This small town in Darjeeling has several classic Land Rovers
Nestled near the Nepal border in northern India, the small town of Manebhanjyang in Darjeeling is home to a surprising collection of classic Land Rovers. As dawn breaks, these aluminum-bodied Series 1 vehicles glisten under the rising sun, distinguishing themselves from other automobiles. Designed by Maurice Wilks, chief engineer at the Rover Car Company, these iconic vehicles made their debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948.
Land Rovers: A British legacy in India
British tea planters from India post-independence brought these classic Land Rovers into the country. Shahwar Hussain, a heritage car collector from Guwahati, informed the South China Post that these vehicles were ideally suited for traversing the region's rugged terrain and inadequate road conditions. The British established a route specially for trade from Manebhanjyang to mountain villages such as Chitrey, Meghma, Tonglu, and Tumling using these robust vehicles.
From British planters to local ownership
As British residents began exiting in the 1970s, locals saw the value of these sturdy vehicles and started buying them. According to Chandan Pradhan, president of the Singalila Land Rover Owner's Welfare Association, a Land Rover could be bought for ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 and swiftly proved to be a lucrative investment for those who acquired them, reports South China Post.
The all-weather vehicles of Manebhanjyang
Local resident Pasang Tamang recalls how Land Rovers could handle any weather conditions, from heavy downpours creating slushy roads to snowfall and black ice. Today, tourists use this mountain track to reach Sandakphu in Nepal for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Despite some parts of the 31 km road to Sandakphu being paved, a four-wheel drive is still necessary to reach the summit.
Declining demand and challenges for Land Rover owners
According to local resident Anil Tamang, there has been a decline in demand for Land Rovers as tourists now favor modern vehicles, reports South China Post. Consequently, only about 35 Land Rovers remain in Manebhanjyang today. Owners also face challenges in finding spare parts and have had to replace original petrol engines with more readily available diesel alternatives.
Uncertain future for Land Rovers in Manebhanjyang
The Singalila Land Rover Owner's Welfare Association was formed in 2004 to support the dwindling number of owners. The future of these vehicles became uncertain following a local court's ruling mandating their phased-out use as commercial vehicles due to their age. Pradhan revealed that they have petitioned the government for an exception and permits to operate them locally for tourism purposes, but this request is still pending.
