73-year-old British ‘Lal Pari’ travels back from Ahmedabad to her roots

The 73-year-old British classic car (fondly called ‘Lal Pari’ or Red Angel) has travelled back to her roots from Ahmedabad, India to Abingdon, covering over 11,000 kilometres and crossing 14 countries, reaching Harrow. 

Daman Thakore, Ahmedabad-based JCB construction equipment dealer, and his family embarked on this journey to London by road on 15 August.

Joining Daman in the unique adventure was his father - Deval, daughter- Devanshi, and wife - Udita Thakore. Noted documentary and architectural photographer and filmmaker Vinay Panjwani and vintage car expert Mukesh Bararia were also part of the team.

Considering the challenges of the unique endeavour, the expedition was supported by the first Made in India Tata camper van, which has been named Lal Pari Ki Saheli (Red Angel's friend).

‘Lal Pari' was received and the team was felicitated by Mayor and Councillor Ramji Chauhan, Councillor Anjana Patel and Councillor Yogesh Teli. They congratulated the team ‘Lal Pari’ for being the first Indians to embark on such an expedition by travelling in a 73-year-old car from India to London.

 Talking about the journey and experiences, Daman Thakore told us, "It is not only the destination, but the journey, the incredible people we have met on this expedition, smiles exchanged with thousands of unknown people across all the countries and cities we have passed through. This expedition has not only been about travelling from one point to another but more about knowing people, culture, environment and enriching experience."

'Lal Pari' started its journey from Ahmedabad and first reached Mumbai. From Mumbai, it was shipped to Dubai and then to Iran. Further in the journey, ‘Lal Pari’ covered Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, France and reached the United Kingdom on 25 October, reaching London on 26 October.

Thakore added, "Each day in the last 73 days was full of twists and turns just like the roads we travel every day. Breakdowns, weather conditions, and unexpected plan changes were common that we got used to during the expedition. We have learnt to repair major parts of the car on the go due to several breakdowns. However, just like our determination to reach London, the car always cooperated despite challenging situations."