Hundreds of vintage cars getting makeovers at Keonjhar royal place; to roll on streets again

The recent decision of Odisha government for a separate registration process for vintage vehicles (both two and four-wheelers), which are more than 50 years old, is all set to infuse life back on the classic vehicles which were either rusting or waiting to be sold in scrap.

Dhananjay Narayan Bhanjdeo, the scion of Keonjhar dynasty is trying hard to restore hundreds of such vintage cars and has converted a portion of the royal palace as a workshop. Hundreds of such old classic vintage cars are now lying in the workshop of Dhananjay and soon they will be ready to roll on streets and in vintage car rallies after completion of the restoration work.

Be it 1953 Morris Minor, Plymouth, Standard Herald, Triumph Herald, Ambassadors or jeep, several vintage cars are being restored at the Royal Palace workshop, said Dhananjay. It is now almost 10 years that Dhananjay has been working tirelessly in preserving the heritage of vintage cars.

The decision of the government has given new hopes for Dhananjay and his love for vintage cars.

Abdul Karim, a mechanic said, “I have learnt the skills of restoration and repair from my guru. It takes around 6 months to one year to restore the body of such classic cars. Many people haven’t seen such cars and they get really excited.”

Keonjhar Queen, Sunandini Bhanjadeo said, “Be it painting or wielding, my husband has been working hard to restore the classic cars. I am really happy and proud of him.”

(Reported by Pranay Pani)