The Charm of Chrome and Columns: My Life with an Original Mark 2 Ambassador

In an age of hybrids, EVs, and push-button ignitions, there’s something quietly powerful about starting your day with the clink of a vintage key and the soft rumble of an original petrol engine. That’s how my mornings begin—with a drive in our family’s 1965 Mark 2 Ambassador. It’s more than just a car. It’s a memory on wheels.

This Ambassador isn’t a restoration project found on a classified ad or something rescued from a dusty shed. It was bought brand new by my wife’s grandfather for his wedding, and it’s been with the family ever since. Even now, decades later, she runs like she always has—with her original engine, column gear shift, and the unmistakable elegance of a time when design was meant to endure.

She’s also been the wedding car for three generations—my wife’s grandparents, her parents, and for us. A witness to milestones, decked in flowers, carrying love stories through the decades.

A Classic That Defined a Generation

The Mark 2 Ambassador is an icon of Indian motoring history. Launched in the early 1960s, it evolved from its British cousin, the Morris Oxford, but over time took on a life—and following—of its own. What set the Mark 2 apart was its timeless silhouette, signature chrome grille, and a dashboard that looked like it belonged on a train rather than a car. But perhaps its most memorable feature was the column-mounted gear lever—something that feels utterly foreign today but carries an unmatched charm.

Most Ambassadors you see on the road today have long since had their internals swapped out. Diesel engines, floor gear shifts, modern electricals. But ours is different. She’s still proudly petrol, with every turn of the ignition reminding us of an era that valued smoothness over speed, grace over gimmicks.

Not Just a Car, But a Companion

Driving her is nothing short of poetic. The long bonnet stretches ahead like a promise. The ride is soft, the engine gentle, the pace unhurried. People stop and stare. Some smile, others ask questions, and many share their own Ambassador stories. Because every Indian family, it seems, has had a moment with one.

She’s still very much part of our daily rhythm. I take her to the market, to local meetings, and sometimes just for the sheer joy of driving something so honest. Sure, there’s no Bluetooth or reversing camera, but what you do get is the kind of character that no modern car can offer.

A Rolling Chapter of Vanilla County

At Vanilla County, guests often ask about the car parked just outside. Some can’t believe it’s not a museum piece. Others want to sit inside or pose for a picture. And for me, that’s the beauty of it—it’s not locked away or polished for show. She’s alive, part of the everyday, just like the heritage we preserve here.

Much like the 80-year-old bungalow that houses Vanilla County, the Mark 2 is a reminder that the past doesn’t need to be replaced. It can be lived with, celebrated, and passed on.

Why We Keep Her Going

It takes effort to maintain a car like this. Parts aren’t easy to find. Mechanics raise their eyebrows. But she’s worth it. Because in a world of instant upgrades and throwaway culture, keeping something original is an act of quiet rebellion—and love.

Every time I ease her into gear, I’m reminded of the legacy she carries. The weddings, the school runs, the road trips, the Sunday drives. She’s seen generations grow, and through it all, she’s remained the same.

And maybe that’s the lesson she teaches best: that there’s great beauty in staying true to who you are.

They don’t make them like this anymore—and that’s exactly why we still do.