While the Hindustan Ambassador is widely believed to be India’s first car, it was actually the first to be commercially manufactured in the country. It was based on the Morris Oxford Series III, and though iconic, it wasn’t the first Indian car to be built.
The Real First Indian Car
The actual first Indian car was the Aravind Model 3, designed and built in Kochi, Kerala. It was the creation of Kunnath Ayyath Balakrishna Menon (K.A.B. Menon), a self-taught engineer and visionary entrepreneur. His aim was to build a car that was affordable, stylish, and suitable for Indian conditions.
Unique Design Inspired by American Sedans
The Aravind Model 3 featured a bold shoulder line, brass detailing, and an aerodynamic silhouette for its time. Its front design drew influence from 1960s American sedans, while the rear included an integrated bumper. The interior was carefully crafted, inspired by 1950s Ford dashboards, and included hand-finished panels and trims, a small glove box, and even a vinyl record player with a 3-disc changer — a luxury for its era.
Modified Engine and Technical Innovation
Under the hood, the Model 3 had a Fiat-sourced 1100cc engine, which was heavily re-engineered by Menon. It featured a redesigned carburettor, air filter, and other components to enhance performance and usability.
A Vision Cut Short by Bureaucracy
Menon’s vision was to sell the Aravind Model 3 at just ₹5,000, aiming to make it accessible to the Indian middle class. However, the project was halted due to bureaucratic roadblocks. Menon was denied an industrial license, which was mandatory to begin mass production and set up a manufacturing facility.
A Forgotten Legacy
Though the Aravind Model 3 never entered commercial production, it holds the distinction of being India’s first indigenously designed and built car. Its story highlights the early innovation spirit in India’s automotive history, which was ahead of its time but left unfulfilled due to administrative hurdles.
