I suppose this always happens in the world of fashion. You look at skinny models in high heels tottering with the confidence of a skyscraper on skates, and you see the perfect lines, and flatbeds where ordinary people settle for curves. Then you stop to wonder what the competition is about. Sometimes, you pause enough to look down at your own feet and the sensible footwear below the matter-of-fact trousers with extra pockets for carrying the cellphone. Then you think, why isn’t there glamour in practicality?
Why aren’t the world’s most stunning personalities cased in things that the everyday man and woman wear while they go about their lives?
I often think that way in the world of cars too. I remember the first time I showed my mother a Ferrari on the streets of USA. “Where else in the World, other than California, would you find a Ferrari parked on the street between a BMW and a Mercedes Benz?” I asked her, clearly excited to be showing her the sights.
In her typical fashion, she looked critically at the car, and said, “Looks like an expensive car.”
“Of course ma! Do you know how much it costs?”
“Doesn’t matter what it costs! It looks like we can’t fit our groceries in the trunk. So, what is the point?”
Sigh: There is a reason, I find glamour in practicality. It is called ‘instilled values’ folks.
Anyway, applying practicality to cars, it looks like the show Top Gear finally sees sense in my argument. Those who have traveled in an ambassador car in India would be thrilled to note the humble car mentioned. For what else is a car by looks, a horse by power, a bus by capacity, an optimist in attitude and a dog in loyalty?
The Hindustan Ambassador is the King among Taxis. The only car where restaurant signs can be reused in a car: Seating Capacity: 30
The Car, that in most families, is known affectionately as the ‘Amby’.
I have a story about the time my grandmother came to my sister’s wedding in an ambassador car, but I will save it for another day. That is an entertaining read for sure.
P.S: I have since seen the video clip of the Amby winning that race and it seems to be because all the others crashed into something or into one another. Nevertheless, the Amby it is.
Nourish-n-Cherish 
Loved this: For what else is a car by looks, a horse by power, a bus by capacity, an optimist in attitude and a dog in loyalty?
And ofcourse your picture of the Amby 😀
Sight of an ambassador these days reminds me of a bygone era and feels like a lifetime ago.
Exactly, it feels like a story woven of a different time. A time in which we were children and the ambys belonged to well-to-do families.
Woah, I dint ever notice the differences of a Ferrari and Amby
Shamu….don’t tell the boys in your class that!
My father had a sad-looking Fiat. We loved it although it would break down at crucial junctions.
Ha ha. My father’s fiat requires a novella by itself!