On a cloudy noon, we drive to Vintage Miles, tucked inside a sprawling coconut grove. The property feels like a step back in time, the modern world fading as we enter. Its founder Abhinandan Chandrasekhar’s house is nestled within this space, flanked by a garage filled with vintage cars in various stages of transformation. Some vehicles appear nearly complete, their chrome accents gleaming despite the overcast sky. Others lay bare, their intricate innards exposed like anatomical models. A few are stripped down to mere skeletons, waiting patiently for new life.
Abhinandan’s office is a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts. The wooden table is cluttered with headlamps, wheel parts, cardboard car models, and a rusty old gramophone sits beside a stately pendulum clock. A vintage car wall hanging adds character to the otherwise industrial space. Even the coffee mug sports classic car illustrations. This is no mere workplace; it is an extension of Abhinandan himself, a man whose passion for vintage cars has become his identity.
A mechanic working at Vintage Miles garage
| Photo Credit:
Praveen Sudevan
Hobby to a calling
Growing up on a farm surrounded by tools and machines, Abhinandan’s love for cars came naturally. His father’s motorsport interests only fuelled the spark. “Since my childhood, we lived on a farm with tractors and various tools. My dad had a workshop for cars, so I was always around car activities,” he recalls.
His first project was his grandfather’s 1957 Hindustan Ambassador. “It was in good condition but not aesthetically perfect or period-correct. I started sourcing spare parts and slowly managed to restore it to its original look,” he says. That first restoration set him on a path he hadn’t quite planned but now can’t imagine leaving.
A rally in Ooty organised by the Nilgiris Vintage and Classic Car Association cemented his passion. “Seeing so many vintage cars in person was an eye-opener. I had only seen pictures online, but witnessing these beautifully shaped cars was fascinating,” he says. It inspired him to start restoring classic cars full-time, turning a personal passion into a career.
Over the past 12 years, Abhinandan has restored more than 75 cars. But the journey hasn’t been without bumps in the road. In the early days, he had just one mechanic and relied on roadside workshops. “I shared my ideas with these shops, but finding reliable people took time. Workers would dismantle cars and then vanish, leaving me to apologise to clients for delays,” he admits. Today, his garage runs like clockwork, thanks to a team of skilled artisans and his unrelenting pursuit of perfection.
A vintage red Chevrolet
| Photo Credit:
Praveen Sudevan
Keeping history alive
Abhinandan has 40 vintage cars in his collection, includingthe 1930 Hillman, 1931 Chevrolet Depot Hack Woody, 1932 Austin 7, 1942 Ford GPW/Trailer among others. For him, they are more than just vehicles — they are time machines, offering a glimpse into another era. “They allow us to witness the transport heritage of the past,” he says. He’s fascinated by how car designs evolved from wooden frames to aerodynamic steel bodies. “Nowadays, cars are more plastic. The luxury of classic vintage cars is far superior to what we call luxury today.”
One of his most notable projects was a 1931 Chevrolet. “It was in terrible condition and even required carpentry work, as vintage cars often have wooden frames. It was also the first car where I had to import parts,” he says. After a year of meticulous work, the car was showcased at the 21 Gun Salute rally in Vadodara, earning Abhinandan widespread recognition.
Restoring cars often comes with unique stories. He recalls one car, buried in family disputes, that had been bricked up inside a garage for over 20 years. “Many collectors tried to buy it, but I managed to crack the deal after a year of convincing the family,” he says. Such tales, as much as the restoration work itself, make the job meaningful.
His passion extends to other heritage projects too. Abhinandan is currently holding on to a 90-year-old house many have urged him to demolish. “I love anything old — buildings, houses, clocks, cars. As much as possible, I don’t replace things; I restore them,” he says.
Abhinandan Chandrasekhar
| Photo Credit:
Praveen Sudevan
Looking to the Future
Coimbatore’s thriving automobile engineering industry has been a boon for his work. “Most restorers in India look to Coimbatore for engineering options,” he explains. Vintage cars also offer a surprising way to connect with people. “When you drive a modern car, no one notices. But with a vintage car, people stop, ask questions, and take pictures. It’s a great way to meet new people,” he says.
While Abhinandan dreams of making his garage more professional and organised, he’s cautious about scaling up. “I don’t want to compromise quality by taking on too much. Each car requires my full attention,” he says. He’s also eager to learn new techniques to reduce reliance on outsourcing. “In this field, you can never say you’ve learnt everything. Every day, every project teaches you something new.”
As we leave Vintage Miles, the air seems thick with nostalgia, the cars in the garage silently waiting their turn to be reborn. For Abhinandan, each restoration is not merely about fixing an old machine but breathing life into a piece of history.
Published – January 27, 2025 10:29 am IST
