Wonder on wheels:Kerala boy designs an amphibious car

THE-U- · 10th March 2007, 05:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkdas

would someone post the link made by a guy in UK and didnt Mr.Virgin drive it across teh thames?

Here is the link:

Gibbs Technologies

However, Mr. Branson piloted the Aquada across the English Channel in record time if I recall correctly, and not across the Thames.

The idea has been around for a long time and there have been vehicles in the past (I personally know someone who had a 50s or 60s vintage amphibious car in his garage in Miami, FL but I am not sure he still has it). The advantage in my mind is the cost. If someone can get a car like this for US$20K sounds like a great deal initially (compare to Aquada which I think costs US$116K).

But, I think the cost-benefit doesn't favor the inventor in this case, assuming one can get a reasonably good boat with an outboard motor for Rs.2L. Used speed boats cost sometimes less than US$5K and people tow them all the time with a nice big SUV.

CrAzY dRiVeR · 10th March 2007, 08:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE-U-

Here is the link:

Gibbs Technologies

However, Mr. Branson piloted the Aquada across the English Channel in record time if I recall correctly, and not across the Thames.

The idea has been around for a long time and there have been vehicles in the past (I personally know someone who had a 50s or 60s vintage amphibious car in his garage in Miami, FL but I am not sure he still has it). The advantage in my mind is the cost. If someone can get a car like this for US$20K sounds like a great deal initially (compare to Aquada which I think costs US$116K).

But, I think the cost-benefit doesn't favor the inventor in this case, assuming one can get a reasonably good boat with an outboard motor for Rs.2L. Used speed boats cost sometimes less than US$5K and people tow them all the time with a nice big SUV.

Well... Am not sure how much such a car would cost in USD...

The base car is one of the cheapest cars on sale anywhere in the world (Based on a report which came in the Hindu long back)... The total cost of the mods + car comes to around the price of a Honda city... At half the price of the Honda Accord...

Usuallym the currency conversion doesnt work directly... But by simple currency conversion, it should cost around US$ 18k

spatafarose · 31st March 2007, 12:28

I saw the news about the invention in Manorama News. That guy is a genius. It was the attitude that made him do it in 5 years. He also dint have the funding,thats why it took over 5 years. In the interview he told that he is having plans. Anyway great invention.

Centro-P · 31st March 2007, 21:55

Wow that's a great job. So much untapped talent exists in India. And kudos to the guy who achieved this feat with his limited financial means

.

WiZ · 2nd December 2010, 23:47

Just saw a report on TV that his creation has been rusting in a police station. Couldn't hear the exact details. Heard the young man he just wishes that he wont be born in India, in case such a thing happens.

CrAzY dRiVeR · 3rd December 2010, 03:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by WiZ

Just saw a report on TV that his creation has been rusting in a police station. Couldn't hear the exact details. Heard the young man he just wishes that he wont be born in India, in case such a thing happens.

Indian innovator's amphibious vehicle gathers dust - World News, 94847

This is real sad!

Quote:

"But I have been left high and dry because every time I have to test it on water, I have to get a licence from the fire department, Coast Guard, police and even the ports department,"

In India, unless you are rich or have political backing, things can be difficult!

_raVan_ · 3rd December 2010, 11:31

Its really sad. His next project was an underwater car, which now will remain a dream for him.

Chopper · 3rd December 2010, 11:53

Poor fellow. He must have lost all his vigor and ideas. Any one got more information on this?

aargee · 3rd December 2010, 12:03

I'm quite disappointed reading this; wish I could do something for him, may be when I visit TVM next time, I'll try & meet this guy & try helping him in whatever means I can.

But Thank God he's not hit by corrupt politicians or rich henchmens to steal away his invention.

nomadabhi · 3rd December 2010, 12:17

This reminds me of an old movie, "Ek doctor ki maut" played by Pankaj Kapoor. So true that was.

@aargee and all team-bhpians, none alone can help but a community of over 50000 member in union sure can (just a thought).

And yes this is really disappointing.

devakj · 3rd December 2010, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by WiZ

Just saw a report on TV that his creation has been rusting in a police station. Couldn't hear the exact details. Heard the young man he just wishes that he wont be born in India, in case such a thing happens.

I too watched the same.. Apparently as per law, you can have a vehicle registered only as a boat or a car. Hence use of a car in the water is against the law and he got into trouble for that...

n.devdath · 3rd December 2010, 15:05

Such talent should not be left to die out. 3 options come to my mind.

1. Any TBHPians who have sufficient safe covered parking space can, with his permission, keep this car at their place for safe viewing by interested people and for him to demo whenever he wants to. I m sure we have many like this at TVM.

2. TBHPians interested can collect a small fund to maintain and keep this vehicle running like new so that it doesn't rust into the ground.

3. TBHPians could circulate this information to the people we know and on the forum so that auto companies/research institutes etc get to know of this man and his invention.

download2live · 3rd December 2010, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomadabhi

@aargee and all team-bhpians, none alone can help but a community of over 50000 member in union sure can (just a thought).

+1 to that. I am ready to chip in. Even if only half the member contribute Rs 10 it will be quite a sum.

ani_meher · 3rd December 2010, 16:55

I am ready to chip in. Can someone meet the guy and set up an account on his name? Some PSU account like SBI where we can transfer money online and he will have to maintain minimum balance to keep the account alive. We can donate money to his account for helping the genius.

Some Kerala guys need to take initiatives in setting this up. Forget the leaders, they are too busy gathering wealth for their future generations.

Abes · 3rd December 2010, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by ani_meher

I am ready to chip in. Can someone meet the guy and set up an account on his name? Some PSU account like SBI where we can transfer money online and he will have to maintain minimum balance to keep the account alive. We can donate money to his account for helping the genius.

Some Kerala guys need to take initiatives in setting this up. Forget the leaders, they are too busy gathering wealth for their future generations.

True! I am ready to chip in.

Hopefully, one of our kerala based T-BHPen does a full coverage on this amphibious craft!

31st March 2007, 12:28	#18
spatafarose BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cochin Posts: 32 Thanked: 0 Times	I saw the news about the invention in Manorama News. That guy is a genius. It was the attitude that made him do it in 5 years. He also dint have the funding,thats why it took over 5 years. In the interview he told that he is having plans. Anyway great invention.
	() Thanks

31st March 2007, 21:55	#19
Centro-P BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 66 Thanked: 2 Times	Wow that's a great job. So much untapped talent exists in India. And kudos to the guy who achieved this feat with his limited financial means .
	() Thanks

2nd December 2010, 23:47	#20
WiZ Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 21 Thanked: 0 Times	Just saw a report on TV that his creation has been rusting in a police station. Couldn't hear the exact details. Heard the young man he just wishes that he wont be born in India, in case such a thing happens.
	() Thanks

3rd December 2010, 11:31	#22
_raVan_ Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pune Posts: 1,074 Thanked: 660 Times	Its really sad. His next project was an underwater car, which now will remain a dream for him.
	() Thanks

3rd December 2010, 11:53	#23
Chopper BHPian Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Calicut, Bangalore Posts: 56 Thanked: 4 Times View My Garage	Poor fellow. He must have lost all his vigor and ideas. Any one got more information on this?
	() Thanks

3rd December 2010, 12:03	#24
aargee Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TSTN Posts: 6,236 Thanked: 9,641 Times	I'm quite disappointed reading this; wish I could do something for him, may be when I visit TVM next time, I'll try & meet this guy & try helping him in whatever means I can. But Thank God he's not hit by corrupt politicians or rich henchmens to steal away his invention.
	() Thanks

3rd December 2010, 12:17	#25
nomadabhi BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 352 Thanked: 105 Times View My Garage	This reminds me of an old movie, "Ek doctor ki maut" played by Pankaj Kapoor. So true that was. @aargee and all team-bhpians, none alone can help but a community of over 50000 member in union sure can (just a thought). And yes this is really disappointing.
	() Thanks

3rd December 2010, 15:05	#27
n.devdath BANNED Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 4,287 Thanked: 2,811 Times	Such talent should not be left to die out. 3 options come to my mind. 1. Any TBHPians who have sufficient safe covered parking space can, with his permission, keep this car at their place for safe viewing by interested people and for him to demo whenever he wants to. I m sure we have many like this at TVM. 2. TBHPians interested can collect a small fund to maintain and keep this vehicle running like new so that it doesn't rust into the ground. 3. TBHPians could circulate this information to the people we know and on the forum so that auto companies/research institutes etc get to know of this man and his invention.
	() Thanks

3rd December 2010, 16:55	#29
ani_meher Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 1,931 Thanked: 3,825 Times	I am ready to chip in. Can someone meet the guy and set up an account on his name? Some PSU account like SBI where we can transfer money online and he will have to maintain minimum balance to keep the account alive. We can donate money to his account for helping the genius. Some Kerala guys need to take initiatives in setting this up. Forget the leaders, they are too busy gathering wealth for their future generations.
	() Thanks