[kasli]

A fantastic drive to Mahableshwar was scheduled for the 28th to the 2nd of March across a really cold weekend. Big advantage for all the cars and us. This time we were all of 26 cars across the classics A hassle free journey for all of us and our families. The cars were 4 Fiats, 4 Mercs, 1 Amby, 1 Morris, 4 Buicks , 4 Chevys, 1 Plymouth, 1 MG TD, 1 Rolls Royce , 2 Beetles and 1 Packard.

We all started from different locations across Bombay to make the journey on time and that really helped.

The line up was set up at Mr Bhogilal's house ( Not Pranlal ) where we attended evening cocktails while watching the sunset ( breath taking ) . They are really awesome hosts. We attended a Magic show and birthday party for his little one also. Market walk for strawberries and cream was nice outing for a few. The best Bar tender for Bloody Marys' goes to Scooby

Enthusiasts across all generations chatted and exchanged notes and basically had a great R & R weekend.

Now let the pics do the talking !

Cheers

[kasli]

Some more images which could not be loaded earlier

Cheers

[the mole]

Kasli forgot to mention that there were 26 cars on this drive a record on all counts for classics driving to Mahableshwar and back a distance of almost 600 kms. Everything was well organized and the spirit of the participants and condition of the cars was unmatched. Not one car had to be put on the flat bed which patiently followed us. In fact not a single car had to stop on account of even overheating.

I think these drives out of Bombay have really changed the way people have been working on and maintaining their cars. They are not trailer queens anymore but run the way cars should when new. I recall that 5 yrs ago I would wake up in the morning of the Vintage car shows and wonder if my car would start. Many a times they did not. Today I am confident they can be driven to the ends of the earth.

I myself drove my 1956 Fiat Elegant. The car was untested on such large distances but she did not disappoint me. Again thank you Kasli and all the other participants who truly made the last weekend so special. Cant wait for the next big run out of town.

[Prabal]

Splendid - the bonhomie comes through the pictures. Nice cars all of them. I particularly liked the beige Ambassador MKII MRZ 4354 also a lot - who owns her? Beautiful to see, unlike all the nonsensical Amby pics that one has to put up with on the Amby & LM thread - such examples make people yearn for our own heritage marques, from the HM, PAL & Standard Motors stables. Also heartening to see the deep beige '57 Elegant - UPI 9766 - Manoj is obviously enjoying himself, after the great work he's done on the car. Kudos!

[the mole]

Originally Posted by Prabal

Splendid - the bonhomie comes through the pictures. Nice cars all of them. I particularly liked the beige Ambassador MKII MRZ 4354 also a lot - who owns her?

The Amby belongs to our very own indo- italian Daniel aka Philesdonos. There is a thread on the transformation of the car. The car is very nicely rather lovingly detailed. And yes it really shows what one can do with indian marques if sensitively restored. Your Ex Fiat is rocking too. Quite a sight as a pair with my MTP. Will post some more pictures in a bit.

[Prabal]

Originally Posted by the mole

The Amby belongs to our very own indo- italian Daniel aka Philesdonos... Your Ex Fiat is rocking too. Quite a sight as a pair with my MTP. Will post some more pictures in a bit.

That's the black Amby that Daniel had picked up? Wow, what a transformation! Any interior pics - dash and the upholstery (top to down)?

And yes, I am so glad that my Fiat went to Manoj - he's done a far better job than me - at least what I was doing with her of late. All thanks to your efforts, Amol! Sincerely! Awaiting pics of the Elegant pair!

[karlosdeville]

What a fun event - great cars, great weather, and most importantly a great bunch of car guys. The road was good, none of the cars acted up - we couldn't have asked for more. Thanks to Amol, Anirudh, Kasli, Jehangir, Kabir and everyone else. Here are some pictures

[damore]

What a RUN it must have been, looks fantastic in pics, would have been great experience for all the participants. In some pics you see the modern cars besides the ol' beauties, the oldies look sturdier.

[wanderernomad]

Beautiful cars and superb pictures. The condition they are in, is a lesson in how to keep and maintain your car, for many of us. A Big Shout Out to all the owners.

[Bulldogji]

What perhaps is the greatest outcome of these long distance drives is the increasingly enthusiastic participation of wives and children.

New friendships are made, old ones revived, lots of bonhomie and no rancour whatsoever.

May this tribe increase.

Really amazing how love for driving these cars over long distances unites the fraternity. Maybe, just maybe, the lack of judging and awards is the contributor??

[av8er]

Droooool. I soo wish to see these in flesh. Amazing thread and amazing pics with amazing cars who have maintained them amazingly.

[TheTeacher]

Thank you! What a magnificent car the Plymouth is. My heart aches for it - we had a Plymouth Savoy when I was a kid. Dad bought it when I was about 5 yeas old. It was sold before I was old enough to drive :(

I have many fond memories of traveling in it. Two-tone paint - beige body, cream top. In-line 6 cylinder, 3-speed gearbox. Power on tap, smooth as heck and an absolute delight to be in. Commanded instant respect, especially from trucks and buses!

Thankfully we never buggered it by putting a diesel engine in it; it was in its original spec / form when we sold it.

[Philedonos]

Originally Posted by Prabal

That's the black Amby that Daniel had picked up? Wow, what a transformation! Any interior pics - dash and the upholstery (top to down)?

Hi Prabal, yes it is the ex black beauty indeed ;-) I'll try to update my thread on its restoration instead of doing work in the office today.
Thanks for liking the resurrection: wouldn't have been possible to find all spares without the friends here on BHP and bring the car to this level without Kaizad, who's sudden hair loss is mainly due to me.

[debmum]

Wow, this is really out of the world! The cars are gorgeous and the mood seems to be just right! I love Mahabaleshwar and often escape to the hill station from Mumbai with my family. Just a little querry, is there any way that we know about such events beforehand so that we can also participate in the fun? I stay in Navi Mumbai, by the way.

[Maky]

Thanks for sharing these beautiful pics!
Could anyone tell me which Mercedes model is that red roadster please ?