[anjan_c2007]

The car has returned home this evening. The hose pipe has been fitted (cost Rs 100/- plus VAT) and fitting charges + service tax and the total came to Rs 200/-.
Thanks to my trusted workshop for doing the job so well.

Originally Posted by rajeev k

Where was this run conducted? Why I asked you is because I lived near Nagpur for more than 2 years, but many years back.

Rajeev this was on the Wardha Road - rather the Allahabad- Kanyakumari NH 7 that traverses through the Orange City. We went towards Wardha, but reached near the Jamtha Stadium that is now a days so famous for hosting cricket matches here.

[ajay99]

Originally Posted by rajeev k

Yes In Pettah and true there was a temple too nearby.

Where was this run conducted? Why I asked you is because I lived near Nagpur for more than 2 years, but many years back.

the septagenuarian mechanic is still active and recently has fully restored a Vauxhall Wyvern .if you wish I can pm you his details

[rajeev k]

Originally Posted by ajay99

the septagenuarian mechanic is still active and recently has fully restored a Vauxhall Wyvern .if you wish I can pm you his details

Thanks Ajay. I talked to him as soon as I got your PM and voila he recognized me and continued talking to him for more than 30 mts.
He told that he is standing in front of the Vauxhall and that the work is completed and that its papers are getting ready.
I will be meeting him in my next Trivandrum trip.
Thanks again

[rajeev k]

Originally Posted by ajay99

the septagenuarian mechanic is still active .....

I had been to Trivandrum and met this septuagenarian. Saw that Wyvern and it is waiting for RTO clearance of papers as the original owner has expired. The vehicle is with a person from Nagarcoil.
Saw your doctor friend's KLQ registration single door Herald too in the workshop.

[anjan_c2007]

The Lady is running very well after all the hiccups and the major repairs during 2011-12.
It is getting ready for the approaching 15th August display of V & C cars and bikes by the Central India Vintage Automotive Association (CIVAA).
Meanwhile the rainy days are here to stay. Pictures of the 57 year old braving the rains here - its 57th monsoon in fact !

[anjan_c2007]

The Lady is lately in fine fettle. It had a malfunctioning fuel pump (the electronic kind) which was making more noise and doing less work. It was a locally made one bought for some Rs 500 plus about two years back.Its predecessor was an UCAL pump (supposed to be the best in the market) bought in the summer of 2010. This one cost me some Rs 1.2 K, but conked off within a few moments of its being fitted. The dealer said these have no warranty . These facts are also posted here, on this very thread.
The predecessor to this UCAL was a very, very locally made (company name also erased from its body) that had lasted me from 2003 - 2010 (seven years).
The locally made one was replaced by another equally locally made one last week and relocated at a level lower than the petrol tank so that Newton's law comes into effect and the fuel pump does not have to over work.
Apart from this news the Maharashtra State Draconian Green Tax had to be paid by me with a fine. The total amount came to Rs 4440 (break up was Rs 3000 as tax and Rs 1440 as fine w.e.f. 15 th Oct 2010)
The Green Tax is applicable w.e.f. 15/10/2010 for all old motor vehicles (15 years plus for private and 8 years for transport) registered in Maharashtra and plying therein. So, no matter when one pays, he is liable to be fined w.e.f. 15/10/2010.
To avoid the fine being compounded, I paid the amount rather than wait for the day the fitness test is due.



There is no entry in the smart card or R.C./ T.C. book but only such a receipt is issued which is necessary to be shown (also xerox enclosed) during the fitness test.

(this is my 3700th post and hence I thought of making it a bit meaningful, rather than post something not making much sense like I usually do !!)

[anjan_c2007]

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,



But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

- Robert Frost


True, "My Lady in Black" has miles and miles (the speedo shows MPH ) to go indeed ! She is doing well with her weekly runs. Today I took her for a spin to a green area (picture above) and to a heritage structure in its vicinity (pictures in Landmaster and Ambassador picture gallery, posted today).

[SuperSelect]

Nice picture Anjan!! The backdrop, and Robert Frost's poem really suit the 'Lady Love in Black'.
Keep the munching the miles..

[anjan_c2007]

The Lady has been doing its duty, ferrying soil and manure for my garden, a job she has been doing unfailingly since so many years, every winter. Its luggage boot is the safest place to load these bags and anything odd.



The rear boot is loaded with gardening stuff

[anjan_c2007]

Today I did some DIY jobs on the beauty. The old and doddering, front parking lights (full assembly ) and the tail light covers were changed today by me. The quality deterioration shows on the components. The older ones were also Made in India and these too are.The parking lights (front ) are from JMI a company that was continuing to build such spares but has closed shop about two or three years ago.
I have also changed the gear lever knob. The older one had developed cracks- I want to preserve it, its solid and well finished. The new one is made by Kaypee.





















The car's pictures with the new fitments will be posted soon.

[anjan_c2007]

The fitted parking lights and the tail lights here:

[anjan_c2007]

Some memorabilia for "My Lady In Black."



The Old Dame from Oxford's new ownership was acknowledged by Mr Chandrakant Birla, way back in 2003, about 16 days after I bought it.



I wrote an article in The Hitavada, Nagpur in April 2006, that appeared as a MIDDLE in the editorial page.



I had also sought information about Landmasters from Mr Chandrakantji and this was provided by the company- reproduced here for reference. The original shades in which the car was available is mentioned here.
My thanks again to Mr Chandrakantji and HM for the excellent response.

[Dhairyasheel]

Hi Anjan,

Trust you are doing great. That's a very rare car you have. Am very keen to see it. Would be keen to meet up with you the next time I am in Nagpur. PM me you cell no. We met years ago at the Auto India office in Mumbai when you had come to hand over a article.

Rgds
Dhairyasheel.

[anjan_c2007]

Clicked yesterday near a heritage building. The Landmaster has had a good wash, check-up (its 58 years old now, which is the retirement age for many working men and women) and tune up at the garage last weekend.

[SuperSelect]

Wow Anjan! A period setting, and a period car - and such a lovely oh-ree-G-nal one at that

Thanks for making my heart skip a few beats. She's looking lovely, do keep her this way!!