My Journey with Miles: First Vehicles and Personal Experiences

Introduction

Have you ever wondered about the first vehicle that captured your heart? For me, the journey began with a humble start as an army officer in 1962, transitioning into a world of wheels and engines. My first car was a 1964 Standard Herald, a two-door standard model that marked the beginning of my foray into personal transportation. This article delves into my early experiences with vehicles, from the humble ');

My First Car: A 1964 Standard Herald

The first automobile I purchased after 10 years of service in the army was a second-hand Standard Herald in 1982. This two-door model was an essential step from the bicycle I owned from 1962 to 1967. This car was not just a means of transportation but a reflection of the changing times and my growing financial capabilities. Attractively priced and reliable, the Standard Herald was a pleasure to drive despite its occasional mechanical issues.

The key feature of the Standard Herald was its innovative suspension design. Instead of two road springs, it featured a single large road spring placed transversally across the width of the car. This unique design ensured an incredibly smooth ride, especially with a passenger in the rear seat. However, the car was mechanically unreliable, with components like the carburetor and fan belt often causing troubles.

From Bicycle to Two-Wheeler: Vespa Scooter

Between bicycles and cars, the Vespa scooter was a significant step. Purchased through the Defence CSD canteen in 1967 after a three-year wait for booking, the Vespa stood as a symbol of convenience in a time when personal transportation was limited. Unlike civilians, who had to wait 4 to 5 years to buy a Vespa, soldiers had quicker access through their canteen.

The Vespa scooter was a triumph of engineering in the 1960s. It was a testament to the advanced thinking of its designers. However, it was also a harbinger of the changing times, where personal transportation was increasingly becoming the norm.

Early Vehicles in a Village in East Bengal

Before my life in the army, my early years in a village of East Bengal were marked by different modes of transport. The bullock cart and boat were my primary means of navigation. The bullock cart, a simple yet effective method of transportation, was drawn by a pair of bullocks and had a single wooden axle and bamboo-straw hood. The boat, however, was a necessity during the rainy season when the mud-surfaced road was submerged for six months.

Traveling from Kolkata to our village was a long and winding journey, involving multiple modes of transport. Boarding a train from Kolkata was the first step, taking about 24 hours to cross the River Padma. The Jamuna River journey was another significant part, where a steam-powered pedal boat with two decks would take us for 4 to 5 hours. In the dry season, a bullock cart was used, while during the rainy season, a small houseboat propelled by sail, oar, or bamboo pole was employed. This journey, spanning thousands of miles over water and land, was both a testament to the resilience of the earlier era and a stark contrast to today's vehicular convenience.

Conclusion

From the bicycle to the two-wheeler to the car, my journey with vehicles has been a fascinating one. These experiences not only narrate a personal story but also shed light on the evolution of automotive technology and the changing landscape of personal transportation. Each vehicle was a milestone in my life, marking a progression from one form of transport to another, reflecting the broader transformations in society.