[Aditya]

Thanks to Dhruva Mundodi for sending this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP page!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1tRBbBaq2g&t=162s

Make: Mahindra & Mahindra

Model: 1969

Engine Type: Diesel 1990 high speed direct injection engine (originally petrol)

Gearbox: 3-speed manual with four wheel drive high and low ratio

Overall Length: 129-29/32 in. (3.30 m)

Overall Width: 68-7/8 in. (175 cm)

Overall Height: (Top of windshield) 66-1/4 in. (169 cm)

Tread: (front and rear) 48-7/16 in. (123 cm)

Wheelbase: 80 in. (203 cm)

Front/Rear Overhang: 20.59 in./22.31 in.

Tailgate: 36 in. wide x 19.25 in. high

Ground Clearance: 8 in. (20.3 cm)

Although it's been modified, almost all the figures mentioned above remain the same.

We live in a very remote village of South India. At my place, a Jeep is the whole and soul of every one. Without a Jeep, it's hard for us to lead our lives.

We even possess a sedan, which can only be used during the summer. When it rains only a jeep can take on our muddy roads. The main occupation at my place is agriculture and people live in their plantations in remote forest areas. So, it's essential for us to transport agricultural goods using a Jeep and trailer.

Though there are many other four-wheel drive trucks available in the market, we only prefer Jeeps since they can go on narrow roads and can be repaired anywhere and in any condition. People at my place are masters in Jeep repairs. We have all the parts available in the market (though I have to mention that they are a bit costly now).

At my place, a Jeep is also a mode of transport. In my village (not only in my village, there are lots more in my district), there are approximately 300 Jeeps ranging from the 1940's to present.

Originally, this Jeep was blue in colour. My dad then altered it to bring it to its present condition and changed its colour to red.

In 1990, the old petrol engine was removed and a brand new DI high speed diesel engine was fitted. From then, we have been using the same jeep and she has become a member of our family. She has supported us in all our tough times and never broken down in the middle of a journey. She has a fuel average of 18 km per litre of diesel.

In the year 2011, we gave her a facelift. We changed the entire body ground with 16-gauge metal sheet. During summer, it can be converted to an open top - Wrangler style!

I learnt to drive on the same Jeep at the age of 14 and now I am 31. I still drive her and I love her more than any other car in this world. I even take my son out for evening drives and he too loves her very much.

As a token of respect and love towards our Jeep, we celebrated her 50th birthday on 2/12/2019.
MY JEEP "OWNERS PRIDE AND NEIGHBOUR'S ENVY"!

1969 - 1990:

Time line from 1990 to 1996:

From 1991 to 1996. you can see that there are so many changes.

The next set of photos is after the second restoration in 1996 and the time line till 2011:

[Aditya]

After 3rd restoration 2011 to 2020:

Farm Duty:

This trailer is said to be manufactured between the years 1946 -1950, but I don’t have any records to prove it. It’s said that it is manufactured in the USA. We own it from past 40 years. Dad purchased it from some estate owner. In my old pics, you can see the same trailer.

Actually, there is one more small trailer too. We restored it one year back. During restoration, our mechanic removed the wheel bearing and later he couldn’t put it back in place. So, I cleaned the wheel bearing to see the part number since we couldn’t get the same sized wheel bearing in the local market. It said, "Timken. Made in USA." When I searched for the part number on the internet, I got to know that this wheel bearing came as stock with Made in USA Jeep trailers in the year of 1946. But I have no documentation to prove it:

[Aditya]

In 2020, we have just repainted the car. So basically, everything is the same. Now finally, pics after the latest restoration / painting. 2020:

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[windrider]

Wonderful story Its something special to own a vehicle that has been in your family for ages. I remember seeing a similar red jeep when I went to visit my old engineering college, kvgce in sullia, Mangalore. It looked gorgeous standing in the sun . Looked very similar to yours. Wishing you many more memories.

[GTO]

Very inspiring! My Jeep turns 25 in 6 months and perhaps, I might also celebrate its 50th birthday someday:

[WhiteKnight]

Heart warming story of comradeship. These days, it is very rare to see the "cut chassis" jeep.

Great respect to the family for the upkeep and maintenance.

[RedTerrano]

What a lovely stroll down the calendar. Everyone grew up together.
And the four wheeled member seems to be much cherished and taken care of.
Kudos. Here is looking forward to 75th birthday.