OF THE OLD SCHOOL

The '80s are calling and we're are happy to oblige

- Janak Sorap

Have you ever had the thought of going back in time and living in the ‘80s, while being of the same age (probably a couple of years younger) that you are now? I have, not just once, but multiple times. And my argument for that is mainly because our world was a much simpler place than it is today. Back then, photographs were captured on film, there were only two genders, smartphones didn’t exist, music had meaningful lyrics, the term ‘rat race’ was only a reference, rather than a way of life, and so on and so forth. Subsequently, from an automotive enthusiast’s perspective, for me, the ‘80s are reminiscent of times when the roads were a lot less crowded, motorists were more responsible behind the wheel or handlebar, and when cars and bikes were a lot simpler.

Recently, early on a Saturday morning, I found myself daydreaming and having the same thought yet again, from behind the skinny steering wheel of a lovely green Maruti Suzuki 800. Windows rolled down with one arm on the window sill, comfy fabric seats to soak the sweat, and no stereo to entertain, but the sweet purring of a finely-turned carbureted engine. Cruising towards the old Bombay side, I was accompanied by yet another vehicle that is as iconic as the 800 itself. Gleaming in a bright pastel blue shade, it was a crisp-looking Bajaj Chetak that has been recently restored from the ground up. And for brownie points, this one had a sidecar as well. Can’t blame me for having gone into an ‘80s nostalgia dream, can you?