- Meet Akhil Dileep, a Kerala-born professional based in Bangalore, who has spent years in the Merchant Navy and now works at an EdTech firm. His love for automobiles began early, back in 10th standard.
- It all started when he was sitting on his neighbour’s old Bullet, and the owner asked him to get down.
- That moment made him wonder why people loved their old vehicles so much and that curiosity slowly grew into a passion.
- His first interactions with machines were the Duke 200 and Bajaj bikes, both thrilling in their own ways.
- He had actually planned to get a Bajaj or a Duke back then, but everything changed the moment he rode an old Royal Enfield Bullet.
Meet Akhil Dileep, a Kerala-born professional based in Bangalore, who has spent years in the Merchant Navy and now works at an EdTech firm. His love for automobiles began early, back in 10th standard. It all started when he was sitting on his neighbour’s old Bullet, and the owner asked him to get down. That moment made him wonder why people loved their old vehicles so much and that curiosity slowly grew into a passion.
His love for vehicles grew steadily. His first interactions with machines were the Duke 200 and Bajaj bikes, both thrilling in their own ways. He had actually planned to get a Bajaj or a Duke back then, but everything changed the moment he rode an old Royal Enfield Bullet. That single ride completely shifted his perspective on old machines But the turning point came when he rode an old Royal Enfield Bullet. The thump, simplicity, and vintage charm sparked a deeper connection with classic machines.
In 2015, he bought the Royal Enfield Classic 350 — marking the start of his journey into timeless vehicles. Today, he also owns a Skoda Rapid and a Royal Enfield Himalayan, but destiny had one more machine waiting for him.
A Chance Encounter: The 1994 CJ500 DI
During a bike ride in his wife’s village, he noticed a weathered but striking Vintage Jeep — a 1994 Mahindra CJ500 DI. It didn’t look like much at first, but there was something familiar about it. On closer look, he realised it was from one of the last CJ-series batches ever produced in India. The decision was almost instinctive: he bought it in February 2025, knowing fully that vintage restoration is never straightforward.
This Vintage Jeep wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a forgotten story waiting to be revived.
The Rebirth: A 3.5-Month Restoration
The restoration took place in his native village under the guidance of Mr. Manoj Xavier, a mechanic renowned for his passion for vintage automobiles. Over three and a half months, the Vintage Jeep was stripped down to its Bare bones. Every mechanical component, every bracket, every surface was checked, repaired or replaced.
But this wasn’t meant to be a stock restoration. He envisioned a Jeep that preserved its heritage but carried a modern personality. To create that balance, he added:
- Signature three amber lights on the front just as Hummer H1
- A sturdy roll bar inspired by the Defender 90
- Clean and minimal interiors with practical upgrades.
Finally, by July 2025, the CJ500 DI was ready — refreshed, reliable and visually striking.
A Machine That Changed Its Owner
The restored Jeep didn’t just turn heads; it transformed him. Someone who once considered himself shy and introverted now finds himself interacting with strangers, enthusiasts and curious onlookers. People approach him at fuel stations, traffic signals and parking lots. A friend even asked to use the Jeep for his wedding entry — a testament to the vehicle’s presence.
He now looks forward to participating in vintage rallies, learning from other restorers, and even visiting places like the Museum of Old Cars — for inspiration. With more restoration projects planned, this journey has only begun.
Advice for Aspiring Restorers
Vintage restoration demands patience — nothing happens quickly. Parts can be hard to source and vary in quality and cost. Choose a mechanic who truly cares, because passion matters as much as skill. Be prepared for the budget to exceed your expectations and start with a clear vision of what you want the final vehicle to look and feel like. Most importantly, embrace the learning process — every breakdown, repair, and unexpected challenge teaches you something valuable.
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