Gandhi Jayanti 2017: Cars Used By Mahatma Gandhi In India

Today is October 2, the birthday of the Father of our nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known to us as Mahatma Gandhi. Undoubtedly one of the most important people responsible for the freedom of our nation, during the struggle for Independence, Mahatma Gandhi had travelled across India preaching non-violence, humility and truthfulness and many of his other principles. Principles that he felt were of utmost importance to build an ideal nation. A strong believer of living a non-materialistic lifestyle, Gandhi Ji himself was not known to owned big, luxury cars. Having said that, there have been many instances, when he had travelled in some of the most iconic cars of that era, owned by some of the known and unknown dignitaries. So we take a brief look at the history books to bring you a list of cars in which Mahatma Gandhi was seen in.

Ford Model T

Ford Model T (for repesentation)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

One of the most iconic cars in the history of automobiles and one of most important person in the history of India, we couldn't have asked for a better combination. Known to be used by Mahatma Gandhi on several occasions, this particular Ford Model T is of great historical importance. One such instance was when he drove in the Model T in Uttar Pradesh in 1927, to address a rally, after his release from the Bareilly Central Jail. Since then the car has been owned by several vintage car collectors in India.

Packard 120

The Packard 120 owned by Ghanshyam Das Birla was commonly used by Gandhi Ji

Another iconic car used by Mahatma Gandhi more than once during his struggle for independence was a white Packard, which was said to be owned by freedom fighter and industrialist Ghanshyam Das Birla. The Packard was of Delhi registration was used by Gandhi Ji in the early 1940s. Lala Shri Ram a.k.a. Sir Shri Ram an Indian businessman and founder of Delhi Cloth & General Mills was also said to have owned a similar white Packard, which was also used by Mahatma Gandhi.

Studebaker President

Mahatma Gandhi is said to have used this Studebaker President in Karnataka
Photo Credit: TeamBHP

This vintage Studebaker President is said to have been used by used by Mahatma Gandhi during one of his tours to Karnataka. This was during the pre-independence era and not a lot is known about the car's ownership. This is the first generation Studebaker President which was built from 1926 to 1933.

Photo Credit (Lead Image): Photo Division GOI