What is this page and why am I creating it?

I love automobiles.

I grew up in India during the 70s and 80s when the number of automobiles available was very limited, at least until my mid-teens. But still, for me, that number was enough to generate a lifelong passion since my early childhood. 

I sometimes think that perhaps that was a blessing as it allowed me to collect every bit of available information about them. At the age when my friends read comic books, I would read automobile magazines over and over until the next edition came out. In those days, there was only one such magazine called the Indian Auto Journal (also called Indian Auto).

I think I was in the 5th grade when my elder brother brought home an edition of the magazine with a buyer’s guide containing details about every moped, scooter, bike, car, and light commercial vehicle sold at that time. It cost Rs.10 (around 12 cents). That magazine remained with me for many years, even when we moved cities. From that edition, I memorized specs like CC, BHP, Mileage, Features, Models, etc. for every vehicle listed, some of which I still remember.

During my late teens, the Indian auto segment opened up and a flood of new vehicles came in. To cover those, new magazines were also launched like Overdrive and Autocar India. So now there were three prominent magazines and I read them all. 

My goal in life at that time was to own a garage where I would repair vehicles. Well, that didn’t pan out and with life’s priorities, this interest waned a bit as well. But, even today, I notice that my mood lifts whenever I am reading or discussing automobiles. This website is a small attempt to keep me in touch with that passion. Taking photographs and journaling some of the unique vehicles featured here has given me happiness. 

Though I couldn’t start a garage, I always wondered what’s the next best thing. This section is my answer to that question. In the past 2+ decades, my work has given me the opportunity to travel the world and see most vehicles sold during this time. But, I want to go back to the vehicles I grew up with. 

In subsequent posts, I will write about many of those vehicles from my childhood. There will be some technical specs but mostly, these would be a recreation of my memories about them. If you grew up in India during the same time, my hope is that these will bring back your memories too.

As you read through them, try to recollect your own days and your interactions with the vehicles from that time. If it brings a smile to your face, I will consider my work to be successful. 

P.S. - There could be several mistakes in my stories, especially related to the specs but that isn’t the point here. If you find any, please point them out gently in the comments and I will do my best to fix those. There is no room for negativity here.