Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jun 6: In the contemporary scenario, people prefer buying new high-end cars, but, we can find only a handful of them who have a fascination for vintage cars. Meet Dhonijaguttu Rathnakar Bhandary, has a hobby of collecting vintage cars for the past several years. As of now, Rathnakar owns five vintage vehicles including Willys MB jeep. Now, Rathnakar’s collection includes a Morris Minor (1951), Triump Herald (1964), Austin Ruby (1937) and Chevrolet (1929).

Fourteen years ago, Rathnakar purchased Willys MB jeep (1960). The jeep was purchased for Rs 20,000. But, he spent Rs 4 lac to recondition the vehicle. He purchased Austin Ruby from a family member of former cricketer Ajay Jadeja. He spent Rs 16 lac to recondition the same. The Morris Minor was purchased from Gadag and an additional RS 10 lac was spent over it He purchased Triumph Herald from Uttar Pradesh for Rs 3.5 lac and later spent a few lacs to recondition the same. From Uttar Pradesh, the vehicle was brought to Bengaluru and later to Mangaluru. Stating that procuring its original spare parts was challenging, Rathnakar said that he procures spare parts from the United Kingdom.

Initially, Rathnakar had 18 vintage vehicles but due to some technical and parking issues, he had sold the vehicles as there was good demand for them including Willys MB jeep.

Speaking to Daijiworld.com, Rathnakar said, "I was interested in the field of automobiles from childhood. I hold a diploma in Automobile engineering. As I come from an agricultural background, when the tiller used to go kaput, I used to repair it. Slowly, I developed interest in vintage cars. It is a unique experience in travelling in these vehicles which cannot be put in words. People watch us curiously when we travel in these vehicles. Initially, there was no demand for vintage cars, but gradually people have started to realise the importance of these vehicles."

Rathnakar also said that all his vehicles are in running condition.