Starlight and Steel: A Legacy in a Vintage Frame
Sometimes, journeys meant for the skies bring you closer to the ground, closer to your roots, your memories, and the stories that shaped the ones you love.
Of Stars and Steering Wheels: A Soulful Detour in Coimbatore
I was on a seven-day astronomy study tour across southern parts
of India in November 2024. My mind was filled with constellations, galaxies, and the timeless
wonders of the universe. The tour was intense, a whirlwind of observatories,
lectures, and intensive learnings at different observatories. But in between
those cosmic moments, we had a much-needed rest day in Coimbatore. For most, it
was a day to relax.
For me, it was the perfect chance to make a very personal
detour. Not for stars this time, but for steel, for stories on wheels, and for
a car that once stood at the heart of my husband's family history.
How a Car Became Family
I must mention, I wasn’t someone who grew up fascinated by
cars. Life in my rural hometown was simple; luxury didn’t factor into our
everyday lives, and vehicles were practical tools, not objects of fascination,
at least for me. Even as I grew up, I never paid much attention to them. And
truth be told, I wasn’t particularly well-versed in cars.
But that changed in a quiet, unexpected way after marriage,
when I began hearing stories about a special vehicle that had been part of my
husband’s family for generations—the Peugeot 403.
His grandfather had purchased it in France, taken it to
Tanzania during his posting there, and later brought it back to India when he
returned to settle in his homeland. Though I never met my grandparents-in-law,
this car became a symbol of their presence through the stories, memories, and
photographs that lived on.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband made a heartfelt
decision, not to let the car fade away in disrepair, but to preserve it. He
entrusted it to a place that could honor its legacy: the Gedee Car Museum in
Coimbatore.
So when our tour stopped in the city, I knew exactly what I
had to do. I had to see her—our family’s Queen—now proudly displayed among
vintage legends.
A Call from the Heart
On our rest day in Coimbatore, I picked up the phone and
called Mr. M. Suresh Naidu, the General Manager of the Gedee Car Museum. The
moment I introduced myself, he recognized me instantly, even though we had
never met in person. He had spoken to and met my husband several times before,
and his warmth over the phone made me feel like I was already part of the
museum’s extended family. His response was warm, welcoming, and filled with
pride.
"Come over," he said. "We’ve been
waiting."
And just like that, what could have been an ordinary day off
turned into a deeply personal homecoming.
Stepping Into Memory Lane
As I approached the museum gates, a strange sense of
familiarity washed over me. Though I had never been there before, it felt like
coming home. The staff greeted me with such warmth that I felt more like a
relative than a visitor. They knew the story. They knew why I had come.
The museum itself is a marvel, three floors filled with over
a hundred meticulously preserved vintage cars. But I had eyes for only one.
We continued our journey through the American section, where
iconic models like the Oldsmobile Dynamic 60 and Cadillac Limousine stood as
testaments to classic automotive design. Moving on, the European exhibits
showcased engineering marvels such as the Volkswagen Beetle and the BMW Isetta
250. Our exploration led us to the French section, featuring elegant vehicles
like the Peugeot 203, 504, and 605, as well as the Citroën XM. Each car
narrated its own story, reflecting the rich tapestry of global automotive
history.
To share a glimpse of the experience, I’m sharing pictures
of some of the vintage cars from the second floor, showcasing their timeless
appeal
For a moment, I didn’t.
The iconic Peugeot 403 😊
She stood there, pristine and majestic, polished to perfection, our Peugeot 403, restored so beautifully that I almost couldn’t believe it was the same one. They had maintained it with such care and grace, even we couldn’t have done it better ourselves. In that moment, I knew, it had reached the right place, its true home.
But then I looked closer. And suddenly, memories came
rushing in like a tide, the old photos, the family stories, and everything this
car had silently witnessed over generations. My eyes welled up with tears.
This wasn’t just metal, paint, and leather. This was
heritage. This was emotion. This was a living memory of people I had never met,
but who now felt so present.
Home on vintage wheels
A Heartfelt Thanks
Before I go any further, I must pause and extend my
heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Naidu, for welcoming me with such warmth and
sensitivity. His quiet understanding during that emotional moment with the
Peugeot 403 made all the difference.
I also want to thank Mr. Prem, who patiently walked me
through the collection and shared fascinating insights about each vehicle. And
to the entire museum staff, thank you for your grace, attention to detail, and
for treating each visitor like family. Your care doesn’t just preserve
machines; it preserves memories.
With Mr. M. Suresh Naidu, General Manager of the Gedee Car
Museum (left), and Mr. Prem (right)
The Journey Beyond One Car
After that deeply emotional moment, I composed myself and continued
exploring. Mr. Prem guided us patiently through the vast collection. His
insights into the history, design, and significance of each vehicle were
captivating.
Every car had a story. Every story had a soul.
On the third floor, we discovered gems from India's
transportation past—royal caravans, vintage Indian cars, and even bullock
carts, all beautifully maintained. It wasn’t just a museum of cars; it was a
tribute to human movement, craftsmanship, and cultural evolution.
One humble bullock cart stood out to me. It reminded me of
my village days, of slow, deliberate journeys made not in haste, but in harmony
with time. Though simple in form, it held a quiet dignity, a rhythm of life
that modern machines often forget. It reminded me that even the most modest
wheels can carry the weight of culture, resilience, and wisdom. That cart had a
lot to teach us, about patience, purpose, and never forgetting where we come
from.
Set apart from the rest, almost like a hidden treasure,
stood the Rolls-Royce, an epitome of luxury and elegance. Yet, even this
majestic machine carried a humbling tale. I recalled the legendary story of
Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar, who, after being insulted at a Rolls-Royce
showroom in London for appearing too modestly dressed, returned in full royal
glory, bought several of their cars, and used them to collect garbage in his kingdom. The bold gesture forced the company to apologize, turning an act of
humiliation into a lasting lesson in dignity and pride. That story stayed with
me, not because of revenge, but because of what it teaches us, “Never let pride
blind you at the top.”
The Museum’s Vision and Legacy
This isn’t just any museum. The Gedee Car Museum was founded
in the memory of G.D. Naidu, a legendary inventor, industrialist, and often
called the "Edison of India." His vision wasn’t limited to machines, it
was about progress, education, and preservation. A man of humble beginnings,
G.D. Naidu believed in celebrating innovation, and this museum is an embodiment
of his belief in learning through curiosity.
From showcasing the evolution of the wheel to organizing
public vintage car rallies, educational tours, and events, the museum is alive,
not static. It breathes. It teaches. And it honors every vehicle like a time
capsule.
- Over
100 restored vehicles, from Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz to rare Peugeots
- Vintage
motorcycles and engines
- A
replica of Carl Benz’s 1885 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the world’s
first gasoline-powered car, recreated by the Gedee Group
Whether you're an auto enthusiast or simply curious about
the history of engineering, the museum offers a fascinating experience.
For more, check out:
Signing Off, Heart Full
As we neared the end of the tour, I left a note in the
feedback book. I don’t remember the exact words, but they came straight from
the heart.
This museum doesn’t just preserve vehicles, it preserves stories, legacies, and the emotions attached to them. I walked out with countless photos, a little more knowledge about classic cars, and a heart overflowing with gratitude.
That day, in a city known for motors and mills, I found not
just a museum, but a moment. A moment where astronomy and ancestry intersected.
A moment where wheels and wishes aligned. A moment where I stood proud, not
just as a student of the stars, but as a granddaughter-in-law, someone carrying
forward a cherished family memory.
I’m also sharing a few pictures of some of the stunning cars
from the museum. Each one tells a story, just like the Peugeot 403, preserved
as a relic of the past, as a symbol of history and legacy.
P.S.
Please pardon my photography. The photos were taken by me, on my very average phone camera (both equally guilty, haha). The cars were far more photogenic and truly deserved better than I made them look! 😁
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Warm regards,
What an emotional trip, and so beautifully written. It made me think about how alive the things that surround us can feel, and whether our relationship with them shapes our relationships with other beings. I'm sure that someone who cherished an old car like this, and whose child wanted to preserve it, was someone who could see the importance of life beyond the fogged glass of society and novelty.
ReplyDeleteDear Pedro, thank you so much for your touching words. It means a lot to know that the story touched your heart and sparked such thoughtful reflections. The way you expressed the deeper connection between objects and the lives they have been part of was truly beautiful.
DeleteIf you ever get a chance to visit India, I would warmly recommend the GeDee Naidu Museum in Coimbatore, TamilNadu. I believe you would truly enjoy the experience and the soul behind each exhibit.😊😊