The iconic Ambassador car that was recently shelved, has fans not just in India but also from the overseas. Ambassador fans of British origin who are also a part of UK-based adventure trip organizer, Classic Car Journeys are on a 12-day trip to India. The trip known as Classic India shall move through south India. Ambassador cars that share some resemblance to 1950 Series III Morris Oxfords shall be used during the trip.
Steve McCullagh the founder of company organizing 'Classic India trip', was a London based businessman who quit his car leasing business for this cause. Speaking more on it, McCullagh said, “It all started by accident. In 2006, I took a bunch of friends to India - 62 people, mainly friends and business acquaintances. They said it was the best holiday they ever had and one of them set up a website for free for me. Once the website was up, I started getting customers.”
The 30 members team driving down fall between the age group of 26 – 67 year olds. McCullagh said, “It was a warming up day on Sunday at Kappad beach. Our team members got familiar with the cars. We left Kozhikode on Monday morning.” The interesting part about this trip is that the team does not travel using GPS systems, neither do they travel in groups. The fun part about this trip is that individuals are expected to drive using just a guide book. McCullagh added, “This guidebook is far more engaging for the passenger. We are also using many routes which are not direct. We also take a lot of rural roads.”
The journey experience was memorable for Tim and Kate Hinch, a couple from Brent Pelham, a small English village. The journey except for road conditions was something to talk about. McCullagh added, “Kerala is changing rapidly. In 2006, Ambassador and Maruti ruled the roads here, but now it is Audi, Mercedes Benz and Land Rover. Kerala is the perfect introduction to India for a first-time foreign visitor. The place is very tourist-friendly and people won't rip you off here.” Proceeding further, the team shall visit scenic places like Munnar, Coonoor, Ooty and Mysore in India.
Source: TOI
