Car that changed history

Arun Kumar Das / TNN / Oct 2, 2006, 00:21 IST

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This Studebaker is the same car that was used by Nathuram Godse when he went to assassinate Gandhi on Jan 30, 1948.

NEW DELHI: This green and black, six cylinder, 1930 model Studebaker, tells you right away that the car is something special. But you don't realise how special till its owner Pervez Rehman explains.
The Studebaker which is lying in his garage is the same car that was used by Nathuram Godse to go to Birla House, where he assassinated Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948.
Despite restoration work by Rehman, the car still bears traces of its past. For instance, USF-73 along with the name 'Killer' still stands on its license plate- a poignant reminder of the day which changed the history of our nation.
The car which was originally purchased by the Maharaja of Jaunpur, who had close links with the Hindu Mahasabha. He used to lend it to the Mahasabha, which is how Godse got hold of it. After that the police seized the car and it remained in police custody in 1956.

It was then auctioned off in 1978 to a person called Sunny Kailing. Then again it changed hands where a Bareilli-based garage owner purchased it. It changed hands once again when it was bought by Rehman in Bareilli, and thus the car returned to Delhi.
A vintage car lover, Rehman, who is in the marble business, admits he knew off the car's infamous history when he bought it. But as he insists, "I have nothing to do with its past.

I bought it with the sole intention of participating in vintage car rallies." He adds, "It cost me a fortune to acquire the Studebaker and make it roadworthy," says Rehman, who already owns two other vintage cars.
Asked about the reactions, Rehman says so far there have been no problems. "I have not faced any hostile crowd reactions or any other problem related to this car.
But it has generated a lot of interest in public during the rally. In fact I have won many trophies for this car." He adds, "Though I inherited the "Killer" tag I am now thinking of removing it to avoid unnecessary attention."
Thanks to its infamous role in history, Rehman says the car's market value is second to none, "It is considered as a pride possession in the vintage world. But I have no plans to sell it. In fact, I enjoy a good ride in it during the car rallies."

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