What if I told you that Mahindra Classic was so unique that it’s the last among the most modern short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive ever produced in the world? I can already see some eyebrows rising, thinking what can be so modern about a spartan jeep!
Classic was produced by Mahindra & Mahindra between the year1996 – 2001 to address the minuscule lifestyle segment that was seeking an open top fun, as a weekend hobby. The CJ3B on which the Mahindra Classic is primarily based upon, used to be a utilitarian model and received various wheel base and engine updates over time. By the end of 1988 the Indian Army received its last consignment of CJ3B petrol, while Mahindra kept exporting the short wheel base models keeping it alive for another decade. Based on the export version of CJ340 (Which eventually became CL340), Mahindra Classic in domestic avatar received many segment and industry first features for its time. This was a 4wd only variant complete with plush bucket seats, large ORVMs, removable soft top canopy, factory fitted roll over bar, stainless steel rugged front bumper with tow hook, forward facing rear seats, single lever 4wd transfer case, heavy duty shock absorbers and power boosted disk brake to name a few. It also had India specific gorgeous chrome plated wire wheels which were expensive and unique for its time. In fact, the Wire wheel versions are so rare that they were discontinued barely after a year or two post launch due to high input costs. Very few examples live to this date to tell the tale.
While Mahindra Classic had a million dollar looks, it’s horrendous to drive on the road. It’s slow, cramped, controls are heavy, truck like & noisy! Basic creature comforts like power steering and air conditioning are missing. You need to take break after every one hour drive due to its back breaking ride and overall fatigue. Well, if it was so bad, then why is that a well-maintained Mahindra Classic commands a resale value of over 25% over its original showroom price some 25 years ago? How is the car appreciated in value defying industry norms?
The following are the simple reasons:
- Mahindra Classic looks cool & has a million dollar looks.
- Original factory engineered short wheel base vehicles are super rare now.
- They are phenomenal off-road.
- Has a rich legacy & heritage.
It isn’t too difficult to maintain this timeless beauty either. Mahindra Classic shared its reliable mechanicals of 2.1 litre 62hp diesel engine and KMT90 gearbox with the MM540DP which sold in reasonably large numbers and parts aren’t too difficult to find. In fact, even MM540’s wider axles went on to the Classic. Having said that, there are cosmetic bits & pieces which are specific to Classic like the dash board and tell-tale lights, chrome wheels, bull bar, roll over bar one needs to be careful of not damaging them.
Now, if you get lucky and find one, should you buy one? Of course, yes! This piece of machinery wouldn’t depreciate and would put a smile to your face every time you drive it or even stare at it while being parked. Disappointment is something this car doesn’t know.
