own than keep a tight vigil over its progress. And lastly, ensure proper and genuine paper work, this is the area where original CLASSIC scores hugely. But, with caution and repect for law one can get a refurbished JEEP with proper paper work.