THE 79-year-old Ford GPW Jeep from USA and a Made in England 1955 Triumph motorcycle are not only captivating to the eyes and command respect but are also are moving automotive legacies, feels owner Dr Ravindra Sawarbandhe. An Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Sawarbandhe of Sawarbandhe Multi-speciality Hospital, will be present with his Jeep and Triumph at the Rotary-The Hitavada Vintage Car Rally to be held in association with Cent Ind Vintage Automotive Association Nagpur (CIVAA) on December 28 at St Ursula Girls High School in Civil Lines. “I have been driving this left-hand drive beauty by road to Goa, Bengaluru and Mysore to attend vintage car rallies and displays. We meet many enthusiasts on the way who requests for photos of the Jeep,” shared Dr Sawarbandhe. Dr Sawarbandhe has bagged many top prizes at car rallies and is the sixth owner of this Jeep in the last 23 years. Dr Sawarbandhe purchased it in a kaput condition but he restored it to its near original make and also kept its original military green colour.

 

 

The Jeep boasts a powerful 1500 CC air-cooled, four-cylinder side valve engine and a four-wheel drive gearbox. “Maintaining these vehicles is a difficult task. Spares are a very big issue as sometimes you need to wait for months to get the particular part. Thank god! We have two very good vintage restorers in Nagpur,” said the surgeon referring to vintage car restorers Shreesh Deodhar and Ashish Limbanna. “Other senior members of CIVAA encourage and guide us to maintain our cars as per its original specifications. My wife and two children enjoy their rides in the jeep and are very fond of it. “The authorities should encourage vintage and classic car owners by being lenient in implementing road taxes and scrap policies including change in number plates of vehicles, the old number plates itself are point of attraction showing the history of the car and a rare thing to be seen in the future,” said the proud owner.

 

The maroon coloured Triumph 5T of 1955 model was used by the Police in England and some countries in Africa and Asia. Well known for its powerful 500 cc, 4 stroke, twin cylinder engine and smooth gear box. “I acquired this bike from a top architect and designer in Pune who rode it regularly to keep it in superb condition. I too wish to ride it regularly with my wife as the pillion rider, enjoying its smooth power delivery and performance. “This magnificent Triumph is a treasured gift marking our 25th wedding anniversary on 18th December — a celebration of silver years of companionship and shared journeys. More than a possession, it has been warmly welcomed as a new member of the family, carrying emotions, memories, and shared dreams on every ride.” To the owner, the vehicles are a legacy. “Both my vintage beauties are not just any other vehicles, they are moving automotive legacy,” Dr Sawarbandhe signed off.