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A Search for Timeless Classics :- Mahindra's Top Ten

Here's a list of cars (1946 till 1970) that can be found in India and included in the Indian Classics list. It is not an exhaustive one and contains mostly those cars that came in fairly substantial numbers. However, there are very few exotics like Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches too.

B U I C K
C a d i l l a c
C h e v r o l e t
D o d g e - D e S o t o - P L Y M O U T H
F o r d
J a g u a r
M e r c e d e s - B e n z
M G
M o r r i s

Buick A marque well represented in India in both sedan and convertible styles. The most popular model was the right-hand Super of 1946-47. A very easy car to restore, maintain and drive, although a gas-guzzler.
A number of 1949-52 Buick sedans also came into the country but imports steadily decreased and only a few 1955-56 models were imported. However,quite a few 1960s Buicks were sold through the State Trading Corporation (STC). Many of these were later converted into diesel cars.

Cadillac Very well represented in the 1946-47 era cars. Some early 1950s convertibles have also been spotted at rallies. An expensive car to buy and restore, but fun to drive.

Chevrolet Well represented. The 1946-47 era FleetMaster and the Styleline Delux 1949-52 were assembled in India and consequently are present in large numbers, often in an excellent condition. The ever-popular American classic known as the Tri Chevys from 1955-57 were also present in quite a few numbers, although most of them were four-door sedans.

The 1959 Impala was once very popular with Mumbai's film industry. Dozens of these cars can still be found in Hyderabad. Sadly, they have been cut and made into convertibles for use in wedding processions. A difficult restoration job.

Dodge-DeSoto-PLYMOUTH The 1947-59 models were assembled in India along with its sister cars, the DeSoto and Plymouth. The two-door 1954-55 convertible and 1956-59 sedan and station-wagon are the more sought after. STC sold many Dodge two-door
and four-door pillarless hardtops in the 1960s. Sadly, most have been dieselised.

Ford Both British and American versions are well represented in India. The 1947-49 Ford V8 and Mercury are still being used as diesel taxis in Junagadh, Gujarat. A few post-war British Ford Pilots and the Model Y are also visible but it was the Consul and Zephyr that were very popular. They had an individual front suspension, an OHV engine, and are still a delight to drive. They look stunning in two-tone paint combination.

The number of Fords that came after 1952 is small when compared to Chevrolets. However, a few Customlines, Fairlanes, Galaxies and Falcons were sold through the STC along with that favourite Indian collector car of the 1960s - the Mustang.

Jaguar Many 1948 3 1/2-litre four-door saloons came into India. Quite a few survive. Even more popular is the Mark VII but they are expensive to restore and maintain. More sought after is the XK Series - the 120, 140 and 150 of which I have accounted for 11, five and three respectively. Very expensive cars and all in collectors' hands. The Garware Motor Co in Mumbai was authorised for sale of Jaguar cars after the war. The most popular 1960s classic is now the Jaguar Mark II, of which quite a few survive along with eight known E-types.

Mercedes-Benz An immensely popular and well-known car in India. Many survive after being restored and are being used even today. Cars from the 180, 190 and 220 S of the 1950s and '60s to the huge 300 series of 1952-59 can be found. The last Series 300 was imported for the President of India. These cars were popular in Goa, and very
many still remain there.

A Mercedes is an expensive car to restore. The most sought after is the 190 S Sport Series of which six survive and only one 300 SL race- winning car of the Maharaja of Gondal. The popularity of the 1960s 220 is growing and you can still find some very good examples of this model, along with the 230 and the 250 series cars of the late 1960s. The most sought after are the SL series convertibles, of which only a few were imported into India.

MG The most sought-after classic is the TC. It has a huge following and thus commands a high price. A relatively easy car to restore. Many original trim are made at Bangalore for the UK clubs. A few MGBs of the 1960s along with the Midget can be seen at classic car rallies.

Morris Represented in abundance starting with the 1948-49 Morris 8 and then the MM Series Minor which became the Baby Hindustan. The most collectible of these are the two-door convertible and wooden-bodied Travellers. Sometimes, one can also find the larger series Morris Oxford.

Studebaker The 1946-49 Champion and the 1956-59 Commander and President were all assembled in India. The bullet-nosed 1950 Champion was very striking. Among the rare ones are the two-door Conestoga (1954-56) coupe and stationwagons.

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Story by:- Manvendra Singh

Source January 2003
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