Handmade in 1966: India’s First Car Returns To The Road In 2026! (Video)
Remember the Aravind Model 3- the first car to be manufactured in India? The last time we saw it, it was almost rotting away in a private garage. This automotive masterpiece has now been restored to a new-like form. A video of it has now surfaced online.
In this video, we see the Aravind Model 3 in a new-like form, parked and ready for delivery at ‘Colourmech’ detailing studio in Vyttila, Kochi. The clip, initially tells the story of this car. Kunnath Ayyath Balakrishna Menon (also known as K.A.B. Menon), a self-taught mechanic and entrepreneur from Kerala, built the Aravind model 3 in 1966.
Menon’s son confirms the model year of the car on camera, saying ‘ it is the 60th birthday of Aravind’. He says that the car was handmade under the technical expertise of his dad. He also shows us an appreciation note by the Automobile International magazine from 1966. He then says that the family has now pooled in their money and restored the car after it being in a rusted state for over 55 years.
He then explains the hardships they faced in the restoration journey. It was tough to get parts even when they were ready to spend for the same. The Aravind Model 3 used parts sourced from other car models of its time.
The front windshield on the restored car, for example, was sourced from a 1970 Standard Herald. The rear windscreen is in fact, the front windscreen of a 1956 Fiat Millicento. The side glasses have been custom-made. Most of the components have been kept the same as the original Model 3. He says that it took them a whole day to fix the ‘ARAVIND’ lettering at the front.
Most parts of the Aravind are made of metal. It was difficult for the restoration team to find blacksmiths for the process. He explains on video how tough it was to weld certain parts and the effort it took to handcraft and finish surfaces. Later in the video, he also introduces the technicians, workers, craftsmen and the paint shop that participated in the process.
The restored vehicle retains Brass-plated components and the wide grille with an intricate handcrafted design. He also introduces the person who revived the mechanical department, calling him the ‘mechanical brain man’. Towards the end of the video, we see the family pose with the car. Even after restoration, it wears a classy shade of Blue, similar to the original car’s colour. Some components had to be replaced with newer ones, owing to sourcing hurdles.
The interior has also been restored completely. Various components like the gear shifter, steering wheel, instrument cluster and more have been revived. Seats now get fresh upholstery. In the final few seconds, we see the car being driven inside a private driveway.
This car has a bold and unconventional design, especially considering the time it was built in. Its styling has a strong influence from 1960s American sedans. It has a large footprint and commanding road presence. The maker integrated a central locking mechanism into the intricate grille section of this vehicle, which also doubled as the bonnet release. It also came with handcrafted turn indicators, integrated rain channels, and a roof extension that likely functions as a sunshade.
Inside, the dashboard design seems to have taken inspiration from 1950s American cars. The speedometer unit is from Fiat. Back then, it even came with a record player with a three-vinyl changer! The seats could also fold flat, effectively turning into a bed!
Under its hood, the the Aravind Model 3 uses a Fiat-sourced 1100cc engine. It was, however, not stock. It had heavy modifications gone into it- tweaked carburettor, air intake system and other components. These intended to improve performance, drivability, and efficiency.