1966 Aravind Model 3
India’s ambitious attempt at creating its first independently designed automobile emerged from a small workshop in Kerala. Self-taught engineer and entrepreneur K.A.B. Menon built this prototype sedan in 1966 at Aravind Automobiles in Thiruvananthapuram. The design drew heavy inspiration from American sedans of the era, with long front and rear overhangs and an extended hood.
Extensive chrome detailing adorned the vehicle, with a distinctive front grille containing multiple cut-outs and quad circular headlights. The “ARAVIND” monogram was crafted using molten brass poured into sand molds.
The rear featured an unusually abrupt, squared-off design that contrasted sharply with the flowing curves typical of 1960s sedans, giving the Model 3 a distinctive and somewhat angular appearance. All bodywork consisted of hand-beaten metal sheets shaped at the factory.
Mechanically, the sedan utilized a 1956 Fiat 1100/103E engine with 1,089cc displacement, retuned to produce around 40 horsepower. Additional components borrowed from the Fiat included the steering wheel, column-mounted shifter, and instrument cluster.
Menon proposed selling the vehicle for just Rs. 5,000 (about $1,050 USD in 1966), significantly undercutting imported cars that often cost more than Rs. 15,000 (about $3,150 USD). However, his application for an industrial license was denied, with the government instead granting approval to Maruti Ltd.
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