Road trips are always a great way to celebrate birthdays, but a 12,000 km journey on a 73-year-old vintage car Sounds incredible, doesn’t it? Daman Thakore, a businessman and travel enthusiast from Ahmedabad, did just that for his 50th birthday and making headlines with his unique venture.
An Ahmedabad-based businessman embarked on a special unity tour in a cherished UK-made vintage car to mark 76 years of India’s independence back in August and has completed his mission to drive the 1950 MG YT back to its birthplace in England.
Daman Thakore, 50, accompanied by his 75-year-old father, 21-year-old daughter and a close-knit group of friends and family drove across 14 countries in their 1950 MG YT vintage car from Maharashtra to Abingdon, located in south-east England.
Thakore attributes his passion and courage for travel, especially long road trips, to his family legacy. His parents were avid adventurers, and often embarked on daring journeys on a shoestring budget. He aimed to celebrate not only his birthday but also the spirit of adventure and travel instilled by his parents.
The journey was supported by a caravan, a Tata Winger, led by Mukesh Bararia, vintage car expert and photographer Vinay Panjwani.
The expedition was symbolically flagged off on Independence Day in August in Mumbai by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the government of Maharashtra.
They covered more than 11,000 kilometres across 14 countries to drive up their car named “Lal Pari” to the MG factory in Abingdon, south-east England, on Tuesday.
Thakore said that Lal Pari embarked on this journey with the motive of spreading smiles and the message of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam – One World, One Family.
He said that a replica of the Statue of Unity travelled with them as a hood ornament made in sterling silver with the Indian and British national flag, which was handed over to Deputy Lieutenant Felicity Dick, who is a representative of His Majesty the King in Oxfordhsire. He further stated that the MG factory building there was defunct now but that they wanted to make this symbolic stop on Rashtriya Ekta Divas.
The intrepid traveller said that it was the values of Sardar Patel of self-reliance and confidence that motivated “Team Lal Pari” to continue the extreme journey through the sweltering heat of Dubai and Iran, the desert of Iran, a sandstorm and daunting mountainous terrain in Turkey, the canals in Venice, the Gotthard Pass in Switzerland and the serene, stunning roads of France.
Lal Pari’s voyage, alongside its proud owner, commenced in Ahmedabad and progressed to Mumbai, with a visit to the Statue of Unity. The vintage car and its support vehicle which were transported to Dubai then made its way to Iran before proceeding towards the ultimate destination, London. En route, passed through diverse countries including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Switzerland, and Germany. To avoid Pakistan, the car was be shipped from UAE to Iran.
Despite Lal Pari’s maximum speed being 60 kmph, they planned to travel at a leisurely 35 kmph, reliving cherished memories with his parents. The rough plan was to cover around 250 km per day. To ensure the car’s roadworthiness, it was tested on extended domestic trips.
“Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the most influential personalities in the history of free India and a symbol of unity who integrated more than 560 princely states into the Union of India within a extraordinarily short span of time, was one of the motivating factors for the remarkable journey in a 73-year-old classic car from India to London,” added Thakore.
Thakore, who is Managing Partner at Amin Equipment which specialises in large construction equipment, says the road trip is a heartfelt homage to his parents who nurtured his love for adventure during Diwali holidays through extensive car journeys.
The tour concluded on National Unity Day, that was celebrated in India on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, with Thakore handing over a replica of Gujarat’s Statue of Unity to a representative of King Charles III.
