[RedMM340]

The CJ340 or CL340 is almost an exact replica of the iconic Jeep CJ3B.

The Classic was an attempt by M&M to improve the Jeep CJ3B. I will leave it up to you to decide if it was an improvement or not, but as a Jeep purist, I absolutely prefer the CJ3B. Personally, I think that putting wire wheels on a Jeep is just hideous. If you want the real deal, get a 340.

@Samurai: There is no comparison in the off road capabilities between the 340 and 540. The 340 is much better. Nor is the the 340 "cute". It is about the most rugged, rude, and crude vehicle around. Maruti Zens are cute.

[trammway]

Originally Posted by Cyrus43

Behram Dhabhar here - once again - CJ340 = 5.38. CL340 = 5.38. CL340 classic = 4.88. Period.

Behram Sir, I respect your knowledge in Jeeps. If you don't feel offended, May I request the chassis number of your 340 (I wish to have the complete numbers including the alphabets prefixed). It will help me getting myself updated if I'm wrong in my claim

The request goes to RedMM340, Gaurav please post your chassis number too.

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by Cyrus43

Behram Dhabhar here - once again - CJ340 = 5.38. CL340 = 5.38. CL340 classic = 4.88. Period.

In other words, all CL340s are not Classic. Thanks, that's the confirmation I needed.

PS: Siva, posting chassis number on the public forum is not safe, it could be misused, you could ask them to PM it if they are willing to do so.

Originally Posted by RedMM340

Nor is the the 340 "cute". It is about the most rugged, rude, and crude vehicle around.

You can't dispute that considering cuteness is in eye of the beholder. Many people have told me it is cute, that settles the matter.

[trammway]

Originally Posted by Samurai

In other words, all CL340s are not Classic. Thanks, that's the confirmation I needed.

PS: Siva, posting chassis number on the public forum is not safe, it could be misused, you could ask them to PM it if they are willing to do so.

Samurai, I don't think we can accept this, as already mentioned in the forum by other friends, during 1996 the CL340 DP aka Classic was mfgd. Hence claiming CL340 as different version from Classic needs some notable or additional information such as chassis number, this could solve the puzzle and also help the people with some academic information about Mahindra and Mahindra.

If we can't take chassis numbers in the forum, at least the first few alphabhets which are common could help too.

I asked the chassis serials to see if it is different from the Classic numbers.

[Spitfire]

Look for "CLS" on your chassis number. If its present its a Classic if not it is a CL340, post Jeep took away the rights from Mahindra.

Everything before that is CJ340.

Hope this ends it. Or am i wrong too. Arrghhhh i feel like tearing my hair.

[Samurai]

My Jeep Chassis number is like MS DS-XXXXX. Each X represents a numeric value.

[trammway]

Note from GTO : Copying Trammways post here (from his Jeep experience thread). He has superbly outlined the differences between a Classic & a CJ340:

Identifying Mahindra Classic

1. Original classics are CL340 DP 4WD (Not CJ340)
2. Chassis number of CL340 DP/4WD starts with CL340DPCLS4....
3. Produced between year 1996 and 2000 (The first batch of CL340 DP/4WD (M&M Classic) rolled out in Q3 1996 and the last batch of CL340 DP/4WD was in Q2 2000, could be used in conjunction with the RC book)
4. Suspended pedals for gas, break and clutch (Other jeeps will have floor mounted system)
5. Front wheel got Disc break (I bet no other jeeps got prior to this)
6. 1996 to 1997 models came with spokes wheels (Wire wheels) and then Alloy 96-99 Models came with spoke wheels, the alloy wheels were an option from 97-98.
7. Chrome plated 2 piece Front bull bar(actually the bull bar and cover to the bumper are 2 pieces not like the replicas)
8. Filmsy dash board with colorful indicator lights
9. Little wider track than CJ340s
10. Single lever 4WD operations with KMT-90 gearbox (Old jeeps got shafts for 4WD options plus one for normal gears)
11. Rear seat setup came with forward facing seats like Willys MB or CJ2A
12. A nicely designed roll over bar with a little bend towards the sky on the center of the middle pipe.
13. Seat belts on the rollover bar
14. Idling speed switch on the dash board
15. Right to left wiper arms
16. Plastic Rear spacers are bit wider than the MM540 type spacers (one on the read mudguard)
17. Front rear spacers with a carving for small side indicator (the smallest side indicator than in any jeep)
18. Originally availed Red, Black, White and Dark Metallic Green colors
19. Mesh on the grill without a whole for bonnet knob (available for MM540)
20. Front tow hook on the right side
21. Side view mirrors (OVRM) setup from front of windshield with 4 screw mount each side, inside of the 4 wholes in windshield protected with a rectangle metal plate for extra support. (Not seen in any other CJ3B variants)
22. Extra Plastics for the location between fascia and the bumper with Mahindra written on it and neat plastic cover for the windshield joints.
23. Company fitted bucket seats
24. Ignition key on the steering column with steering lock
25. Lamda free wheeling hubs as seen in the Maruti Gypsy
26. Center mounted spare wheel brackets on the tail gate (all other Mahindra models to have it on one side of the door)
27. Three screw sun wiser attachment on the windshield like MM540
28. Servo assisted break operations (booster break)
29. The Emergency break or the Parking break on center of body tub between passenger and driver seats.
30. The air filter inside the engine compartment was fitted on the left side (passenger side) firewall, as to give space for the servo booster of break assembly in the right side (driver side), hence the air filter intake tube in Classic runs over the engine from left to right.
31. And of course a prominent logo on the sides of bonnet saying “CLASSIC" and 4x4 on both the sides of rear of body tub

On detail investigation,I came to the conclusion that Jeep was a sleeping warrior THE “MAHINDRA CLASSIC”. cheers:

[bdn317]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Are you sure it is a CL-340, can you post a photo of the plaque behind the steering wheel?

Yeah sam, the jeep i own presently, is the M&M Classic. I don't have the snap of the plaque and it will take some time to get the snap as the vehicle is presently with my uncle in Madikeri. I will get the snaps as soon as possible and post it here to avoid further confusion. By the way, the chassis number on my classic read CL340-DP-CLS4. I had checked all these details before buying a classic for myself and people at Karnataka agencies have confirmed it being a classic!

Originally Posted by Samurai

Even the CJ340 has double lever and foot pedals. This is a little confusing, can you post the photos of this 1995 CL340.

Originally Posted by trammway

If not anything can you post the Chassis number of the 95 model jeep your cousins. Just dial him over the phone get the numbers from RC and post it here. It will through some light to the confusion that many people here are going through and will clear the doubts of how the CJ340 is interpreted as CL340.

and speaking about my cousins jeep, the 95 model one, its chassis number starts with CL340-HGT-DT. He told me that's what is written on his RC. Experts like Behram sir may comment more about this. Its a CL340-DP alright! but not a classic for sure with all the differences i mentioned in my previous posts. and again, snaps will be uploaded as soon as i get hold of them.

@siva: hope the above mentioned details are sufficient!

[U.B.Singh]

Hello Samurai,
my Mahindra 340 has the following details:

Chassis number....... CJ -340 DP - 4 - DN-19038
Engine number........ DN - 19038
Model No............... CJ - 340 DP - 4WD
Date of issue.......... 19 .01. 1991
Model................... 1991

Must be one of the early ones. Colour Red, white FC bumpers small square tail lamps mounted on U bracket, side swing tail gate etc.

All the best.....................................UBS

[Samurai]

Thanks UBS sir, it looks like Mahindra followed a different naming standard every year for the Chassis number. And there is a CL340 that is not a Classic.

In 1995: CL340-HGT-DT-XXXXX
In 1994: MS DS-XXXXX (No CJ340 mentioned in this line)
In 1991: CJ -340 DP-4-DN-XXXXX

Plaque on my Jeep

[trammway]

Originally Posted by bdn317

and speaking about my cousins jeep, the 95 model one, its chassis number starts with CL340-HGT-DT. He told me that's what is written on his RC. Experts like Behram sir may comment more about this. Its a CL340-DP alright! but not a classic for sure with all the differences i mentioned in my previous posts. and again, snaps will be uploaded as soon as i get hold of them.

@siva: hope the above mentioned details are sufficient!

Excellent, This is the clue I'm trying to find in all my posts. So finally we are here.. I'm pretty sure all Mahindra Classic jeeps were having CL340-DP-CLS4 as their chassis serial prefix.

after 1996 onwards: CL340-DP-CLS4 xxxxxx
In 1995: CL340-HGT-DT-XXXXX
In 1994: MS DS-XXXXX (No CJ340 mentioned in this line)
In 1991: CJ -340 DP-4-DN-XXXXX


but your clue about CL340-HGT-DT really interesting... thanks for sharing buddy.

[DHABHAR.BEHRAM]

Dear all - the CJ340 and CL340 had floor mounted brake and clutch pedals whereas the CL340 classic had suspended pedals due to disc brake / booster and cable operated clutch. Just for information, so they are ery easy to differentiate.

And dear Tramway - I do not have the chassis number of my CL340. I sold it in January 1996 (and am repenting ever since).

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

[MM440]

Hey Behram.
Well there's a good reason to go find one to buy and hit the jeeping refresh button.
Cheers
jammy


And dear Tramway - I do not have the chassis number of my CL340. I sold it in January 1996 (and am repenting ever since).

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar[/quote]

[DHABHAR.BEHRAM]

Dear Jammy - find me one - but to get one to my exacting standards has become a "panchwarshiya yojana" for me. My problem is simple - for me, ignorance is NOT bliss. HaHa.

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

[kavesh55]

Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM

Dear Jammy - find me one - but to get one to my exacting standards has become a "panchwarshiya yojana" for me. My problem is simple - for me, ignorance is NOT bliss. HaHa.

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

I know and many including me and adheesh have got the bug.