[Prabal]

Originally Posted by artofzen

A 540K replica from kochi. Made inhouse referring to the 1:18 scale model.

I don't know if it's the right thread.

Well, yes, it probably should be in another thread - for replicars, modifications, customization, whatever. Having said that I quite enjoyed seeing this, so thanks for sharing.

Yes, maybe it's also wrong to call it a 540 replica because it's not true to a Mercedes 540. Maybe a retro custom job would be more like it. Nevertheless, let's cut the guy some slack shall we? Authenticity aside, it looks like a pretty decent effort, at least from what is visible in the pics. And if the quality of workmanship is good all around, with good scale, and the go is as good as the show, I'm sure she makes for an impressive sight on the road.

Oh yes, it also reminds me somewhat of the extravagant Panther Westwinds cars, particularly their De Ville - those were quite similarly extravagant retromobiles too.

Btw, the first Mercedes lookalike I remember seeing in Bombay was at VT railway station around 1977-78, through the grille separating the car parking area alongside the platform, as our train steamed in - a foam green W115 'replica' built on a Fiat body. Maybe I wasn't so discerning then, but it did look quite pleasing - although somewhat of a dwarf, given it's shrunken proportions!

[canonball]

Originally Posted by Bulldogji

I think a new thread should be started for replica cars.

And why is it called a 540 replica? Neither the engine nor the shape resembles a 540. Yes a mercedes grill like nose is given to this thing alongwith a star. An out of proportion windshield is added on, incorrect lights, two oversized spare wheels are side mounted, and a Tata becomes a 540 replica?/

How about the interiors and dash? Under which rule is this thing registered with the authorities?

Better to say TA TA to this Tata

A word of caution. In Bombay, contessa cars used to sport mercedes lights and grills. Mercedes as a company went after the owners as well as the workshops and dragged them to courts, won and got damages awarded. Since then the practice stopped.
Whoever the owner is, please be warned, this may happen to you.

Last I checked this kind of alteration is illegal if used on public roads. Cops are getting vigilant these days and are getting more educated about their own rto rule book, duh some progress. Sooner or later this car will be hauled, confiscated, and proceedings initiated. Of course owner can always keep it at home permanently and stare at it. Hope some pictures for us to ogle could be made available. Just to see the worksmanship

[the mole]

Originally Posted by Bulldogji

A word of caution. In Bombay, contessa cars used to sport mercedes lights and grills. Mercedes as a company went after the owners as well as the workshops and dragged them to courts, won and got damages awarded. Since then the practice stopped.
Whoever the owner is, please be warned, this may happen to you.

Recently mercedes confiiscated and crushed a replica 300 SL car the video was circulating on all the MB club forums

[foby.sebastian]

Floks , seriously we are moving off topic.

Back to topic , The Vanguard rotting away at Trivandrum. It has many orginal parts like Orginal engine,Lucas sealed beam headlights, wheelcups , tail lamps , meters , cabin lamp etc.

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by foby.sebastian

The Vanguard rotting away at Trivandrum. It has many orginal parts like Orginal engine,Lucas sealed beam headlights, wheelcups , tail lamps , meters , cabin lamp etc.

I think this same car attended an event last year in Trivandrum?

[foby.sebastian]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

I think this same car attended an event last year in Trivandrum?

Yes , for that show it was sent by the junkyard guy.

[Prabal]

Originally Posted by foby.sebastian

The Vanguard rotting away at Trivandrum.

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

I think this same car attended an event last year in Trivandrum?

Originally Posted by foby.sebastian

Yes , for that show it was sent by the junkyard guy.

So, is it for sale? Or, what's the story if it's 'rotting', yet sent out for a rally?!

[foby.sebastian]

Originally Posted by Prabal

So, is it for sale? Or, what's the story if it's 'rotting', yet sent out for a rally?!

That was owned by a young gangster who was later nailed and now absconding.

Later the car was recovered by court and auctioned to a junkie and the junkie sent it for auto show.

He is gonna restore it as he says but for time being its left out.

The Junkie dont have its papers , only thing he have is the court order.

So if he intends to sell , can he make new papers like RC book , insurance , tax , pollution etc ?

[foby.sebastian]

Fiat 500 aka Topolino model C
Image courtesy : The Vintage and classics of Travancore Cochin and Malabar Facebook page

[Nithin.J]

Originally Posted by foby.sebastian

That was owned by a young gangster who was later nailed and now absconding.

Later the car was recovered by court and auctioned to a junkie and the junkie sent it for auto show.

He is gonna restore it as he says but for time being its left out.

The Junkie dont have its papers , only thing he have is the court order.

So if he intends to sell , can he make new papers like RC book , insurance , tax , pollution etc ?

Spoke with that junkyard guy last month and it's for sale . and his asking price is bit high . but will settle down somewhere in the region of 5L (plus or minus depending on your skills ) saw the engine bay. it's pretty much neat. it can be registered by new owner right?? just like the same way dri auctioned vehicles are done . Anybody knows the details?

[ajay99]

Originally Posted by Nithin.J

Spoke with that junkyard guy last month and it's for sale . and his asking price is bit high . but will settle down somewhere in the region of 5L (plus or minus depending on your skills ) saw the engine bay. it's pretty much neat. it can be registered by new owner right?? just like the same way dri auctioned vehicles are done . Anybody knows the details?

The junkyard guy bought the car in auction for Rs.76000/- last year. The asking price was intially 3lakhs and now it has gone upto 5lakhs as per info.The marque and model is not worth anywhere near these atrocious demands. Moreover he has not been able to get the documents ready till now.

[kishorelal]

Originally Posted by Anil Vincent

This restoration job is done by Colorglo at Maradu, Ernakulam, they have some special process and materials to restore the interiors back to as much as close to its brandnew state without replacing anything.

Anil Vincent, it would have been appropriate ifyou could have clearly mentioned that you are one of the 3 owners of this Colorglo franchisee

[sharoncr_17]

Insha Allah, this restored Bug will be back in Kollam soon. Thanks to Pavan. .

[foby.sebastian]

Spotted an old Citroen with KRT *** registration at a hotel in Ootty. Any info guys ?

Thats a 1934 Traction Avant. The inverted V strips on the radiator grill was missing.

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by foby.sebastian

Spotted an old Citroen with KRT *** registration at a hotel in Ootty. Any info guys ?

It was posted earlier on the forum