Thiruvananthapuram: The Benz 42 is a symbol of the rare friendship and intimacy between Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the younger brother of the late Maharaja of Chithira Thirunal Balaramavarma and a senior member of the royal family, and Lulu Group Chairman MA Yousafali. The 1955 model Mercedes Benz 180T car kept at the Kawadiar Palace will be presented to Yousafzai.
Benz, made in Germany, was acquired by the royal family in the 1950s for Rs 12,000. The car, which was registered in Karnataka, was one of the most beloved in the collection of motorist Marthanda Varma. He used this car for travel while staying in Bangalore.
Total 40 lakh miles
It is estimated that Marthanda Varma traveled 40 lakh miles on his own and as a passenger since he was 38 years old. Of this, 23 lakh miles are in the Benz itself. Benz medals are also affixed to the front of the vehicle to mark the distance covered. At the age of 85, Marthanda Varma drove the same vehicle.
He was approached by many celebrities to buy the car at a hefty price. The Benz Company itself wanted to make the Benz, which had traveled a record distance, a symbol of pride. He was approached by the top brass of the company saying that he could take it back and give him 2 new cars in return. But Marthanda Varma, who kept all the antiques like gold, did not give up the car, including the Rolly Oflex camera and car he bought in 1936 from the watch.
The car of memories
Uthratham Thirunal decided to hand over the car to his friend Yousafali. Marthanda Varma visited Yusuf Ali at his residence in Abu Dhabi and invited him to the Kawadiar Palace. When Yusufali arrived at the Pattom Palace in 2012, Uthradam Thirunal expressed his desire to donate a car. After Utradam Thirunal left, the car was under the care of his son Padmanabhavarma and Utradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma Foundation for a long time. The royal family has decided to present the car to Yousafzai soon, in accordance with the wishes of the festival.
English Summary: Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varmas Benz car hand over to MA Yusuff Ali